If there is muscle cramping or tension as well as joint pain, add cramp bark or valerian to the mixture. Reduce to 1 pint. Add the aboveground parts of cleavers and meadow sweet, cover and steep for another 10 minutes. Use 1 ounce of the total combined herbs recommended, and drink up to 3 cups daily. In the past, doctors often advised arthritis patients to rest and avoid exercise.
Rest remains important, especially during flares.
But doing nothing results in weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality. Now, rheumatologists routinely advise a balance of physical activity and rest. Exercise offers physical and psychological benefits that include improved overall fitness and well being, increased mobility, and better sleep. Joints require motion to stay healthy. Painful or swollen joints should be moved gently, however.