Joint pain is often considered a sign of aging, especially if it occurs after the age of 40.
But joint discomfort also occurs in young people. There can be several causes of joint pain: rheumatism, injury, or excessive pressure. These can lead to conditions like arthritis.
An old folk medicine recipe, which is very easy to prepare at home, can help relieve the pain.
You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon of hot mustard
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 tablespoon of fine salt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Mix everything until you get a homogenous mass.
How to Use the Mixture:
Apply the ointment to the affected joint, cover it with a polyethylene bag (plastic wrap), and then cover the top with a wool scarf. Leave the compress on 1.5 to 2 hours before going to sleep. It is important that the joint has a chance to rest after the treatment procedure.
It is recommended to repeat the application of the ointment for 4–5 consecutive days, although you will feel the effect after the very first time.
The prepared ointment should be stored in the refrigerator and applied as needed. If you have a headache, apply the ointment to your temples, and the pain will be relieved.
This traditional medicine truly works wonders!
While the remedy is a traditional folk preparation and lacks formal clinical studies, the combination of mustard, water, fine salt, and honey contains ingredients with known properties that could contribute to temporary pain and inflammation relief, especially when used as a compress:
1. Mustard (The Counter-Irritant and Heat Source)
Mechanism: Mustard (specifically the compounds released when mustard powder mixes with water) acts as a counter-irritant and vasodilator.
Effect: Mustard contains allyl isothiocyanate, which causes a sensation of warmth, irritation, and redness (hyperemia) on the skin. This feeling of heat increases blood flow (vasodilation) to the immediate area.
Benefit for Joint Pain: Increased blood circulation can help to flush out inflammation-causing compounds and deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the sore joint, providing a feeling of warmth and temporary pain relief, similar to a heating pad or a topical pain rub (like capsaicin cream).
2. Salt (The Osmotic Agent)
Mechanism: When used topically, a concentrated salt mixture can exert an osmotic effect.
Effect: Salt draws moisture out of the surrounding tissues. While mild, this can potentially help reduce localized swelling (edema) around the joint, which contributes to pain and stiffness.
Benefit for Joint Pain: Reducing excess fluid in the tissues surrounding the joint may decrease physical pressure and alleviate some discomfort.
3. Honey (The Anti-Inflammatory and Carrier)
Mechanism: Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it acts as a binder/carrier.
Effect: Applied topically, honey can help soothe the skin against the intense heat generated by the mustard. Its anti-inflammatory compounds may also be absorbed into the skin.
Benefit for Joint Pain: Honey ensures the compress maintains a smooth, adhesive texture while delivering minor medicinal benefits and preventing the mustard from overly irritating the skin.
4. Application (The Thermal Effect)
Wool Scarf and Plastic Wrap: The instructions emphasize covering the application with plastic wrap and a wool scarf. This traps the body’s heat and enhances the thermal effect of the mustard, driving the heat and ingredients deeper into the tissue. The sustained warmth helps relax stiff muscles surrounding the joint.
In short, the remedy is likely effective due to the intense localized heat and increased blood flow caused by the mustard, which temporarily overrides or numbs the deeper joint pain, combined with the mild swelling reduction from the salt and the soothing properties of the honey.
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