Natural health: What can I take for knee pain?

Plus how to care for peeling skin around you fingernails

You can make a simple anti-inflammatory tea using half a teaspoon each of dried ginger and turmeric powder, or two to three slices of fresh ginger and turmeric root Picture: iStock 

I’m in my 60s and have developed ongoing pain in one knee. I like to exercise and work in the garden, but both are becoming increasingly difficult. My doctor suggested a steroid injection, but I’d like to try a natural remedy first.

It is certainly worth trying natural remedies first, and there are plenty of herbal remedies in particular that may help to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Add a couple of kitchen spices to your food. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an effective anti-inflammatory spice and is often recommended to help with pain and inflammation. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) can also help by stimulating the body to produce natural anti-inflammatory substances and reducing pain receptor activity.

You can make a simple anti-inflammatory tea using half a teaspoon each of dried ginger and turmeric powder, or two to three slices of fresh ginger and turmeric root. Place the spices into a small teapot, cover with boiling water, and infuse for five to 10 minutes. Add honey to taste and drink two to three cups daily. If you are using fresh, sliced roots, you can reinfuse these throughout the day.

It is also worth noting that some foods may contribute to joint pain and inflammation. Foods from the Solanaceae (nightshade) family fall into this category, although they don’t affect everyone in this way.

If you want to experiment with eliminating nightshades, you will need to exclude tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum, peppers, and aubergines. Should you find that this has no impact on your joint stiffness after 10-12 weeks, you can reintroduce these foods into your diet.

A combination of glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin is also good for long-term joint protection. Glucosamine works by helping to lubricate joints and assist in the maintenance and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin helps to attract fluid and nutrients to the cartilage. You can purchase glucosamine and chondroitin supplements from health stores in a range of strengths and forms.

It is worth noting that most glucosamine is derived from crustacean sources, while chondroitin is typically sourced from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) sources.

The skin around my nails has started to peel, and sometimes bleeds a little. I eat fairly well, but there’s probably room for improvement. What would you suggest?

Several underlying conditions can affect the health of your nails and the surrounding skin, including (but not limited to) nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, anaemia, psoriasis, adrenal fatigue, and perimenopause. If you are certain that none of these issues is impacting your cuticle health, then some simple steps that you can take to help heal your skin.

I often recommend an overnight treatment using a calendula salve as an effective but gentle solution. Massage the salve into your cuticles and nails before bed, and for added impact, wear cotton gloves to help it absorb into the affected area.

Given that the area around your nail beds can bleed from time to time, it might be worth looking for a salve that includes hypericum and calendula to help prevent infection. Many natural baby products formulated to prevent and heal nappy rash contain both these botanical ingredients.

Nutrition-wise, make sure you get plenty of healthy fats in your diet. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are crucial for managing dry, cracked, inflamed, or peeling skin. Begin by choosing foods high in EFAs, such as nuts, seeds, oily fish, and hemp seed products.

If dietary changes don’t make a significant difference, add a targeted EFA supplement.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.