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How to Use Cherry Juice for Your Joint Pain

Whoever said “Growing older isn’t for sissies!” probably had arthritis. Although it sometimes strikes younger people, the constant ache in knees and hips can make it hard to keep moving.  Pain in the shoulders, arms and hands can interfere with important activities like cooking or playing music. Unfortunately, the drugs that doctors generally recommend for arthritis pain (NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen) carry unpleasant side effects such as bleeding ulcers and heart attacks. Simple remedies might be very welcome. Could you use cherry juice for your joint pain?

How to Use Cherry Juice for Joint Pain:

Q. Four ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning has alleviated the arthritis pain that I used to have in my hands. I’ve been doing this for the last two years.

I’ve recommended it to many people. Some don’t experience relief from it, but many do. One friend uses cherry juice at bedtime to help her fall asleep.

Tart Cherries for Inflammation and Insomnia:

A. There is growing evidence that ingredients in tart cherries may ease both inflammation and insomnia. The latest research involved a placebo-controlled trial of powdered Montmorency cherries (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, online, May 26, 2016).  Athletes who consumed the powder outperformed the group on placebo. They also experienced less muscle soreness and had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their bloodstream.

Do You Use Cherry Juice for Gout?

Cherries have been studied for their ability to ease joint pain due to gout (Arthritis & Rheumatism, Dec., 2012). Patients who are surveyed online frequently report that they find cherry juice helpful (Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, June, 2015).

Where to Find Tart Cherries:

We sometimes hear from people who would like to know where to find cherries out of season. Some report that their local market does not carry cherry juice. There are a number of reputable online vendors who could supply cherry concentrate so you can use cherry juice to see if it helps your arthritic joints. Those who are interested in the powdered Montmorency cherries can also purchase the product used in the study, CherryPURE®. The dose was 480 mg/day. We have no affiliation with Shoreline Fruit, the makers of this cherry concentrate.

Cherries and cherry juice are far from the only option for people who want to control arthritis pain without heavy-duty medicines. Anyone who would like to learn more about nondrug approaches for controlling inflammation and easing joint pain may find our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis of interest. Montmorency cherries are also rich in melatonin, which may help with sleep problems (European Journal of Nutrition, Dec., 2012).

7/4/2019 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/cherry-juice-ea/

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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