5 home solutions for bursitis (and how to prepare)

Some homemade and natural options for bursitis are applying cold compresses or castor oil or drinking ginger tea, as they help reduce swelling and inflammation of the bursa, relieving the pain and discomfort caused by bursitis.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that serves as a shock absorber between bones, tendons and muscles, and which can become inflamed due to trauma, repetitive strain or even health conditions such as arthritis or gout. , for example. See other causes of bursitis.

Home remedies are a good option to help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by bursitis and, although they cannot replace medical treatment, they can be used to complement the treatment recommended by the orthopedist.

5 home options for bursitis

Some natural options for bursitis are:

1. Cold compresses

Applying cold compresses to the affected joint helps reduce pain and reduces swelling by relieving inflammation in the bursa.

These compresses are recommended for the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, as they have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ingredients

Preparation mode

Place ice inside a thermal bag, then wrap the bag in a clean, dry towel, and apply it to the affected joint, leaving it to act for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.

Another option is to use a bag of gel, place it in the freezer to cool, and then apply it to the joint with bursitis.

The warm compress should be used two or three days after the onset of bursitis symptoms, as this is the time needed for the ice to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.

This compress helps to increase blood flow in the affected area, speeds up healing and relaxes the muscles.

Ingredients

• Hot water;
• Thermal bag.

Preparation mode

Add hot water to a thermal bag, which should be wrapped in a clean, dry towel, and applied to the affected joint for about 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.

3. Castor oil

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory action, due to the rhinoleic acid in its composition, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain caused by bursitis.

Furthermore, this oil helps to improve local blood circulation and can be used 4 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms.

Ingredients

Preparation mode

Apply castor oil to the skin, over the affected joint, massaging gently, and cover with cotton flannel or a clean cloth, leaving it to act for around 15 minutes.

Then, it is recommended to apply a warm compress to enhance the effect of the oil.

4. Ginger tea

Ginger tea, made with the medicinal plant Zingiber officinale, has phenolic compounds, such as gingerol, chogaol and zingerone, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, being very useful for relieving the symptoms of bursitis, such as pain and swelling. Discover other benefits of ginger.

Ingredients

• 1 cm of ginger root, cut into slices or grated;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Bring the water to a boil and add the ginger. Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the ginger from the cup and drink the tea in 3 to 4 divided doses throughout the day.

Another option for making tea is to replace the root with 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger.

This tea should be avoided by people with stomach ulcers, as it has anticoagulant properties that can increase bleeding or hemorrhage.

5. Anti-inflammatory foods

Some anti-inflammatory foods, such as turmeric, broccoli or spinach, and foods rich in omega-3, such as tuna, sardines, salmon, flaxseed or chia, can help reduce inflammation and therefore help relieve bursitis pain. .

These foods should be consumed daily or, in the case of fish, at least 3 to 5 times a week. Check out the complete list of anti-inflammatory foods.