Traditionally, arthritis pain has been treated with poultices - an herb or other substance applied to the skin, wrapped and allowed to dry for several minutes or hours. Ginger and tumeric both have noteable antiinflammatory properties. Ginger has been found effective as a pain reliever in both degenerative osteoarthritis as well as inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis.
This poultice may be initially very warming, but after a moment this effect is reduced and usually quite comfortable.
Traditionally, dried ginger pieces are rubbed into a powder, mixed with water and applied to the skin.
You can use ginger powder, which is easy to find and use.
Make a Ginger Tumeric Poultice
Mix 1 tsp. ginger powder and 1 tsp. tumeric powder in a small bowl.
Add very warm (but not boiling) water to cover (1 Tbs.)
Stir until a paste is formed.
Spread the paste on a thin clean cloth (traditionally white muslin)
Invert the cloth on your skin, so that the paste is directly on your skin.
cover with plastic and/or another cloth to hold in place.
Allow to dry, and keep poultice on for 30min to a few hours.
If comfortable for you, this poultice is can be left on overnight.
Repeat daily for several days up to a week.
Tip: If you tend to have sensitive skin, make a small amount and test on your skin a day or more, before using on larger areas.