For centuries, spices have been used as natural remedies. As prescription medicines and over the counter medications became more of the norm, spices fell out use as remedies in the United States.

However, spices continue to be heavily used as natural remedies in many other countries because they are powerful sources of not only antioxidants and phytochemicals but they are aslo sources of anti-inflammatories, all of which can releave the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Ginger is a staple in Asian cooking, but it's also a very common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines.

Ginger has some interesting benefits for those who suffer from inflammatory diseases such as Arthritis because it warms painful joints by helping increase blood flow.

Ginger can be incorporated into your diet by drinking a cup of ginger tea daily. Or, you can take ginger supplements--500 mg capsules 3 to 4 times daily. As with any supplement you ad to your diet, check with your physician first.

Ginger essential oil can also be diluted with almond oil and rubbed into the painful joints. Don't use the ginger essential oil full strength.

Chili, a popular dish in many countries, relies on cayenne for its zing as do many other spicy dishes.

Cayenne also blocks a substance that transmits pain signals; thus, it is best used topically for arthritis relief. Taking too much cayenne internally can also cause nausea.

Cayenne creams or ointments can be purchased from healt food stores and many pharmacies. Follow the package directions when applying them.

Saffron, with its woody scent and yellow color, is the most expensive spice in the world, mainly because of the tedious nature of growing and collecting it. It must be hand harvested from crocous blossoms. It costs anywhere from $30.00 to $60.00 an ounce depending on the season.

Used in a variety of recipes, especially rice dishes, to bring that yellow color to them, saffron also is a potent antioxident that relieves both pain and inflammation.

Saffron essential oil, like ginger essential oil may be mixed with almond oil and rubbed directly into the joints. USe a couple of drops of saffron essential oil to a half a teaspoon of almond oil.

Saffron can also be incorporated into your diet as a tea. However, care must be taken when ingesting saffron because more than 1.5 to 2 ounces a day can cause nausea.

Mediterranian cuisine relies heavily on the use of rosemary. As a herb it adds richeness and flair to dishes. But, this spice also contains both antioxidants and phytochemicals that can act as a pain reliever and work as an anti-inflammatory as well.

Rosemary essential oil can be added to bath water for a soothing soak. Or, like ginger and saffron essential oils, it can be mixed with almond oil and massaged into sore joints.

Rosemary essential oil is never meant to be ingested as it can be toxic. There are also other health precauions that should be noted with rosemary essential oil

• Rosemary essential oil should not be used during pregnancy. (In fact, the spice rosemary should be avoided in large doses in cooking while pregnant as well.)

• Rosemary oil should also be avoided, even in minute doses,by those who are prone to epileptic seizures. In larger doses, it can produce seizures in even healthy individuals.

Rosemary oil is available premixed into a variety of commercial bath salts, bath oils, and shampoos.

Turmeric is a spice culled from the curcumin plant, which is of the ginger family. Like ginger, turmeric fights inflammation and reduces swelling. Additionally, turmeric has been found to halt the cartlidge descruction that is ofen prevelant among sufferers of arthritis.

One way to rely on turmeric for arthritis relief is to add dishes made with curry (of which turmeric is an essential ingredient) to your diet more regularly.

Or, turmeric can be taken in supplement format--1000 mg capsules two to three times a day. As with any supplement, check with your physician before taking to insure that it will not conflict with any prescribed medications.