Arthritis cure!

Tame inflammation with dark chocolate

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers are in bloom—and lots of us are feeling achy! It’s no wonder: After months of hibernation, being more active—even just walking more— is bound to make winter- lazy joints and muscles hurt. Luckily, science has pinpointed several ways to make you feel better! Beat pain with boswellia! “Unlike drugs that simply work on pain, the Indian herb boswellia also rebuilds joints,” says naturopath Michelle Schoffro Cook, PH.D., D.N.M. Proof: A study in the journal Phytomedicine found that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who replaced pain meds with boswellia experienced a sharp drop in discomfort that let them walk longer pain- free! Arthritis Foundation experts suggest taking 300 mg. to 400 mg., three times daily. Suppress swelling with celadrin cream! Compounds in this blend of natural fatty acids nix joint pain and suppress swelling, often within 30 minutes, reports the Journal of Rheumatology. “Celadrin’s fatty acids lubricate the joint, reducing friction and improving ease of movement,” says Kaiser Permanente pain management expert Quan Nguyen, D.O. And unlike pain pills and topical steroids, the lotion is so safe, you can use it as often as necessary! One option: Now Celadrin Liposome Lotion, $9.49, Amazon.com. The sweet way to ease post-workout soreness? Eat dark chocolate! It can produce up to a five-fold decrease in soreness for a surprising reason: Healthy gut microbes convert cocoa flavonoids into potent anti-inflammatory compounds, explains Schoffro Cook. Plus, cocoa antioxidants up your muscles’ absorption of energizing nutrients. Rx: two squares of chocolate that contains at least 65% pure cocoa. Nix tenderness with arnica montana This homeopathic remedy “is one of the best natural ways to reduce bruising,” says David Friedman, PH.D., D.N.M., author of Food San

ity. In fact, The European Journal of Sport Science reports using it after vigorous physical activity sends muscle tenderness plummeting for 72 hours by boosting blood flow to strained muscles. The study-proven dose: 5, 30c pellets 3 times a day. One option: Boiron Arnica Montana 30c Pellets, $5.25, Walmart.com