I’m glad you’re looking into Ayurveda for your mother’s knee pain. It’s been around for thousands of years, and while I can’t promise it’ll work miracles, it has helped quite a few people manage their symptoms, ya know? For osteoarthritis, yeah, procedures like Janu Basti can be quite beneficial. This therapy involves pooling warm medicated oil around the knee joint, which can provide lubrication, improve circulation and potentially reduce inflammation. It’s usually done over a few sessions, let’s say maybe three to five, but it’s good to get advice from an ayurvedic practitioner who’ll tailor the frequency to your mom’s needs.
Now, herbal oils like Mahanarayan or Sahacharadi thailam are often recommended. Gently massaging these onto the knee can promote relaxation of muscles, potentially reducing pain over time. Start with light pressure if she’s in a lot of pain.
Diet-wise, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can make a big difference. Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is particularly known for its anti-inflammatory effects. You could consider adding it to her daily diet or even use a supplement if it’s more practical. Avoid foods that aggravate vata dosha - like cold, dry, or raw foods, especially if she’s experiencing stiffness.
For herbs, Ashwagandha and Boswellia (known in Ayurveda as Shallaki) are frequently used for arthritis. They might help in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain, but as always consult a practitioner before starting anything new.
Lifestyle changes also matter. Encourage her to maintain gentle exercises like yoga or tai chi, which keeps the joints moving without straining them too much. Heat application like warm compresses might provide some immediate relief too. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of the mind-body connection, so practices like meditation could already calm her mind and reduce stress-related pain.
That said, don’t ignore medical advice. If there’s a risk of significant damage or worsening of the condition, keep the lines of communication open with her doctor. Sometimes, a combined approach works best, and exploring Ayurveda alongside modern medicine could be the right path.



