Facing My Fears: What I Learned When the ‘Natural Cures’ Didn’t Work

When you live with a chronic illness, there’s a good chance that at some point in your journey you’ve at least hoped you could manage it naturally and without medication. Maybe, you’ve even tried. I know I have.

When I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), I tried everything the internet suggested: celery juice on an empty stomach every morning, turmeric shots, specific lotions or salves, going gluten-free or vegetarian, and avoiding nightshade vegetables. I tried yoga and meditation. I tried (what felt like) it all.

I tried all these things because I was terrified of starting medication. The only experience I’d had with the medications used to treat arthritis was the commercials I saw on TV that listed the seemingly endless amount of side effects hurriedly at the end. None of what they listed sounded like anything I wanted. No, thank you!

My thought was: I just have joint pain. What’s the big deal? I don’t want to have all of these added things to worry about just to get rid of my joint pain!

But there was a consequence to my hesitation that I wasn’t aware of. I didn’t know it at the time, but our bodies are very strong and efficient at what they do. This is the case even when they’re doing it wrong — like attacking our joints or other parts of our own body in place of actual invaders like viruses and bacteria. Unchecked, the joint pain experienced with PsA can actually lead to irreversible joint damage, especially if it isn’t treated quickly and efficiently.

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If I knew then what I know now

I would consider those of us newly diagnosed with a chronic illness as being in a vulnerable place. When I was first diagnosed, I knew I was in a ton of pain, and I was desperate to reduce that pain. But I wanted first to see if I could do it completely without medication.

I wanted so badly for these enthusiastic claims that clever salespeople on the internet were selling to me to be true. I bought into them because who wouldn’t want to be able to avoid those medications with the scary side effects you hear about on TV? You mean to tell me that simply drinking celery juice on an empty stomach and then using this special shampoo you just so happen to be selling will cure me and help me to avoid meds?! Sign me up!

Except, if it seems too good to be true … it usually is. And it was.

What I learned about natural remedies

I’m not saying natural remedies don’t have a place. Putting a drop of lavender essential oil on my pillow before bed helps me fall asleep, and getting good sleep is important for managing my PsA. Yoga helps improve my flexibility, which helps reduce my pain and stiffness.

But lavender essential oil, yoga, drinking celery juice on an empty stomach, using a specially formulated shampoo, or taking apple cider vinegar shots aren’t enough to keep my body from damaging my joints.

I guess what I’m trying to say is … if you’re scared to start medication, I get it. I’ve totally been there. But I do want to say that finally starting medication gave me back parts of my life I never thought I’d see again. I’m also happy to report that a lot of the side effects they list really fast at the end of commercials never happened to me.

I’m not saying don’t try natural remedies at all, but just be mindful of the fact that there isn’t a cure for PsA. If someone is trying to sell you a “cure,” you can pretty much bet they’re just trying to get you to buy that thing they’re selling.

I’m the type of person (or I used to be) who falls for the promises of natural things curing or treating my condition, and that’s why I’m so passionate about making sure no one else falls for those same false claims. We’re in this together!