First of all, omega fatty acids should be encouraged for a child suffering from joint pain. There is a natural anti-inflammatory mentioned in the hadiths of the Prophet ﷺ, which is fish oil. Indeed, fish oil, particularly cod liver oil in capsule form, taken once a day, is very effective for rheumatism in children, and it is also rich in vitamin D; the child should take this course for six months.
Grains are also a good source of nutrition for children, particularly wheat, barley, or oats.
Also, ginger, in the form of a poultice or an oil for massaging the child, will relieve the pain. You can also cut slices of ginger, add a few drops of ginger essential oil, and apply them to the painful area.
In addition, fresh seafood is very effective for joint problems.
Lastly, lemon and orange juice combined with a teaspoon of turmeric will help with the treatment.
What the science says: in children, joints and osteoarthritis, ginger
What the published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context only — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
In children
In infants, the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri reduces crying from colic according to a meta-analysis (Pediatrics, 2018) (Acta Paediatr, 2024); in children, honey soothes nighttime coughing (after one year of age) (Cochrane, 2018), fiber and hydration treat constipation (J Pediatr, 2022), and omega-3s are being studied for hyperactivity (Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018). Precaution: never give honey before age one, no essential oils before age 3 (age 6 for peppermint), doses adjusted to body weight; any fever in an infant under 3 months old is an emergency.
Joints and osteoarthritis
Omega-3s reduce inflammatory pain and stiffness (Arch Med Res, 2012); glucosamine and chondroitin show a benefit for osteoarthritic pain (Br J Sports Med, 2018) (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg, 2023); hydrolyzed collagen improves mobility and pain (Curr Med Res Opin, 2006) and an anti-inflammatory diet eases rheumatoid arthritis (Nutrients, 2021). Turmeric, ginger, devil's claw, and blackcurrant round things out. Precaution: glucosamine is often derived from shellfish (allergy risk); omega-3s interact with blood thinners; never stop a long-term treatment without medical advice.
Ginger
Mentioned in the Qur'an (zanjabil), ginger is the best-documented natural remedy for nausea: effective against nausea in pregnancy (J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 2022) (J Am Board Fam Med, 2014) and postoperative nausea (J Nurs Scholarsh, 2021); a 2024 review details its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Front Nutr, 2024). Precaution: at high doses it thins the blood — use caution with blood thinners and before surgery; fresh and grated, an infusion is enough.
