Arthritis is a disease that leads to pain and destruction of the joints. There are several forms of arthritis including gout, osteoarthritis and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While medications like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates can help relieve arthritis pain, they may cause side effects such as bleeding and physical dependence. There are a variety of effective herbals for arthritis, many of which share similarities with pain medications used to treat the condition.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper---best known for its hot, spicy flavor---is a powerful remedy for arthritis pain. It is a natural source of capsaicin---a compound with painkilling properties. When applied to painful joints, capsaicin causes local irritation and warmth, thereby distracting the brain from underlying arthritis pain. Many over-the-counter topical arthritis medications contain capsaicin, and cayenne can be taken internally for its ability to stimulate the production of endorphins---the body's natural painkillers.
To make a topical cream from cayenne, add 3 tbsp. cayenne powder to ½ cup cocoa butter, lotion or olive oil, mix thoroughly and apply as needed. Cayenne is likely to cause local irritation in the form of redness, itching or a burning sensation and can cause stomach pain when consumed in large quantities.
Willow Bark
Derived from the bark of the white willow tree, willow bark is an effective herbal arthritis remedy. It contains salicylin, which is the active component of aspirin. According to the National Institutes of Health, willow bark is typically well-tolerated and provides a moderate painkilling effect in patients with osteoarthritis.
Using willow bark in tea form may help dilute the active compound, leading to a lower risk for stomach upset and other side effects. To make a tea from willow bark, add 1g willow bark to 1 cup boiling water, steep and drink up to three times daily. Like aspirin, willow bark may increase the risk for bleeding and gastrointestinal irritation.
Ginger Root
A zesty culinary herb used in cookies and other baked goods, ginger is an excellent herbal treatment for the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Gingerols---the active compounds in ginger, inhibit the enzymes that cause inflammation in a manner similar to NSAIDs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger is comparable in effects to ibuprofen and is sometimes recommended by physicians for patients with inflammatory conditions.
Ginger can be taken in supplement form, added to foods or brewed into tea for its anti-inflammatory effects. While it is gentler on the stomach than most NSAIDs, ginger may thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. The average dose of ginger for relieving arthritis pain is 2 to 4 g per day.
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