According to Medline Plus, arthritis occurs when one or more of your joints becomes inflamed. When you have arthritis, your cartilage--the protective substance that cushions and protects your joints and allows for smooth movement--can break down, causing your bones to rub together. This may lead to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling and difficult movement. Treatments for arthritis may include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as certain prescription or over-the-counter medications.
There are also some natural herbs that may help reduce your arthritis symptoms, although there is not enough evidence to support these claims. Alternative treatments like herbal medicine should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine; consult with your health care provider prior to using herbs for arthritis.
History
Herbs have been used as medicine for thousands of years, according to Herbal Medicine Info. Many of the prescription drugs used today are derived from plants and herbs. In America, herbal history is traced back to the Native Americans and their use of plants as medicine and in spiritual ceremonies. Historically many plants have been ingested raw, boiled to make a tea, or applied topically to aching joints for arthritis pain relief.
Benefits
Many herbs for arthritis act as natural anti-inflammatories, according to Share Guide. Arthritis herbs can inhibit inflammatory enzymes and proteins in your body, which can help reduce your arthritis-related pain and immobility. Some herbs may also protect and strengthen your cartilage, which is the protective substance that surrounds your joints and provides for cushioning and shock absorption. Other herbs may have diuretic effects, which can help cleanse and remove uric acid and other inflammatory proteins that can build up in and around your joints.
Types
There are a number of different herbs that can help reduce arthritis-related inflammation and pain. According to Share Guide, some of the herbs that may help treat arthritis include turmeric, boswella, white willow bark, cat's claw and nettles. Each of these herbs have a specific anti-inflammatory effect in your body and some of them may also help protect and repair your cartilage, thereby providing increased joint protection and lubrication. You can take these herbs for a number of different types of arthritis including gout, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Preparations
You can find herbs for arthritis in many different forms and preparations at your local health food or herbal supplement store. Many manufacturers produce herbs in convenient capsule or tablet form. You may also find arthritis herbs in the highly absorbable liquid extract or tincture form. Furthermore, some herbs may also come prepared as an herbal tea that you can prepare and drink up to three times daily. Some herbs may even come prepared as topical creams and salves that you can rub into your aching joints for immediate pain relief.
Safety
Herbs are not regulated by the FDA in the United States, therefore use caution when selecting a manufacturer or herbal supplier. Some herbal companies may not follow quality control guidelines when manufacturing their products, so do your research and consult with an herb professional to ensure you are purchasing high quality herbal remedies. Furthermore, some herbs may cause negative side effects or interact with certain medications, therefore use caution if you are highly sensitive, taking other medications or have another pre-exisiting health condition.
References
- Medline Plus: Arthritis
- "Share Guide: Pain Management: Natural Strategies to Regain Mobility;" March 2009
- "Positive Health: Arthritis - A Herbal Approach;" Nicki Woodward, BA Hons DN Med, MBANT; 2005
- Herbal Remedies Info: History of Herbal Medicine
