Over 20 million Americans suffer from the degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis. It is a painful disease that can be treated in a variety of ways, including traditional medicine such as anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Since osteoarthritis is a life-long condition, the use of herbal remedies should be considered as part of a complementary treatment plan.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a chemical compound derived from chili peppers. When used in creams, lotions, or salves and rubbed onto painful areas, it can help with pain. Capsaicin works by reducing "substance P," which is a neuropeptide and is involved with pain signals to the brain.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark has the ability to reduce pain because it acts a lot like aspirin. White willow bark can reduce pain and inflammation much like aspirin; however, it does not irritate the stomach like aspirin can. This helpful herbal is available in tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid form or can be prepared as a tea to be ingested to help pain and reduce inflammation.
Boswellia
Boswella is known as Indian frankincense and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It seems to work by blocking leukotrienes, which may cause inflammation. Leukotrienes are active lipids that are responsible for the effects of an inflammatory response. By taking boswellia, inflammation could be reduced and may improve blood flow to the joints.
Yucca
The yucca is a desert tree that grows in the American Southwest. Modern herbalists use yucca to treat arthritic conditions. The stalk and roots are used for medicinal purposes to reduce pain. Saponins are the major ingredient derived from this plant and are known to reduce inflammation.
Ginger
Ginger is a warming spice that has anti-inflammatory properties that help pain associated with arthritis. This tasty and useful herb contains compounds that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which, in turn, can prevent inflammation. Ginger can be taken orally, drank as a tea and also works well for pain when used as a hot compress. Ginger may help alleviate joint swelling by soaking the hands or feet in it.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a culinary herb, member of the ginger family and one of the spices that makes curry powder. This herb appears to prevent the production of the inflammatory chemicals prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A study in molecular and cellular biochemistry showed that turmeric lowered inflammation in rats.
Other Helpful Herbs
Devil's claw has been used to treat pain and inflammation. Black cohosh may decrease bone loss, while garlic can help circulation, which is important in preventing toxic build-ups in joints. There are many useful herbals that can help osteoarthritis sufferers. It is important to check with your physician if you use herbals to accompany your treatment plan.
References
- Oxford Journals
- The Natural Pharmacy; Sky Lininger D.C., Jonathan Wright M.D., Donald Brown N.D.; 1998
- The Complete Guide to Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements; Winifred Conkling, David Y. Wrong, M.D.; 2006
