Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints of the body, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Inflammation of the joints, as well as the breakdown of protective membranes between the bones, can cause stiffness, pain, limited mobility and other symptoms. These symptoms often become worse over time. The Balches and other herbal therapy proponents believe that using herbs can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Check with your doctor before using herbs to treat arthritis. Herbs should not be used in place of traditional medical approaches.
Step 1
Add 3 cups of boiling water to 1 tbsp. of powdered gentian root and drink 1 tbsp. of the resulting tea before each meal. Gentian is an herb used to flavor Moxie, a soft drink available in New England. This herb may also help reduce joint and muscle inflammation associated with arthritis, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." Check with your physician before using gentian to treat arthritis. This herb should not be used by people with high blood pressure.
Step 2
Steep 2 tbsp. of meadowsweet in 1 cup of hot water and drink up to three cups of the tea per day, advises Castleman. Meadowsweet contains salicin, a chemical compound with pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties. Talk to your doctor before addressing arthritis symptoms with meadowsweet -- this herb may increase the risk of birth defects.
Step 3
Include cayenne peppers in casseroles, burritos, stir fry dishes and other foods. According to the Balches, cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, which is a chemical compound that may relieve joint pain and inflammation. Talk to your medical provider before treating arthritis with cayenne. Cayenne pepper may cause stomach upset.
Step 4
Steep 1 tsp. of angelica seeds in 1 cup of boiling water and drink the tea twice per day. According to Castleman, angelica has been used in traditional medicine in Japan to treat arthritis for thousands of years. The seeds of this herb have anti-inflammatory properties. Consult your doctor if you plan to address arthritis symptoms with angelica. This herb may cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Step 5
Add ginger to stir fry dishes, curries and other foods. According to Castleman, ginger has featured prominently in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. Chinese healers recommended the herb for colds, leprosy, chills, fever and arthritis pain. Fresh ginger may reduce joint and muscle inflammation associated with arthritis. Although the Food and Drug Administration regards ginger as safe, check with your physician before using this herb.
Step 6
Include crushed or chopped garlic in main dishes and sides. According to the Balches, garlic contains sulfur, which may help rebuild bones and connective tissue. Garlic is considered generally safe; however, contact your doctor before addressing arthritis symptoms with garlic.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks containing kola nut extract. These beverages contain caffeine, which may aggravate joint inflammation.
Things You'll Need
- Gentian root
- Meadowsweet
- Cayenne
- Angelica
- Ginger
- Garlic
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
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