Numerous herbs may be helpful for relieving your arthritis pain, a term that describes inflammation in one or more of your joints. Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Before taking herbs to help relieve your arthritis pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, potential drug complications and proper dosage.
Arnica
Arnica is a type of herb that may be effective for relieving your arthritis pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, arnica, also known as Arnica montana, has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and continues to be popular today. Arnica may be applied topically as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve or tincture. The UMMC states that Europeans and North Americans have used arnica to treat numerous health conditions, including aching muscles, joint inflammation and skin lesions, or wounds. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," states that arnica is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticoagulant, and that it may be used internally or externally to treat rheumatism, or joint pain, and other musculoskeletal problems. Before taking arnica to relieve your arthritis pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an herb that may help relieve your arthritis pain. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, is a member of the buttercup family and is native to North America. The underground stems and roots of black cohosh were used medicinally by Native Americans as a remedy in the 1800s. Black cohosh is still used to treat numerous health conditions, including arthritis and muscle pain, hot flashes, night sweats, menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome. According to Tilgner, black cohosh is a sedative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant, hypotensive and anti-inflammatory that is effective for relieving muscle, joint and nerve pain. Before taking black cohosh to relieve your arthritis pain, talk with your doctor about proper dosage and possible side effects.
Chaparral
Chaparral is an herb that may be effective for relieving your arthritis pain. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, chaparral, also known as Larrea tridentate, is an herb native to the United States that may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The MSKCC states that chaparral has been used to treat numerous health problems, including arthritis, bronchitis, common cold, inflammation, menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. According to Tilgner, chaparral is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant. Chaparral and its constituent, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, or NDGA, have been shown to inhibit leukotriene B4, which is often found in arthritic joints. Chaparral is used to treat many chronic diseases and relieve arthritis pain, Tilgner explains. Before taking chaparral to relieve your arthritis pain, talk with your doctor about proper dosage and possible side effects.
