Numerous anti-inflammatory herbs may be effective for rheumatoid arthritis. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the membrane lining the joints. Before taking herbs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, talk with a doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Ginger
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb that may help treat rheumatoid arthritis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the underground stem, or rhizome, of ginger has been used as a remedy for centuries in Asian, Indian and Arabic systems of medicine. Ginger has been used to treat numerous health conditions, including upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, certain heart conditions, colic and arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ginger, also known as Zingiber officinalis, is a carminative, diaphoretic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Certain compounds in ginger are capable of inhibiting prostaglandin production, which may account for the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb.
White Willow
White willow is another anti-inflammatory herb that may help treat rheumatoid arthritis. The bark of the tree is used medicinally. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, white willow, also known as Salix alba or willow bark, contains salicin, which is an anti-inflammatory agent whose chemical composition is similar to aspirin. White willow has been used to treat numerous health problems, including fever, headaches, joint inflammation, influenza, muscle pain and excessive body weight. According to Tilgner, white willow is an astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. White willow, notes Tilgner, is commonly used to treat fevers, headaches and rheumatism. White willow should not be used if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory agent that may help treat rheumatoid arthritis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of health problems, including indigestion, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes and certain infections. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that curcumenoids, a family of chemicals found in turmeric, may be responsible for the beneficial effects of this herb on rheumatoid arthritis, including reduced joint swelling. Do not take turmeric if you are pregnant.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Willow Bark
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
