The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says that the warning signs of osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling or a crunching sensation in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Arthritis can result from aging-related wear and tear on the cartilage, although it is sometimes also seen in younger patients. Arthritis pain can be steady or intermittent. Certain supplements may be helpful, but if your symptoms are persistent or severe, consult a medical professional.
Pycnogenol
Phyllis Balch recommends Pycnogenol for arthritis pain in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Pycnogenol is an herbal extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine, a tree that exclusively grows along the southwest coast of France. Pycnogenol is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. A study in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research says that patients with arthritis of the knee experienced a 55 percent improvement in joint pain when given daily doses of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks. The patients in the study were allowed to continue using their choice of conventional pain medications in addition to the Pycnogenol. Their use of convention pain medication dropped by 58 percent. Further studies are necessary to determine whether Pycnogenol is safe for long-term use.
Rosehip Powder
A meta-analysis published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage concluded that an herbal remedy made from the seeds and shells of rose hips may reduce the pain of arthritis. Patients in three studies were given either an inactive placebo or a powder made from Rosa canina, a variety of rose that is native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. The patients who were treated with the rose hip powder showed substantial decreases in pain scores compared to the patients who received the placebo. Consult a qualified health-care provider before using rose hip powder to treat arthritis or any other condition.
Ginger
Ginger, the underground stem of the plant Zingiber officinale, has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Often used as a digestive aid, ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a study on ginger for arthritis pain was conducted on 261 volunteers. Half received twice-daily doses of ginger extract, while the other half received a placebo. The group that received the ginger extract experienced a statistically significant reduction in knee pain and required fewer conventional pain-killers than the group that received the placebo. Like any other herb, ginger may interact with medications and other herbs. It should not be used by people with gallstones or with bleeding disorders.
References
- Arthritis Today: Pine Bark for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- "Osteoarthritis Cartilage"; Does the Hip Powder of Rosa canina (Rosehip) Reduce Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients?; R. Christensen et al; September 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
