Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects your joints. This autoimmune disorder causes white blood cells to attack your joint membranes, bones and tendons, which can result in inflammation, stiffness and joint pain, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Burdock root may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, according to the Herbs 2000 website. Check with your physician before treating rheumatoid arthritis with burdock root. This herb should not replace traditional medical treatment for arthritis.
Step 1
Boil 1 tsp. of dried burdock root in 3 cups of water. Remove the mixture from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes. Drink 1 cup of the mixture three times per day.
Step 2
Boil 1 tsp. each of dried burdock root and yellow dock root in 1 cup of water. Let the mixture cool for 30 to 60 minutes. Take 2 tbsp. of the mixture three times per day. Mixing burdock root with yellow dock root may enhance the ability of both herbs to treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Step 3
Add enough hot water to 2 tbsp. of dried, ground burdock root to form a paste. Spread the paste on a piece of cheesecloth, and wrap the cheesecloth around swollen or painful joints. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then remove and rinse the paste from your skin.
Step 4
Take supplements containing burdock root. These supplements are available in natural food stores and large supermarkets in the United States. Limit dosage to 2 g of burdock root three times per day, advises the Herbs 2000 website.
Things You'll Need
- Burdock root
- Yellow dock root
- Cheesecloth
- Burdock supplements
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- Herbs 2000: Burdock
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
