Certain herbs may provide natural pain relief for arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 50 million American adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. An increasing number of Americans are searching for natural treatment options to help relieve arthritis-related pain and other symptoms. Before taking herbs for your arthritis, talk with your doctor about appropriate dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions.
Types of Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis are among the more prevalent types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It usually affects weight bearing joints such as your knees, hips and spine. Signs and symptoms associated with arthritis include heat, pain, swelling, redness and decreased active range of motion in your affected joints.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been used for thousands of years to help treat many ailments. According to Dr. Michael T. Murray, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Healing Power of Herbs," practitioners of herbal, or botanical, medicine use plants or plant components for medicinal purposes. Murray notes that health care practitioners use herbal remedies to help treat many ailments, including arthritis. Herbs, like pharmaceutical drugs, can cause side effects if not taken according to practitioner guidelines.
Anti-Arthritic Herbs
Certain herbs possess anti-arthritic action or contain anti-arthritic constituents, which means that they relieve inflammation and pain associated with arthritic joints and help arrest further joint degeneration. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," states that numerous herbs may help relieve arthritis pain, including black cohosh, burdock, dandelion, devil's claw, feverfew, gotu kola, juniper, meadowsweet, Oregon grape, pau d'arco, poke, prickly ash, queen's root, rosemary, sarsaparilla, turmeric, willow, yerba santa and yucca.
Most Effective Herbs
Many herbs may be helpful in treating your arthritis, and certain ones are more widely known for their ability to relieve joint pain and inflammation. Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a well known anti-arthritic herb that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Herbalist Ed Smith, author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that turmeric may be helpful in treating various inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia is another popular herb used to help treat arthritis. According to the University of Michigan Health System, boswellia is the gum of a tree that grows in India, and has been used to help treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis.
Warning
Some herbs can cause serious side effects, and you should avoid them unless you are under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, exercise caution when using herbal supplements, as some herbs have abortifacient effects or can stimulate menstruation. Consult your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions before taking herbs to help relieve your arthritis-related pain and other symptoms.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis-Related Statistics
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Arthritis
- "The Healing Power of Herbs"; Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 1995
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Michigan Health System: Boswellia
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
