Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that usually affects joints in your hands and feet. A migraine is a painful headache that usually involves a pulsing or throbbing sensation on one side of your head. If you are considering taking herbs to help treat your rheumatoid arthritis or migraine headaches, first consult your physician to discuss the risks and benefits of herbal therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Migraines
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your own joint tissue, which can lead to joint problems. Common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling and tenderness, red and swollen hands, nodules under your skin, fatigue, morning stiffness, fever and weight loss. Migraine headaches are more common in women than men and may be triggered by numerous factors, including stress, anxiety, exposure to light, hormone imbalances and reduced sleep or food consumption.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Herbs
Certain herbs have been used for many years to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Herbal medicine specialist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that the following herbs may help treat rheumatism, or inflammation and pain in your joints, muscles and fibrous tissues: angelica, blue flag, cat's claw, celery, devil's claw, devil's club, juniper, meadowsweet and prickly ash. Other herbs that may help reduce arthritis symptoms include burdock, dandelion, feverfew, nettle and reishi.
Migraine Herbs
According to William Mitchell, a botanical medicine specialist, naturopathic doctor and author, feverfew and nettle are two commonly used remedies for migraine headaches. Feverfew is a plant indigenous to southeastern Europe that has diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory action and is used to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, colds and flu. Nettle is a plant indigenous to Europe, Africa, North America and Asia that has astringent and diuretic action. Other herbs that may be helpful for migraine headaches include butterbur, ginger, ginkgo and lemon balm.
Considerations
If you have rheumatoid arthritis or migraine headaches you should consider visiting a health care professional who specializes in natural treatments such as botanical medicine. Herbs may decrease symptoms associated with both of these conditions, although some herbs may cause undesired side effects if not taken properly. Knowing proper procedures for taking herbs, available alternatives and risks associated with herbal supplementation is important before taking herbs to treat your rheumatoid arthritis or migraine headaches.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Medline Plus: Migraine
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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