Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and often debilitating condition. The Arthritis Foundation states that rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease associated with inflammation of the synovium, or lining, of your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause significant pain, joint damage, reduced joint function and disability. Herbal treatments may help reduce your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, although you should always consult your doctor before taking any substance, including herbs, to treat your ailments.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The Family Doctor website states that, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, your body's immune system attacks your joints, which causes pain, swelling and inflammation. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, although it may be triggered by an infection or it may be inherited from your parents. According to the Family Doctor website, anybody can develop rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is more commonly seen in people between the ages of 25 and 50, and it is several times more common in women than men.
Useful Herbal Treatments
Herbal treatments for rheumatoid arthritis target the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with this condition. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," useful herbs for rheumatoid arthritis include boswellia, cat's claw, ginger, cayenne, nettle leaf, turmeric and willow bark. Other useful herbs for rheumatoid arthritis include Asian ginseng, feverfew, licorice root, bupleuri root and bromelain, a mixture of enzymes found in the stems of pineapples.
An Effective Herb
According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," ginger is one of the most effective herbs in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger, reports Pizzorno, has antioxidant effects, and it inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes -- pro-inflammatory molecules. Fresh ginger may be more helpful for rheumatoid arthritis than dried preparations, as it has anti-inflammatory agents that help significantly reduce your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Warning
Exercise caution when using herbal treatments for your rheumatoid arthritis. Although herbal treatments can provide significant relief from your symptoms, not all herbs may be appropriate for you and your condition. Discuss your case with your physician, and ask for advice about the types of herbs that may be best for you, what herbs to avoid, proper dosage and treatment duration and what risks or side effects you might encounter with herbal supplementation.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Family Doctor: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
