Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints known as synovium. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the synovium for a foreign body and starts attacking it, causing pain and inflammation in the joints and eventually damaging them. Some herbs may help to reduce pain and inflammation but should not be used in place of conventional treatments. Talk to your doctor before you use them.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an ayurvedic herb that may help to reduce pain and swelling. Its active ingredient is boswellic acid, which may help to reduce inflammation. This herb is likely safe but it may cause side effects including diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Green Tea
An article by S. Ahmed published in the April 2010 issue of "Arthritis Research and Therapy" notes that green tea's active ingredient epigallocatechin 3-gallate may possess significant antirheumatic activity. Clinical trials are needed to confirm it that it is an effective treatment for patients with joint diseases. Green tea is likely safe, but drinking more than 5 cups a day may cause side effects including headache, nausea and irritability. It is a contraindicated in a number of conditions may also interact with other drugs you may be taking. Get an okay from your doctor before using it.
Ginger
Research by P.V. Phan and colleagues published in the February 2010 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" found that ginger inhibits the expression of inflammatory chemicals and may be useful for suppressing arthritis-induced inflammation. A common food and beverage flavoring, ginger is unlikely to cause significant side effects, but it may cause bloating, heartburn and nausea.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, may also help to lessen rheumatoid arthritis-induced inflammation. However, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that evidence to show that devil's claw is an anti-inflammatory or an analgesic is mixed. This herb may cause side effects including diarrhea and dyspepsia. Do not use it if you are pregnant. Devil's claw may also affect heart function, so do not use if you have a heart condition without first talking to a doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- RxList: Indian Frankincense
- PubMed: Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate in Arthritis: Progress and Promise
- MedlinePlus: Green tea
- PubMed: Ginger Extract Components Suppress Induction of Chemokine Expression in Human Synoviocytes
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginger
