Herbs for Joint Care

There are a total of 360 joints in the human body. Each contains cartilage and fluid for protection. As these parts break down over time pain, stiffness and arthritis can result. While proper nutrition and exercise are vital for maintaining healthy joints, certain herbs may also help reduce inflammation and keep joints mobile. Most herbs are considered food or supplements, but are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it is important to check with your doctor before trying herbal remedies.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a spice found in curry and many East Indian dishes, is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is used by herbalists to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive and liver disorders, skin diseases, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cancer. It also is used to heal wounds. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites one study that combined turmeric with the herbs boswellia and winter cherry. Researchers found that the remedy significantly reduced pain levels and disability in test subjects. The recommended dose is 400 to 600mg, three times per day. Check with your doctor before using turmeric for therapeutic purposes.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in pineapple, which helps break down proteins. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and is used by natural health professionals to treat pain and inflammation. According to the Clayton College of Natural Health herb reference guide, bromelain is useful for treating arthritis and reducing swelling in the body, especially following surgery. Bromelain can be obtained by consuming fresh pineapple, pineapple juice or taking bromelain extract. Check with your health care practitioner for proper use and dosage amounts.

Celery

There are dozens of herbs that have been used to treat joint pain and arthritis. However, many common foods such as celery are rich in minerals and electrolytes used to keep joints healthy. Herbalists use celery and celery seeds to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Tthe celery plant contains more than 25 different anti-inflammatory compounds. The whole plant may be consumed either fresh or juiced, or the seeds can be made into a medicinal tea.

Yucca

Yucca has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It is rich in antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories. Its root can be cooked and eaten much like a potato or other root vegetable. It is used in herbal and folk medicine to treat arthritis and joint inflammation. In a study published in the "Journal of Inflammation" in 2006, yucca root was found to contain large amounts of resveratrol and other polyphenols, which are natural anti-inflammatory constituents. Researchers concluded that yucca may help prevent and treat symptoms of arthritis.