Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the material that cushions the body's joints, starts to wear away. As a result, bones rub together, which causes stiffness, swelling and pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that osteoarthritis most often affects the hands, spine, knees and hips. You may require drug therapy, and some herbs, including ginger, may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain; however, clinical studies to show that ginger is effective are limited. Speak to your doctor before using ginger for your condition.
Properties and Administration
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, may help to produce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Ginger is primarily used to relieve gastrointestinal problems such as colic, diarrhea and motion sickness. However, it contains a number of biologically active ingredients, which may confer anti-inflammatory effects. UMMC suggests taking 2g per day in divided doses. Ask your doctor if this dose is safe and appropriate for you.
Effectiveness
The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study by H. Bliddal et al., published in the January 2000 issue of "Osteoarthritis Cartilage," found that ginger extract was no more effective than a placebo treatment in alleviating osteoarthritis-associated pain. Although more up-to-date clinical studies are lacking, the results of the study by T. Therkleson, published in the January 2010 issue of the "Journal of Advanced Nursing," found that applying a ginger compress to affected areas of the body increased suppleness and improved joint mobility. As such, the authors conclude that ginger may be considered as part of a holistic treatment for people with osteoarthritis.
Side Effects
RxList.com notes that ginger is likely safe for most people, but side effects may include heartburn, diarrhea and stomach discomfort. This herb is not suitable for everyone with osteoarthritis. Do not use ginger if you have diabetes, a heart condition or a bleeding disorder. It may also interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel. Do not use this herb alongside antihypertensive drugs and diabetes medicines.
Other Potentially Helpful Herbs
The herbs known as cat's claw and willow bark may be beneficial for people with osteoarthritis, according to the UMMC website. Cats claw is a traditional remedy for osteoarthritis-associated pain, while willow bark contains chemicals that work in a similar way to aspirin. UMMC suggests taking 30mg of the standardized extract of cat's claw three times daily. Alternatively, you may prefer to take 500mg of a standardized extract of willow bark up to three times per day. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use these herbs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginger
- "Osteoarthritis Cartilage"; A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study of Ginger Extracts and Ibuprofen in Osteoarthritis"; H. Bliddal et al.; January 2000
- "Journal of Advanced Nursing"; Ginger Compress Therapy for Adults With Osteoarthritis; T.Therkleson; October 2010
- RxList: Ginger
Member Comments