Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the wear and tear on the joints that is caused by a variety of factors, including old age, obesity and injury. Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to OA. Joint pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of OA, and over-the-counter pain medications are often recommended by doctors to relieve the pain. Surgery may be required for severe cases. Along with diet and exercise, certain herbs may help treat and manage OA naturally, but first discuss it with your doctor.
Devil's Claw
The roots and tubers of devil's claw, botanical name Harpagophytum, contain chemicals that may reduce inflammation associated with OA and provide relief from the joint pain and swelling, states MedlinePlus. Devil's claw is available in capsule or powder form and can be taken alone or in combination with other pain medications. In fact, patient's taking devil's claw may be able to lower the dosage of their pain medications. Devil's claw is generally safe to use, although side effects such as ringing in the ears and gastric disturbances may occur. The herb may also affect your heart rate and lower your blood sugar levels. It is, therefore, best to talk to a doctor before using devil's claw for OA.
Cat's Claw
The inner bark of cat's claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is made into capsules, liquid extracts and teas, which may benefit OA patients. The results of a study published in the September 2001 edition of the journal "Inflammation Research" reveal that cat's claw is an effective treatment for OA and may act by inhibiting inflammatory chemicals such as TNF-alpha. Headaches, dizziness and vomiting are the common side effects of cat's claw. It may also interact with other medications and should not be taken without consulting a physician.
Turmeric
Turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and is recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center to reduce the pain and disability characteristic of OA. Powders made from the roots and rhizomes of the plant are made into capsules. Turmeric is also used as a spice in Indian cuisine. It is generally safe to use, although very high doses can lead to upset stomach and ulcers. It is best to talk to a doctor before using turmeric for OA.
Ginger
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fresh and dried roots of ginger may help treat joint pain in OA patients, although no clinical data is available to prove this claim. Gas, bloating, heartburn and nausea are the common side effects associated with ginger. Talk to a health care professional before using ginger for OA.
Stinging Nettle
UMMC states that the topical application of nettle leaf extracts have been used traditionally to treat the joint pain associated with OA. The leaf extracts are available in tincture and ointment forms. Stinging nettle extracts are generally safe to use, but mild allergic reactions such as a skin rash may occur. Use nettle only under the supervision of a physician.
References
- MedlinePlus: Devil's Claw
- "Inflammation Research"; Efficacy and Safety of Freeze-Dried Cat's Claw in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Mechanisms of Action of the Species Uncaria Guianensis; J. Piscoya, et al.; September 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Turmeric; David Zieve, M.D., MHA, and David R. Eltz
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginger
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Stinging Nettle; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
