Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring joint condition, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information. In many cases, the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, although it is often thought to be caused by joint wearing associated with aging. The symptoms of this condition often appear in middle age, and this condition affects almost everybody by the time they reach 70. Some herbs may help treat your osteoarthritis-related symptoms, but you should review herb-related issues with your physician prior to using herbal remedies.
Osteoarthritis Information
Most cases of osteoarthritis involve joint pain in your knees, hips, hands and big toe, according to the National Health Service of England. Although other joints in your body may be affected, osteoarthritis most commonly occurs in these joints. The NHS reports that there are three principal characteristics associated with this sometimes-debilitating condition: inflammation in the tissues in or around joints, cartilage damage, and bone spurs in the affected joints. Some people with bone spurs experience no pain at all, however.
Helpful Herbs
In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that there are many herbal remedies that may be helpful in treating your osteoarthritis. Some of the most effective herbs for this condition possess anti-arthritic action and include white willow, wild yam, juniper berries, burdock root, black cohosh, devil's claw and dong quai. Other beneficial herbs for osteoarthritis may include boswellia and yucca. Helpful non-herbal dietary supplements for this condition include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
An Effective Herb
Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," reports that yucca may be an effective herb in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Pizzorno states that it is the saponin extract from the roots of the yucca plant that is responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects. Yucca is used in treating various health problems, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and certain inflammatory conditions. Yucca possesses anti-inflammatory action.
Additional Information
Several serious health complications are associated with osteoarthritis, including the reduced ability to move from one place to another and decreased ability to perform your activities of daily living, which may mean a loss of independence in some cases. Osteoarthritis-related pain may come and go and may be worse with movement in the affected joints. Before using herbs to treat your acute osteoarthritis-related pain, discuss the health ramifications with your health care provider.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Osteoarthritis
- National Health Service: Osteoarthritis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
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