Psoriasis, a skin condition that can cause buildups of skin patches, can also cause a type of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Not everyone with psoriasis will develop this kind of arthritis, but for those who do, the arthritic symptoms can be similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Though medications are available to treat symptoms of the condition, feverfew has been used to help relieve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Before using this herb for your condition, talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to consume feverfew.
Identification
Psoriatic arthritis, or PA, is a kind of arthritis that some patients with the skin condition psoriasis experience. Typically, an individual is diagnosed with psoriasis, and then develops the arthritis, but sometimes it can be the other way around. Symptoms include joint pain and swelling and lower back pain. With both psoriasis and PA, the conditions can go through periods of flares and remissions. There is no cure for PA, so treatment is focused on relieving pain and addressing symptoms.
Feverfew Effects
Feverfew is an herb in the sunflower family that has long been a remedy for headaches, arthritis and fevers. The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb may be effective for individuals with arthritis, but study results have been mixed regarding the clinical efficacy of feverfew for this condition. Talk to your health care provider to see whether this herb may be appropriate to try for your PA, to see if it helps relieve symptoms. If your doctor says it is safe for you to use, take 120 to 160 drops, twice a day, of a 1:1 fluid feverfew extract. Or take 60 to 120 drops twice a day of a 1:5 w/v feverfew tincture, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects of feverfew can include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, nervousness, indigestion and gas. In some individuals with allergies to plants like chamomile or ragweed, feverfew may cause a serious allergic reaction; patients with these allergies should not use feverfew. Since this herb can increase bleeding tendencies, individuals with a bleeding disorder or who are on blood thinners should avoid using this supplement. Though herbs are natural, they do have the potential to interact with medications or other supplements, causing adverse effects.
Considerations
To treat psoriatic arthritis with feverfew or other herbs, you might want to talk to your doctor about integrating complementary or alternative medicine with your current treatment plan. Finding a naturopath or homeopath, health care providers who treat ailments naturally using herbs and other remedies, might be a good way to start your herbal treatment of PA and make sure you are using the herbs safely.
