Case Western University School of Medicine, located in Cleveland, Ohio, reported in 2005 that 60 to 90 percent of dissatisfied arthritis patients are likely to seek complementary and alternative treatment options, such as herbs. The most commonly used therapeutic herbs for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis include turmeric, ginger, cat's claw and green tea. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any condition.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a widely used spice and flavoring agent that is derived from the root of the plant Curcuma longa. A 2006 study published in "Arthritis and Rheumatism" found that a turmeric tincture profoundly inhibited joint inflammation and joint destruction in a dose-dependent manner. The active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin, a potent inhibitor of factors that cause swelling. An article in the journal "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" from 2005 stated that oral administration of curcumin to rats decreased the levels of an inflammation protein.
Ginger
According to "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," ginger is one of the most common herbs used in diets worldwide and is reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The journal "Arthritis and Rheumatism" reported in 2001 that the percentage of 247 osteoarthritis patients experiencing reduction in knee pain on standing was greater in those who took a ginger extract than in the control group.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw is a medicinal herb that comes from a Peruvian vine. Extract from this herb has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. According to "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," one study found a reduced number of painful joints with the use of cat's claw extract when compared to a placebo. In a study published in 2001 in an issue of "Inflammation Research," researchers found that cat's claw is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Pain associated with activity was significantly reduced within the first week of therapy.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis and is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Compounds present in green tea possess anti-inflammatory properties. In 2008, the "Journal of Nutrition" published a study that found that green tea offers protection against autoimmune arthritis, according to study results in rats. Green tea induced changes in arthritis-related immune responses. "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" states that with the wide availability of green tea, its low cost and proven lack of toxicity, it could be useful as a conventional arthritis medicine.
References
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Biological Basis for the Use of Botanicals in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review; S. Ahmed, et al., September 2005
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric Supplementation in Treatment of Experimental Arthritis; J.L. Funk, et al., November 2006
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Effects of a Ginger Extract on Knee Pain in Patients With Osteoarthritis; R.D. Altman, et al., November 2001
- "Inflammation Research"; Efficacy and Safety of Freeze-Dried Cat's Claw in Osteoarthritis of the Knee; J. Piscova, et al., September 2001
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Green Tea Affords Protection Against Autoimmune Arthritis; H.R. Kim, et al., November 2008
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