Arthritis is a group of joint diseases characterized by joint pain, inflammation and limited range of motion. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are common forms of arthritis. Conventional therapy includes anti-inflammatory drugs and specific anti-arthritis medications. Alternative medicine offers natural supplements with anti-inflammatory qualities, and rosemary is one of them. Although rosemary extracts and oils are available over-the-counter in North America, you should not use them without consulting your health care provider first.
Rosemary Health Benefits
In folk medicine, rosemary is used for a variety of health problems, including digestive and nerve disorders, hair loss and inflammatory conditions. In test tubes, rosemary shows antioxidant qualities and therefore fights cellular damage caused by free radicals. The German E Commission currently approves rosemary supplements for managing arthritis and muscle pain.
Research
An 8-week pilot study published in the October 2005 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" evaluated the benefits of rosemary extract and two other herbal supplements in managing arthritis. The study involved 54 subjects diagnosed with different forms of arthritis. The patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis who received rosemary-based supplements experienced significant reduction of pain. Rosmeary extract was not only beneficial for managing pain but inflammation as well. This study found that rosemary decreased the level of C-reactive protein, which is a marker for inflammation. The authors concluded that an herbal combination that includes rosemary is beneficial for managing pain in arthritis and is also safe and well tolerated.
Another study featured in the April 2009 issue of "Planta Medica" evaluated the benefits of rosemary alone in managing arthritis. This study was conducted in animal models and found that rosemary oil effectively reduced the pain associated with arthritis. The authors further explained that like prescription painkillers, rosemary has the ability to manage joint pain and improve joint function by modifying the response to pain.
Forms Available
Rosemary supplements are available as tea, tinctures and fluid extracts. For managing joint pain you can also apply rosemary oil diluted in olive oil to the affected areas. Rosemary can also be consumed as a spice in your food.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to learn more about rosemary and other supplements that may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. A healthy diet is also important for managing arthritic pain. Keep in mind that rosemary does not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs recommended for arthritis by your physician.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rosemary
- "Planta Medica"; Antinociceptive Effect and GC/MS Analysis of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oil from its Aerial Parts; A. L. Martinez et al.; April 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; A Pilot Trial Evaluating Meta050, a Proprietary Combination of Reduced Iso-alpha Acids, Rosemary Extract and Oleanolic Acid in Patients with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia; A. Lukaczer et al.; October 2005
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