Over the centuries, people living with arthritis have come up with all kinds of ways to treat the pain and inflammation the condition causes, and there are a number of folklore remedies that promise relief from arthritis symptoms. Though the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) warns that conventional treatments should not be replaced by herbal remedies, using herbal remedies as part of your pain regimen may help with some of the symptoms of arthritis.
Cat's Claw
Th dried bark of cat's claw, a South American vine, can be made into capsules, liquid extracts or tea and may have beneficial effects when taken in doses of 250 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) each day, according to the Arthritis Foundation (AF). The AF cites research published in the "Journal of Rheumatology" in 2002 showing that people who took cat's claw saw modest improvements in pain and inflammation.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, a South African herb, may relieve pain and inflammation for people with arthritis when taken in three doses of 750 to 1,000 mg per day, according to the AF. A 2002 study in "Phytomedicine," cited by the Arthritis Foundation, found that 70 percent of patients in an eight-week study reported improved levels of pain and flexibility after taking devil's claw. You should not take devil's claw if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, have gallstones or ulcers or blood thinners.
Ginger
The root of the ginger plant can be taken as a powder, extract, capsule or tea in three doses that total 2 grams (g) daily to improve circulation and relieve joint pain and inflammation, according to the AF recommendations. Ginger has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. People who have gallstones should not use ginger to relieve arthritis pain.
Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine is extracted from the root of an Asian vine frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. A 30mg dose of thunder god vine extract may improve arthritis pain and inflammation, according to both the NCCAM and the AF. For many people, the relief that comes with thunder god vine is accompanied by side effects, including stomach issues, skin problems and even temporary infertility.
Stinging Nettle
The leaves and stems of the stinging nettle plant can be made into capsules, extract or tea. Taken in doses of 1,300mg a day, stinging nettle reduced symptoms of inflammation and pain for people with arthritis and gout, according to the AF.
Member Comments