The Mayo Clinic defines arthritis as an inflammation of one or more joints. Common places for this inflammation to occur are the back, knees, wrists and fingers. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage of the joint wears away, and the raw bones grind on each other, causing pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the synovial membrane that surrounds every joint, causing swelling, inflammation and pain. There are no cures, and both types are degenerative, so the Mayo Clinic advises treatment that relieves symptoms, improves joint function and slows joint degeneration, and there are a number of herbs that will do just that.
Devil's Claw
The root of the devil's claw plant is usually the first herb mentioned in regard to arthritis. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" explains that it is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, making it anti-arthritic. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer says the recommended daily dose is 3 g to 6 g of the powdered root, or 600 to 1,200 mg of extract. Because it causes an increase in gastric juices, do not take devil's claw if you have ulcers, heartburn or gallbladder disease. In "Healing Without Medication," Dr. Robert Rister advises that you take an extract in an enteric coating, or the devil's claw's analgesic compounds will be digested in the stomach. He also states that devil's claw should be used as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, not along with those drugs.
White Willow Bark
The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" explains that white willow bark contains salicin, salicortin and acylated salicin derivatives, which give it a proven anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Salicin is the biological precursor of salicylic acid, also known as aspirin, making white willow bark an herbal alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to Dr. Rister in "Healing Without Medication," it contains silicon instead of the salicylates found in aspirin. This makes it a less potent pain reliever than aspirin, but it also means white willow bark doesn't irritate the stomach the way aspirin does. Take 5 ml of tincture or an extract standardized to 240 mg of salicin three times a day. Use caution if you are taking other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cayenne or Mustard Cream
It may be a bit counterintuitive, but placing an irritant on the skin over an arthritic joint can relieve pain in the joint. This type of product is called a counterirritant, and it's approved by the Mayo Clinic as an arthritis treatment. A cayenne cream will increase circulation in the area applied, removing toxins from the joint. It will also interfere with the transmission of pain signals from the joint. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. David Kiefer says that to make a counterirritant, mix cayenne pepper or mustard powder with five to 10 parts cornstarch. Mix this with water to create a paste. Apply it directly to the skin of the arthritic joint and cover it with gauze and a hot pack. Dr. Rister warns never to apply this to damaged skin, to watch for irritation and to not use counterirritants if the area has poor circulation.
Yucca
Yucca has traditionally been used to treat arthritis pain. A review published in the March 2006 issue of the "Journal of Inflammation" found that the tradition has a basis in scientific fact. The root of the yucca plant contains several anti-inflammatory steroidal saponins, and also polyphenolics that destroy free radicals. The study concluded that yucca is an effective treatment for arthritis. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. Geovanni Espinosa suggests taking 1,000 mg of yucca root a day. Yucca root has no known side effects.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Arthritis
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
- "Healing Without Medication"; Robert S. Rister; 2003
- Journal of Inflammation: Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Effects of Yucca Schedigera
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