The Best Herbs for Arthritis and Pain Relief

The Best Herbs for  Arthritis and Pain Relief

Herbal remedies can be a safer, less expensive alternative to pharmaceuticals, and you can grow many of them in your backyard.  Rather than herbs being too weak, many drugs are too strong, and using herbal remedies may help allleviate your symptoms without as many side effects.

Alterative herbs help cleanse metabolic waste products and toxins from our body, and are a staple of herbal medicine. Alteratives work by supporting the natural cleansing functions of the kidneys, large intestines, increase blood flow and aid lymph drainage. Allowing these wastes and toxins to circulate throughout the body is a cause of inflammation and, when the body is attempting to stem inflammation, it’s not able to do much else in order to support our health. Here are  herbs to help stem inflammation and aid the body in its detoxing efforts  

Flax seeds

Flaxseed is one of the best vegan sources of Omega-3 (ALA), which is so important to a strong immune system and for fighting inflammation (the vegan bit is important because animal fats often lead to inflammation in arthritis sufferers). Try to include two tablespoons of flaxseeds or flaxseed oil in your daily diet. Note: do not heat or cook seeds or oil. Also, if you suffer from a digestive condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), use the oil rather than the seeds—they could irritate your condition.

Boswellia

Boswellia is praised by alternative medicine practitioners for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is derived from the gum of boswellia trees, which are indigenous to India. Also called frankincense, this herb is thought to work by blocking leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are substances that can attack healthy joints in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The NCCAM acknowledges promising evidence of boswellia in animal studies, but notes a lack of human trials. Boswellia is available in tablet form, as well as topical creams.

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Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that may reduce swelling in arthritis. This herb is from a tropical vine, and its usage dates back to Inca civilizations. Traditionally, cat’s claw is used to boost your immune system. In recent years, the immunity powers of the herb have been tried in arthritis. The downside is that cat’s claw may overstimulate the immune system, potentially making arthritis pain worse. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), studies have shown that cat’s claw can help with osteoarthritis pain and RA swelling. However, there’s no proof that this herb can prevent furthe

Turmeric

Turmeric is an extremely effective anti-inflammatory herb, and thus an effective pain reliever. It contains at least two chemicals (curcumin and curcuminoids) which decrease inflammation (and are very much like the oft-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs). Incidentally, this anti-inflammatory effect is also why turmeric is often recommended for treatment of cancer, cataracts and Alzheimer’s.

While you can totally add this spice to your daily diet, you will need to take turmeric in supplement form in order to experience the full medicinal benefits. When cooking, try adding black pepper or dried ginger to help activate turmeric. The herb can also be applied topically to relieve pain.

Eucalyptus

Like aloe vera, eucalyptus is widely available in western markets. It is used in oral medications, and topical oil extracts are used for a variety of conditions. Topical forms of eucalyptus leaves are used to treat arthritis pain. According to UMMC, these plant leaves contain tannins, which may be helpful in reducing swelling and the resulting pain that arthritis causes. Some users follow up with heat pads to maximize the effects of eucalyptus on swollen joints.

Licorice

Licorice acts much like your body's own natural corticosteroids (which reduce inflammation). Licorice decreases free radicals at the site of inflammation and inhibits the enzyme production that's involved in the inflammatory process. Glycyrrhizin is the component in licorice which blocks and relieves inflammation. It also supports the body's release of cortisol (which suppresses the immune system, easing the pain and occurrence of arthritis), but it also inhibits some of the side effects of cortisol (such as adrenal fatigue and anxiety). Use in supplement form or as a tea.

Please note: Licorice is not a good remedy for those with blood pressure issues. People who regularly take large amounts of licorice (20 grams/day or more) may experience serious side effects such as headache, high blood pressure, and heart problems. If you already have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or low potassium (hypokalemia), please avoid the herb altogether.

Thunder God Vine

Thunder god vine is one of the oldest herbs used in Chinese medicine. Extracts from skinned roots are known for suppressing an overactive immune system, making thunder god vine a possible alternative candidate for treatment of autoimmune diseases such as RA. It is best used in topical form applied directly to the skin. Thunder god vine may work best when used with conventional RA medications. Use extreme caution with this herb, as it can be poisonous if extracts are derived from other areas of the vine.

Willow Bark

Willow bark is one of the longest-used herbs in treating inflammation. In fact, patients during Hippocrates’ time chewed on willow bark to help treat inflammatory conditions. UMMC reports that the herb shows promise in relieving osteoarthritis-related joint pain, particularly in the knees, back, hips, and neck. This treatment is taken orally, either by tea or tablet. Getting the right dose is crucial, as an overdose can cause rashes and other forms of inflammation.

the best treatment for arthritis is a diet filled with fresh produce, essential fatty acids, and fiber (and reducing or eliminating foods that cause an inflammatory response such as fried foods, animal fats, dairy, and anything else which might cause an allergy sensitivity). Yoga (especially Yin Yoga) and gentle stretching go a long way toward arthritis prevention and pain relief by opening joints, and encouraging the distribution of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.

WARNING: No information on this website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This home remedies site is intended to be archival in nature. The natural remedies here are submitted by numerous people from around the world, and it is impossible to verify every remedy. As such these home remedies should be used for academic purposes only. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.