SUPPLEMENTS & HERBS FOR ARTHRITIS

 

Why should you turn to herbs, supplements, and vitamins?

If you have arthritis, you wake up in the morning hurting, you go to work hurting, and you go to bed hurting. Chronic pain is very annoying, and anything that can help is lifesaving. Many people also realize that herbs and supplements can help manage arthritis pain minus the unpleasant effects of synthetic drugs.

Millions of people with arthritis are seeking a natural approach by using supplements to get relief. Other than the prescribed medicines and store-bought natural supplements, there are a lot of natural remedies and herbs that have been used for centuries to subside the pain and soreness of your bones, joints, and ligaments.

 Here are a few herbs and supplements to help reduce inflammation and manage pain from arthritis.

Green tea. A cup of green tea can slow down the pain in the joints and give relief from the discomfort. It contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful in combating joint pain. Green tea can also calm you and provide a boost to your immune system.

Black Pepper. Several people use black pepper to get relief from the pain associated with this degenerative condition. Also, including black pepper in your diet gives you relief from the inflammation in the joints.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. A supplement found in fish oil and other foods; Omega-3 Fatty Acids encourage the body to produce chemicals that help control inflammation. This supplement may help ease stiffness caused by inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but more research is needed. Fatty fish such as salmon is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Aloe Vera. This herb is a popular alternative medicine for a lot of diseases.  It is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating plant. It is also applied topically to soothe aching joints and minor skin burns.

Boswellia. It is also called frankincense. Alternative medicine practitioners praise it for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. It came from the gum of Boswellia trees indigenous to India.

St. John’s Wort. The flowering parts can be prepared as an oil tincture and used in topical applications to ease the pain caused by arthritis.

Devils Claw. It eases tense muscles and pain in the neck, back, or shoulder with its pain-relieving anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to boost the immune system.

Eucalyptus. Usually used in oral medications and topical oil extracts for a variety of conditions. The plant leaves contain tannins which may be helpful in reducing pain and swelling relief from arthritis and sore muscles when applied to the affected areas.

Feverfew. It contains anti-inflammatory properties. It is also suitable not just for arthritis but also for migraines, toothaches, stomach aches, headaches, and other body pains.

Ginger. Ginger roots help relieve pain from arthritis. It acts as a natural antidote for many health issues. The blend of anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties makes ginger an incredible remedy.

Lavender. Lavender promotes relaxation, which in turn makes the pain manageable.

Nettle. Aside from being a potent source of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, it also has natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb; it contains curcumin and curcuminoids, which reduce the inflammation of the joints. Turmeric is also a potent pain-reducing herb used all over the world for centuries.

Thunder god vine. It is one of the oldest herbs in Chinese medicine. Extracts from skinned roots are known for suppressing an overactive immune system. It makes thunder god vine a possible alternative treatment for autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. It is advisable to apply it directly to the skin.

Willow bark.  It is used for thousands of years to treat pain. The inner back contains Salicin, the active compound in aspirin. Do not use willow bark if you take blood thinners or are allergic to aspirin.

Licorice root. Licorice is widely known for its intense flavor. It contains 9 anesthetic, 10 analgesic, and 20 inflammatory substances, which, make it an active pain-relieving herb.

Cinnamon. This versatile spice is loaded with antifungals and antioxidants. These properties of cinnamon make it an ideal remedy for treating arthritis pain and other kinds of joint pain.

Bay leaves. It is famous for its distinct smell and is used for cooking purposes. However, other than that, these leaves are also used for getting relief from the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain in general.

Garlic. It is a traditional remedy for arthritis. Also, several evidence-backed studies prove the effectiveness of garlic in subsiding the annoying and discomforting symptoms of arthritis.

Stinging Nettle. It is known to give relief from arthritis pain. Natural supplements that contain an amount of stinging nettle.

Burdock Root. It contains essential fatty acids which makes it a great anti-inflammatory food supplement.

Cayenne Pepper. Taken orally, it works to decrease the concentration of substances in the pain-transmitting nerve cells of the body. When applied through balm and ointments, it induces the dilation of capillaries to increase blood circulation and warmth throughout the body.

Flaxseed. This healing plant is a source of Omega-3 (ALA) that fights inflammation. Typically used in oil form, eat the seed raw and use them in recipes.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU). ASU is a natural extract made from one-third of avocado and soybean oil. Blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, prevents deterioration of synovial cells, which line joints, and may help regenerate normal connective tissue. According to a study published in 2013 and 2008, it showed that ASU significantly reduced the progression of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Black Currant Oil. It is extracted from the seeds of these fruits. Jams, jellies, juices, and even dietary supplements from blackcurrant have a small amount of this oil. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, immune-stimulant, and skin-protective properties.

Borage Oil.  It is a nutritional supplement that is rich in essential fatty acids that can regulate the body's immune system and fight joint inflammation. Borage seed oil helps improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Capsaicin. Capsaicin is a supplement taken from chili peppers. It works mainly by reducing Substance P, a pain transmitter in your nerves. It is useful in reducing pain and tenderness in affected joints.

Curcumin. It is a dietary supplement that contains curcumin (diferuloylmethane) as well as other chemicals naturally found in turmeric and pepper. Its essential components have antioxidant properties and can be part of a diet that reduces the risk of disease and its effects.

Evening primrose. It is a native American wildflower, rich in polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids that can help control pain and inflammation.

Green-lipped Mussel. It is a nutritional supplement taken from a type of mussel native to New Zealand. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting properties.

Indian Frankincense. It is an Ayurvedic remedy that is usually purchased over the counter in capsule form.  Indian Frankincense can help prevent the production of inflammatory substances in the joints.

Melatonin. Melatonin is directly bound to essential cells involved in autoimmune diseases. It either turn-off the signals that cause the membrane to become hyperactive or activates signals that help to disease inflammation.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). It is Organic sulfur, a nutritional mineral found naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains, animals, and humans. It is an essential ‘building block’ for healthy bones and joints, and it’s beneficial for your immune system.

Pine Bark. It is a herbal extract and a nutritional supplement. Pine Bark is rich in several bioflavonoids that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The little evidence available suggests that pine bark extract may result in an improvement in the symptoms of osteoarthritis.