Herbal medicine potentially offers the 3.85 million Australians being affected every year with arthritis an alternative way in managing painful symptoms. Whether you want to offset the adverse effects of prescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or simply prefer to use natural remedies in addressing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or other types of arthritis, herbal treatments can help you win the fight against arthritis.
What is Arthritis?
The term arthritis is an autoimmune condition that hides behind many names and presents various symptoms. It's a general term for a collection of musculoskeletal system conditions characterized by chronic inflammation or swelling of the joints. In addition to joint pain, arthritis may cause changes to the bone structure, which makes daily living incredibly difficult.
The most common forms of arthritis include:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Gout
- Juvenile arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
- Scleroderma
Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis differ widely from person to person, although many people assume that arthritis pain is the same. The symptoms that patients with osteoarthritis manifest are different to those of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The latter can affect other parts of the body, including the lungs, eyes and heart, while the former causes tiny bones to grow out of the bones surrounding the affected joints. Whilst symptoms vary between the different arthritis types, common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Swollen joints
- Joint stiffness
- Joint cartilage damage
- Joint weakness
- Joint instability
- Deformities
Herbal Medicine and Arthritis
As with other conditions, there are numerous treatments for arthritis, ranging from over-the-counter medications to risky surgeries, which could cause further systemic damage. There are also natural treatments like herbal medication. In fact, herbal remedy is seen by many as the earlier approach in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and all other arthritic conditions.
Herbal medication employs the use of medicinal plants and herbs to treat arthritis, to relieve its symptoms and to assist the individual in reaching an optimum state of health.
How Does a Herbal Remedy Benefit Arthritis?
Herbs may benefit arthritis by reducing joint pain, inflammation, tenderness and swelling. They may also support the immune system that may be compromised with arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. So, if you're looking for natural medicines to help you win your gruelling fight against arthritis, herbal medicine might be a good way to go.
Herbs for Arthritis
Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of herbs, many of these natural remedies are considered to be effective treatments for all kinds of arthritis pain. Clinical studies have shown that inhaling eucalyptus oil helps reduce inflammation, chronic pain and hypertension in people with arthritis. It's also astonishing how capsaicin cream, which is formulated from chilli peppers, can help treat joint tenderness and pain. Other popular herbs for arthritis include:
- Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa), both its sprouts and leaves, reduces joint inflammation and is highly beneficial to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
- Arnica soothes inflammation, soreness and tissue damage.
- Black Cohosh acts as a muscle anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and soothes muscles and blood vessels.
- Boswella acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Cayenne pepper, which contains pain-relieving properties, increases blood circulation.
- Celery, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and is rich in essential minerals.
- Fresh ginger or ginger extracts are packed with antioxidant properties that can treat tender joints associated with arthritis.
- Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius) has been used for centuries to treat arthritis.
- Hops carry antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Licorice carries anti-inflammatory properties and can combat allergic reactions and other common adverse events from traditional drugs.
- Mustard plaster, when applied to joints, may relieve arthritis symptoms.
- Oregano acts as a powerful antioxidant and relieves pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, whose anti-inflammatory activity can inhibit any swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis.
- Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties that may improve symptoms of arthritis.
- Stinging nettle is one of the most popular herbs used in the treatment of the autoimmune disease. Its natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory activity makes it an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis.
- Turmeric contains active compounds in its yellow pigment that have anti-inflammatory properties, hence it is widely considered in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Willow bark acts as a natural pain reliever and carries anti-inflammatory qualities. It is a notable herbal remedy, especially for people with osteoarthritis. Scientific evidence shows that it can reduce neck, back, knee and hip pain associated with osteoporosis.
- Wintergreen contains natural compounds, particularly methyl-salicylate, a constituent that is considered to relieve pain when applied to the skin.
- Borage oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids that helps relieve pain, fight joint inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
People with arthritis can benefit massively from combining these herbs with an anti-inflammatory diet and a healthy lifestyle.
If you are interested in finding out more on how herbal medicine may benefit arthritis, please consult a professional herbalist or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Or check out other natural treatments for arthritis.
Originally published on Sep 30, 2010
