Arthritis is a common family of health conditions that have the symptoms of joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Herbs and other natural remedies may help relieve joint pain. In ancient Mesopotamia, the Sumerian clay tablets dating from the 3rd millennium BCE cited many plants, including turmeric. Babylonian Kings farmed numerous spices and herbs, like cardamom, coriander, garlic, thyme, saffron, and turmeric. Besides, these spices have been used by Indians for 1000 years for culinary and medical purposes.

It is pertinent to mention here that Herbs and spices have existed in coexistence with human use for millennia, with many cultures in antiquity that have used a variety of herbs and spices for their shared qualities. The combination of spices was used for everyday pursuits across the ancient world. Also, they were used to create products to repress specific diseases.

The Arthritis Foundation reported that arthritis-linked disorders affect over 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the US. Recent research is optimistic about this. Herbs and dietary supplements are natural treatments for curing arthritis with minimal or no negative side effects.

POTENT HERBS FOR ARTHRITIS

Curcumin (an active ingredient of turmeric) 

Curcumin (an active ingredient of turmeric) relieves people with knee osteoarthritis. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.

Proof from two human trials and many animal studies indicates that curcumin can lower the RA-linked inflammatory markers. Also, a 2018 examination showed that the black pepper ingredient piperine could help reduce inflammation and improve Curcuma absorption.

Turmeric can be used:

• as a powdered spice in dishes
• in tea bags
• as supplements, i.e., capsules/gummies

Ginger (The Active Gingerols)

Ginger has long been used in conventional treatment to cure nausea, upset stomach, RA, OA, and joint and muscle pain.

Hopefully, it could not only benefit symptoms but also help stem bone collapse.

Consume ginger in the following ways:

• fresh ginger juice in boiled water for 5 minutes
• pouring ginger powder into baked food
• adding ginger powder or fresh ginger root to spicy dishes
• grating fresh ginger on a salad

Seek doctor advice before increasing your ginger intake, as it interacts with some medicines, such as warfarin.

Boswellia Serrata (Indian Frankincense)

Boswellia, also called Indian frankincense, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, obtained from the gum of Boswellia trees housed in India.

A study affirms that boswellic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that could help people with RA, bronchial asthma, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Human trials have recommended that frankincense capsules might help improve discomfort and reduce stiffness due to OA. However, more research is needed.

Doses of up to 1 gram per day of Boswellia seem safe, but higher amounts can harm the liver. You may use it in the ointment form.

Green Tea

According to the data published on WebMD, green tea holds potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, valuable in fighting joint pain.

You may add Green Tea to your diet as:

• a beverage
• powder (matcha) for sprinkling on food
• adding to smoothies/shakes
• supplements

Fortunately, it is assumedly safe for most people in the form of a beverage. Further, it may be more beneficial than some coffees, soda, and other sweetened drinks without sugars.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory properties and doesn’t provoke adverse gastrointestinal outcomes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), generally used for arthritis pain.

You can consume it in the following forms:

• pills
• powder
• gel
• leaf

Aloe Vera is commonly safe, but few people may face side effects when they take it by mouth because it decreases glucose levels and interacts with diabetes pills. In 2014, some anecdotal evidence suggested that taking aloe by mouth may help ease OA pain. However, more research is required in this respect.

Evening Primrose (American wildflower)

Femrose, or evening primrose, is a herbal dietary supplement containing a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids that support joint health. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) plays a role in reducing joint inflammation, improving the health of the cardiovascular system, and supporting the immune system.

You may take it in the forms of:

• Capsules
• Oil (2.8 ml daily)
• soft gel

Take 540 mg daily to 2.8 g in divided doses for rheumatoid arthritis (RA, preferably after the meal or as directed by a healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Evening primrose oil usually takes up to six months to function.

Other Compatible Choices

Herbal supplements are not the only alternative to arthritis pain comfort.

Experts usually recommend the following apart from herbal treatments:

• Healthy weight
• Exercise (tai chi, yoga, etc.)
• Cold and warmth therapy
• Stress control
• A nutritional and balanced diet
• Acupuncture

Research supports acupuncture in reducing pain and improving function in people with Osteoarthritis.

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References

Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Med Food. 2016;19(8):717–729

Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods. 2017; 6(10):92.

NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Turmeric. Available at:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm. Accessed January 7, 2019.

Yang M, Akbar U, Mohan C. Curcumin in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases.Nutrients. 2019; 11(5):1004. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051004

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6686859/

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/arthritis/2014/159089/

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https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747466/

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