Herbal rheumatoid arthritis treatment has long been used to combat the damaging effects of this autoimmune disease.
Natural herbs for rheumatoid arthritis relief should focus on key areas of treatment, and aim to specifically work in an anti-inflammatory manner while stimulating healthy immune function.
Most natural therapists and herbalists view herbal supplements and herbs for rheumatoid arthritis as part of a whole person treatment to stimulate digestion, educate the patient about healthy eating for their particular condition, and assess dietary supplements based on the individual.
In order to obtain a proper diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, it is vital to seek out professional health care provider or specialist who can perform the necessary blood tests to confirm the correct diagnosis.
Medicinal Herbs Used For Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
This herb is one of the better-known treatments for arthritis due to its action as an anti-inflammatory. Devil’s claw has also shown success in treating muscle pain (myalgia) and this dual action is helpful in those with arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is often associated with poor digestion, and in cases where there is hypochlorhydria (under production of gastric juices), devil’s claw is helpful due to its bitter principles.
Note that devil’s claw is not indicated if there are gastric ulcers or hyperchlorhydria (over production of digestive juices).
White Willow Bark
(Salix alba)
Another natural herb for rheumatoid arthritis relief is white willow bark. The active constituent in this herb is called salicin, and is known to lower fever and reduce inflammation, which eases pain. Some prostaglandins in the body cause inflammation and this herb works by inhibiting these compounds. Willow bark is not recommended for people using anticoagulant therapy; it may also cause gastric upsets in high doses and is contraindicated where there is Aspirin allergy.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
Boswellia resin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The active constituents, boswellic acids, reduce the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes.
Boswellia resin is indicated in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions including rheumatic disorders and pulmonary diseases. Improvement in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was observed in open trials for both boswellic acid and boswellia.
In one trial it was suggested that boswellia may have a disease-modifying effect in rheumatoid arthritis and this herb also proved to be of benefit in children suffering from juvenile chronic arthritis.
Celery Seed (Apium graveolins)
This common plant is traditionally one of the first herbs to be used where there are excessive acidic metabolites in the body. This specific action alone recommends celery in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout; however, this herb has also shown to have a secondary use as an anti-inflammatory in treating arthritis.
Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)
This herb has specific indications where there is chronic inflammation that is due to autoimmune dysfunction.
The iridoid glycosides found in rehmannia are thought to stimulate the adrenal gland to produce anti-inflammatory substances, and when combined with the added adrenal support of licorice root, work to effectively relieve pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Where there is also thought to be inflammation of the gut, this herb works to soothe the intestinal wall and has a mild laxative action.
Other natural herbs that are used for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rosemary – (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Bearberry – (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Chamomile – (Chamomilla recutita)
- Buchu – (Barosma betulina)
- Thyme – (Thymus vulgaris)
- Turmeric – (Curcuma longa)
- Juniper – (Juniperus communis)
- Allspice – (Pimenta dioica)
- Pau d’Arco – (Tabelbuia heptaphylla)
- Chickweed – (Stellaria media)
- Wild Yam – (Dioscorea villosa)
- Maritime Pine Bark – (Pinus pinaster)
- Heather – (Calluna vulgaris)
- Borage – (Borago officinalis)
- Blessed Thistle – (Cnicus benedictus)
- Pipsissewa – (Chimaphila umbellata)
- Alfalfa – (Medicago sativa)
- Yarrow – (Achillea millefolium)
- Cat’s Claw – (Uncaria tomentosa)
- Lovage – (Levisticum officinale)
- Mistletoe – (Viscum album)
- English Ivy – (Hedera helix)
- Andrographis – (Andrographis paniculata)
- Flaxseed – (Linum usitatissimum)
- Astragalus – (Astragalus mongholicus)
- Coriander – (Coriandrum sativum)
- Wormwood – (Artemisia absinthium)
- European Ash – (Fraxinus excelsior)
- Hemp Agrimony – (Eupatorium cannabinum)
- Sweet Basil – (Ocimum basilicum)
- Styrax Benzoin – (Styrax benzoin)
- Boldo – (Peumus boldus)
- Camphor Tree – (Cinnamomum camphora)
- Ashwagandha – (Withania somnifera)
- Sunflower – (Helianthus annuus)
- Duckweed – (Lemna minor)
- Goat Willow – (Salix caprea)
The Use Natural Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are many natural supplements that can be of help for rheumatoid arthritis. Supplements like krill oil have become very popular in the recent year. Studies have indicated that krill oil may be able to reduce inflammation as well as arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period.
Naturopathic health treatment is founded on the philosophy where if digestion and diet are poor then health suffers. Herbal rheumatoid arthritis treatment will focus on addressing inflammation and pain and will look to improving digestion in the first instance.
Herbal supplements and natural herbs for rheumatoid arthritis may take up to a month to start improving your pain but will also be addressing the cause of your symptoms. Natural herbs for rheumatoid arthritis relief are often contraindicated if you are taking synthetic anti-inflammatory medication and you should discuss this with your healthcare practitioner.
Thordur Sturluson
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