10 Herbs for Arthritis

By Jerry Shaw

Arthritis sufferers sometimes turn to herbs for relief of symptoms. Some herbs may help reduce inflammation in the joints that can cause the pain and swelling they experience, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Dr. Paul F. Howard, director of Arthritis Health in Scottsdale, Arizona, uses herbs along with traditional medicine for patients.

“Certainly there is a long history of observational medicine that attests to the anti-inflammatory benefits of certain herbal products,” he told the Arthritis Foundation.

Here are 10 herbs that may reduce the pain and inflammation from arthritis:


1. Curcumin, an ingredient found in turmeric, may help combat inflammation of the joints, WebMD reported. Research suggests turmeric may prevent the onset of inflammation.

2. Green tea, used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, may reduce inflammation to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

3. Boswellia may block substances that attack healthy joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown in animal studies, but more research is needed on humans. The herb can be found in tablets or used as a topical cream.

4. Aloe vera may also be applied topically to ease joint pain and inflammation.

5. Eucalyptus can be taken orally or used as a topical oil for arthritis relief. The tannins in eucalyptus may relieve pain and reduce swelling.
6. Willow bark has long been used to treat inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center said studies have shown that willow bark may reduce pain from osteoarthritis in the neck, lower back, knees and hip joints.

7. Ginger was found to reduce the ability of certain immune cells from contributing to inflammation, Everyday Health reported, citing the July 2015 issue of Phytotherapy Research.

8. Garlic has anti-inflammatory effects to inhibit substances in the body that cause inflammation. It may ease pain from rheumatoid arthritis, according to Healthline. Garlic also adds flavor to many dishes.

9. Capsaicin is a component in chili peppers that has been used in topical creams and gels to reduce pain. Research suggests it reduces the pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

10. Cat’s claw has anti-inflammatory properties and is among the herbs that have been shown to be effective against arthritis symptoms. A 2002 study revealed that it reduced joint swelling and pain by more than 50 percent when compared with a placebo in 40 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation reported.

http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/arthritis-herbs/2016/05/16/id/729075/