Several herbal remedies are promoted today for treating arthritis, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia serrata, devil's claw, willow bark extract and feverfew.
Turmeric. A golden spice that's long been used to lend color and flavor to foods, turmeric also has been used in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions, including arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Indian frankincense is an Ayurvedic remedy that can be purchased over the counter in capsule form. It can prevent the production of inflammatory substances in the joints.
Tea is one of the best beverages for arthritis patients due to its many health benefits. Green, black and white teas are all rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols. Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial because of its active ingredient “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” or EGCG.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. They're components of cartilage—the substance that cushions the joints.
One study that compared a combination supplement (500 mg twice a day) to celecoxib (100 mg twice a day) found the boswellia with turmeric was better (Molecular Medicine Reports, Nov.
Boil 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Add lemon, honey, or milk to taste.
Turmeric's main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis.
Boswellia is thought to increase blood flow to the uterus, and this increased blood flow could potentially lead to pregnancy complications, including miscarriage. 9 However, valid evidence supporting this claim is not available. Regardless, it may be best to avoid Boswellia while pregnant.
Best Overall: Thorne Meriva 500-SF provides a dose of curcumin that is known to be well absorbed by the body and may reduce joint pain in people with arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules (400 to 600 mg) 3 times per day. Another option is to take a half to three grams of the root powder every day. Further studies revealed one gram of curcumin per day helped arthritis patients.
Physical activity is the best available treatment for OA. It's also one of the best ways to keep joints healthy in the first place. As little as 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five times a week helps joints stay limber and strengthens the muscles that support and stabilize your hips and knees.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints.
Most forms of arthritis are thought to be caused by a fault in the immune system that causes the body to attack its own tissues in the joints. This may be inherited genetically. Other forms of arthritis can be caused by problems with the immune system or by a metabolic condition, such as gout.
Research note: Preliminary studies suggest a type of vitamin B3 called niacinamide may improve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms and reduce the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by suppressing inflammation.
Some people use supplements to try to help manage joint pain from arthritis. Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, and green tea are just a few of them. Glucosamine helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Natural glucosamine levels drop as people age.
It's Anti-Inflammatory
Magnesium is also anti-inflammatory which is very helpful when it comes to combating the painful flare-ups of arthritis. This is because it moves your blood sugar quickly into your muscles and reduces the C-reactive protein (CRP) marker in the body which causes inflammation.
A study in 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis noted that among 20 foods, sugar-sweetened soda and desserts were the most frequently reported to worsen RA symptoms ( 2 ). What's more, sugary beverages like soda may significantly increase your risk of arthritis.
Berries pack a double dose of anti-inflammatory properties. All fruits are high in antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation. Additionally, foods like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries contain anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation.
If you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis, honey is an effective natural remedy to consider. It has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and can help fight off disease-causing bacteria in your body.
When can you expect to see results? In one study, participants reported improvements in joint discomfort after supplementing with 2 grams of turmeric daily for 6 weeks. Another study reported results after 8-12 weeks of supplementation with 1 gram of turmeric daily.
With turmeric powder, you are going to have to consume more of it in order to get the same amount of curcumin. This means that if you are looking for purely health benefits, it is best to simply take the supplements. They are far more concentrated, and get you the curcumin you need without the bloat.