12 Simple Herbal Remedies For Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful degenerative disease which causes inflammation of the joints. There are many effective therapies that are used to relieve the patient from symptoms, but there is no complete cure for several types of arthritis. 

Several herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties have been found effective and used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and have shown promising results. Here are the most effective ones.

Best Herbal Remedies For Arthritis

Angelica

Angelica is a popular herb in European folk medicine and has been used since distant past for treating arthritis as this herb comprises of anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and pain-reliving properties. The Chinese variety of this herb is known as dong quai.

Preparing tea and drinking three times a day for 3-4 weeks continuously can bring relief from arthritis pain and inflammation. Bring to boil 1 tbsp of angelica root in a cup of water. Remove from heat and bring it to room temperature. Strain and drink. If you find relief, give break for 10-15 days and start the treatment again.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is considered to be one of the best herbs for treating arthritis because it is loaded with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Studies reveal that detoxifying properties of alfalfa gets the blood rid of acids that causes arthritis.

It can be taken in the form of tea, seeds or supplement. Tea remedy is considered most effective.  After drinking alfalfa tea for ten days, take a break for 15 days and then start again, if you find improvement.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black Cohosh, which is an American Indian herb, contains anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is available in five species. It is used for treating rheumatism. This herb is usually taken in tea form. Prepare tea by adding 1 tsp of black cohosh root in 1 cup of boiling water; steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink ½ cup of tea at a time; drink the rest later in the day.

Boswellia

Boswellia contains natural anti-inflammatory properties and has been used from ancient times to treat inflammatory conditions like joint pain and arthritis. Research has shown that the herb contain boswellic acid that can stop the creation of leukotrienes that causes inflammation in the joints.

Regular use of this herb can help improve the supply of blood to the joints and nourish the soft tissues. It works like any non-steroidal inflammatory drug, reducing pain and inflammation without causing any harm to the stomach lining.

Celery (Apium graveolens)

In North American herbal treatment, celery has been long used to treat rheumatism. Its roots, seed and other parts contain not less than 25 anti-inflammatory compounds and are also highly rich in minerals like potassium. Eating a cup of celery can provide 340mg of potassium, the deficiency of which often leads to arthritic pain.

Person with chronic arthritic pain can get relief by drinking tea made of celery seeds to a great extent. Soak 1 tsp celery seed in a cup of boiling water for 15-20 minutes; strain and drink twice or thrice a day to get relief from arthritic pain.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice acts in the same way as cortisone in the body for reducing inflammation without causing any side effects. It decreases the formation of free radicals and slows down the enzyme production that is involved in the inflammatory process. The herb contains a component glycyrrhizin that relieves inflammation.

By supporting the release of body’s cortisol, it helps to relieve the arthritic from pain. The herb can be used in the form of capsule or tea. The herb is not good for people with high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease.  Long term use of this herb can cause side effects like headache, heart problem or high blood pressure problem.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is produce in the body naturally and found in joints and connective tissues in high concentration. It repairs cartilage and maintains joint mobility. It has great healing properties. It has been approved in most of countries for treating arthritis.

The best thing is that very few side effects have been reported yet.Various researches have established its ability to reduce pain and inflammation and increase range of motion in joints and hence repair the damaged and aging joint successfully.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an American folk medicine. In Chinese medicine, rosemary is used as an anti-inflammatory herb. The plant’s leaves constitute of four anti-inflammatory properties like carnosol, rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Carnosol acts similarly as aspirin and other steroids work.

Researches have shown that together these substances can have anti-arthritic effect. Prepare rosemary tea and drink in the morning and at night before going to bed to find relief.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettle is an excellent herb for treating all types of arthritis and even gout. It is an anti-inflammatory herb combined with minerals like calcium, protein, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, beta-carotene and vitamin A, C, D and B complex in the form that body can readily absorb.

It also contains boron a mineral used for treating arthritis. Taking 1 tbsp nettle juice three times a day can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb and an effective pain reliever. The yellow pigment of the turmeric contains curcumin which works to reduce inflammation.

You can prepare meals with turmeric added to it but to achieve its full medicinal benefit, you need to take this herb in supplement form also. Turmeric capsules are available at drug stores. It rarely has any side effects.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a culinary herb used widely in India for cooking dishes. But it has great medicinal properties also. Ginger has great anti-inflammatory properties and can provide relief from arthritic pain and swelling. The best thing is that it hardly has any side effects. A ginger compress or ginger tea is beneficial for arthritis.

Hop Tea (Humulus lupulus)

Drinking hop tea is considered a great remedy for rheumatism. Hop plant contains many anti-inflammatory agents that are similar to steroid drugs. It contains antispasmoic properties and can also act as a sedative. Make tea using 2-3 hop leaves in a cup of boiling water. Drink hop tea twice or trice a day to get relief.

Many people think that herbal supplement have no side effects. But this is not true. Many of these herbs are quite strong and can have side effects. So you must consult a licensed herbalist before using any herb or herbal supplement.