11 Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

Various forms of arthritis can be effectively cured with herbs. Common medical treatments for arthritis include chemotherapy and immune-suppressing drugs. However, the herbs mentioned here strike at the root cause of arthritis i.e. inflammation. The herbs mentioned below also purify the blood that helps in keeping other diseases at bay along with arthritis.

Best Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

Turmeric

It is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties since ancient times. The active anti-inflammatory components in turmeric are curcuminoids and curcumin. Turmeric behaves similar to the NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs). Turmeric also keeps other diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts and cancer at bay.Add a pinch of turmeric powder to vegetable dishes or consume its supplements. You can also apply turmeric topically on the painful area in your body. It is advisable to add other herbs such as ginger and black pepper to activate properties of turmeric completely.

Stinging Nettle

Nettles comprise of a good number of essential nutrients that our bodies need on a daily basis. It contains important vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and vitamin D in addition to other minerals such as magnesium, boron, silicon, calcium, iron, phosphorus, etc. It also contains beta-carotene and protein. It is the minerals component in stinging nettle that seriously keeps arthritis at bay. These components boost bone strength and relieve pain.

Ginger

This is a well-known anti-arthritis herb that inhibits the COX-2 enzyme and relieves arthritic pain.

Licorice Root

Much like the corticosteroids in body, licorice root reduces inflammation by reducing number of free radicals and inhibiting the process of enzyme production that together cause inflammation. The active anti-inflammatory agent in licorice is glycyrrhizin. By releasing cortisol, licorice relieves pain associated with arthritis. It also takes care of cortisol’s various side effects such as anxiety, adrenal fatigue, etc.You can brew it into tea or take its supplements. However, it is not advisable to people with blood pressure issues. Also, one should avoid taking large doses of it as it may result in heart problems, severe headache and high blood pressure.

Burdock Root

Arthritis pain can be alleviated by increasing the amount of EFAs (essential fatty acids) in your diet. Burdock root contains anti-inflammatory agents such as tannins and sterols. Burdock root can be taken as concoction or be used in stir fries with other vegetables. One can also go for dried root if fresh root is hard to find. This herb is also found in capsule form.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids that boost the immune system and thereby fight inflammation. Although fish is considered to be the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, patients of arthritis should stick to the vegan source i.e. flaxseed as animal fat triggers inflammation in them. Simply toss your salad in flaxseed oil. Flaxseed is also available in capsule form. Patients of IBS should use the oil instead of seeds.

Jamaican Dogwood

It has strong analgesic properties that treat muscoskeletal pain associated with arthritis.

St. John’s Wort

The fresh flowers of this particular herb when mixed with oil get strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve arthritic pain.

Meadowsweet

Although mild, this herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties that treat the pain associated with arthritis.

White Willow Bark

This particular herb contains salicylates (compounds similar to those in aspirin) that relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper is spicy and hot and it is this heat that warms up arthritic joints that are otherwise stiff. It contains capsaicin which is a pain-relieving chemical. Capsaicin triggers release of endorphins from the body that help in relieving pain.