12 Herbal Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own body parts mistakenly. Long-term inflammation in the joints is a characteristic of this disease. Here are some herbs that help in suppressing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Best Herbal Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Boswellia

Native to India, Boswellia herb contains boswellic acids that block chemical reactions that lead to inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It also takes care of other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, there is no concrete evidence if boswellia can slow down the progression of this disease.

Although may not be as fast and effective as the conventional medicines, it surely does not have side effects like gut irritation, otherwise induced by pain killers. Patients are recommended to buy only those pills that contain 60% boswellic acids. Its use should be restricted to not more than 12 weeks or as is specified by health practitioner.

Ginger

It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that heal the terrible pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Prolonged condition of rheumatoid arthritis has adverse effect on the health of kidneys and lungs. Daily intake of ginger tea prevents such damage to both lungs and kidneys.

Juniper Berries

It has strong detoxifying properties and hence prevents uric acid from building up in the stomach. Hence it treats the disorders of gout that is closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Devil’s Claw

Native to southern Africa, this herb contains iridoid glycosides named as harpagosides that are formed in the plant’s secondary root. It is a well known remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disorders, pancreas disorders, stomach disorders, gallbladder problems, skin disorders and fever.

Meadowsweet

This herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties that prove effective against rheumatoid arthritis. It specifically heals the inflammation of lining of the stomach caused by extended use of conventional pain-relieving drugs like NSAIDs.

St. John’s Wort

It has fresh flowers, which mixed with oil, form red oil that has strong analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an effective antidepressant that relieves anxiety and depression associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Sarsaparilla

This herb contains saponins (phytochemicals) that disable the endotoxins present in the bloodstream of patients of rheumatoid arthritis. This way people can know the inflammatory response of their bodies.

White Willow Bark

This particular herb works in a similar fashion to aspirin in treating inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Although it acts slower than aspirin, the effect lasts much longer. Also, it does not have side effects such as gastronomic disorders unlike traditional pain relievers like aspirin. This is because white willow bark is rich in tannins that shield the stomach from any disorders.

Turmeric

It has amazing capability in reducing inflammation that makes it a first-grade herb for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It acts in the manner of NSAIDs but does not have any side effects. It reduces the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting prostaglandin production.

Stinging Nettle

This particular herb is a must have for all rheumatoid arthritis patients. Along with abundant anti-inflammatory compounds, stinging nettle contains essential minerals like boron, silicon and calcium that boost the health of bones thereby making them stronger.

Yucca Root

This herb has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that heal symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also effective in treating osteoarthritis.

Wintergreen Oil

This powerful oil has strong analgesic properties and quickly heals away the terrible pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.