Herbs for Arthritis

Arthritis means joint inflammation. Any part of the body can become inflamed or painful from arthritis. The two most-common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, resulting from the wear and tear in life. It leads to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased function of joints. The joints most often affected by osteoarthritis are knees, hips, hands, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). It causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of joint function. There are a number of herbs that work synergistically to reduce chronic joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Explore the article to know the various herbs that help in treating arthritis.

Alfalfa (Medicago Saliva)
Alfalfa is one of the most popular remedies for arthritis. For better results, consume herbal tea made from fresh alfalfa, instead of the powder.

Angelica (Angelica Archangelica)
The western variety of Angelica has 12 anti-inflammatory constituents, 10 anti-spasmodic (muscle relaxant) constituents and 5 anodyne (pain-relieving) constituents that are essential for treating arthritis.

Arnica
Arnica is externally applied as an herbal arthritis medication, to soothe soreness and inflammation. It is considered as one of the greatest herbs for trauma, inflammation and tissue damage. It is used in homoeopathic treatment also.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)
Black cohosh acts as a muscle anti-inflammatory and as an antispasmodic to nerves, muscles and blood vessels. The salicylic acid in it contributes to these properties. The herb helps in reducing inflammation caused due by osteoarthritis, neuralgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Boswellia
Boswellia is similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It has a unique anti-inflammatory action. In addition, long-term use of boswellia does not result in any side effect.

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a pain-relieving chemical known as capsaicin and an aspirin-like compound called salicylate. It provides relief from arthritis pain, when ingested or applied topically. It is the most powerful herb for increasing circulation, both internally and externally.

Celery (Apium Graveolens)
Celery is rich in minerals and contains more than 25 anti-inflammatory compounds. Raw or cooked celery seeds prove to be a good remedy for rheumatism.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
In order to tackle the swelling that results from arthritis, use ginger tea and ginger compress. Ginger tea is beneficial for osteoarthritis.

Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius)
Ginseng tea works wonders in treating arthritis. It is advised to use American ginseng, since Asian ginseng can actually aggravate the pain of arthritis.

Hops (Humulus Lupulus)
Hop tea is a popular remedy for rheumatism. The plant contains more than 22 constituents that have anti-inflammatory activities and 4 constituents with anti-spasmodic properties. Around 10 constituents act as sedatives, alleviating pain.

Licorice
Licorice has crucial anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and acts like cortisone. The licorice components bind glucocorticoid receptors on cells and exert glucocorticoid-like effects.

Mustard Plaster (Brassica Alba)
Mustard is a common herb that is used as in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It contains an irritating substance called allyl-isothyocyanate that is activated only when the seeds are grounded coarsely and mixed with some liquid. This ointment, when applied on the joints, produces the necessary irritation for the counterirritant effect.

Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)
Since free radicals occur in case of inflammation, growing age and degenerative arthritis, oregano, being a powerful antioxidant, prevents the cell damage from free radicals. Antioxidants also help in relieving osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, a chemical that prohibits swelling and helps prevent inflammation. The chemical helps to get rid of immune antigen complex compounds that are implicated in some arthritis conditions.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis)
Rosemary leaves contain four anti-inflammatory substances. When consumed as a tea, they prove to be a good option for bringing about improvement in arthritis.

Sesame Seeds (Sesamum Indicum)
The nutritional needs of the body increase during arthritis attacks. Since sesame seeds contain copper, the requirement is recuperated.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)
Stinging nettle is considered as one of the most important herbs used for treating early-onset of arthritis.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
The yellow pigment of turmeric, curcumin has considerable anti-inflammatory action. Turmeric is used to deal with almost all the problems effectively. It is very effective in certain models of inflammation.

Willow (Salix)
Willow bark tea has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and works like an aspirin to reduce pain and swelling.

Wintergreen (Gaulteria Procumbens)
Wintergreen contains methyl-salicylate, the chief active pain-relieving component to treat arthritis. It is preferred to use the dried form of the herb, since it can be toxic when used in concentrated wintergreen oil or applied to the skin.