~ MICHELLE TONKIN ND
Arthritis affects more than 54 million Americans with the CDC acknowledging one hundred different types of this painful inflammatory process. The two most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease-causing pain that Often results in “pain, aching, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion or flexibility” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/natural-remedies-for-arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the body and stimulates the immune system to attack itself, often resulting in inflammation and joint damage.
Some suggestions for helping to decrease inflammation and supporting your body with this condition are:
Physical Therapy
Hot and Cold Therapy
Acupuncture
Massage
Exercise (like swimming)
Topical Gels
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet and
Herbal Remedies
In this article, I will be sharing 5 different herbal remedies that can help your body with natural pain relief from arthritis.
1.) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been around since ancient times and has long been regarded as a natural anti-inflammatory among other things. In fact, painful conditions like sunburns etc. can be greatly relieved by applying the gel of the aloe plant. For conditions like arthritis, Aloe can be helpful as either a topical gel or taken in a capsule or liquid format. Aloe can also be useful as a natural laxative and can be used on occasion for constipation issues. A great aloe for occasional constipation can be found here
2.) Boswellia, known as Boswellia Serrata (frankincense). This tree is native to India and has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for conditions like arthritis. Dosages up to 1 gram are considered safe, but one should be careful as higher levels could affect the liver. This herb is available in capsules, essential oils, and creams.
3.) Cat’s Claw has powerful ant-inflammatory effects. This vine grows in South America and is also recognized to help support the immune system.
“The Arthritis Foundation notes that, like many conventional drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, cat’s claw suppresses tumor necrosis factor (TNF).”
https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/herbs-arthritis-pain#cats-claw
A study done in 2002, showed that cat’s claw was able to help lessen inflammation and pain by over 50% in those individuals who had RA. Unfortunately, cat’s claw can have some side effects such as:
nausea and dizziness
low blood pressure
headache
You should also be cautious using this herb if you are on blood thinners, take medication for an auto-immune disorder or have TB. Another gentler form of Cat’s Claw is Samento. Samento (Pentacyclic Alkaloid Type Uncaria tomentosa) is a powerful medicinal plant that has been successfully used to treat Lyme and other auto immune disorders. It even is great for gut health. Some of the most beneficial properties in Samento are the POA’s or Pentracyclic Oxindole Alkaloids. These have a powerful modulating effect on the immune system and are wonderful in autoimmune disorders. The TOA’s (Tetracyclic Oxindole Alkaloids) found in traditional Cat’s Claw can disrupt the body’s central nervous system function and inhibit the effects of the POAs. Cat’s claws are more of an immune stimulator.
Some other medicinal properties that have been reported:
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Immune System Modulator
Antibacterial
Anticancerous
Antidepressant
Antifungal
Anti-hypertensive
Antileukemic
Antimutagenic
Anti-Oxidant
Antiparasitic
Antiparkinsonism
Anti-ulcerous
Antiviral
Cytostatic
Depurative
Diuretic
Vermifuge
4.) Kolas aren’t the only ones that love Eucalyptus. Perhaps one of the reasons is the benefits found in its leaves. Eucalyptus leaves contains tannins. These tannins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits which can benefit arthritic type symptoms. Eucalyptus is normally found as an essential oil or in combination with other essential oils. It is suggested that when using this essential oil that you mix it with a carrier oil (such as almond, olive oil etc.) as this herb can be quite strong against the skin.
5.) Turmeric is indigenous to India and Indonesia as evident in its presence in many recipes from these areas. Turmeric has also been long considered a form of medicine in this part of the world. Turmeric is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, “Research shows it blocks proteins that cause inflammation and may ease pain as well as some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to treat RA.”
https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-natural-treatments
Arthritis can be a very painful and sometimes debilitating condition that affects millions of people. Thankfully there are lifestyle options and herbal remedies that can improve one’s quality of life, to help one achieve a more active and healthier lifestyle.
References
Tonkin, Michelle Lyme and Co-infections, The Road to Recovery. (2012) Lu Lu Press