Rheumatoid Arthritis Herbal Remedies

There are many herbs that are known to be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Herbs from plants have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes to treat scores of ailments including treating inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Herbs and are a safer and gentler alternative to side effect-ridden prescription drugs. Yes, Herbs are potent and effective compounds. Most modern day medicines have their roots in Herbs.

The following herbs are highly recommended for rheumatoid arthritis

1. New Zealand Green lipped mussel extract

The green-lipped mussel, a common appetizer in sushi restaurants, contains healthy fats in the omega-3 family. Like fish oil, another source of omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel has shown promise for reducing inflammation.

Green-lipped mussel is a New Zealand shellfish. The extract is derived exclusively from Perna canaliculus mussels from licensed marine farms in New Zealand. It has gained a reputation amongst consumers as a natural product with anti-inflammatory properties – an effect that has been attributed to a body of science to its lipid factions.

The extract has been shown to be useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid Arthritis, bursitis, ankylosing spondylitis, lyme disease, skin inflammation, Connective Tissue Repair and sports related injuries.

In over 25 years of laboratory and clinical study, Green Lipped Mussel has shown significant anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective and free radical scavenging properties that substantially help joint mobility. This common gourmet delicacy from New Zealand contains natural proteins, minerals, muco-polysaccharides and Omega 3 fatty acids.

There are thousands of people all over the world who have been helped by taking Green Lipped Mussel Powder Extract. There are all kinds of scientific papers that have written about the effectiveness of shell fish in treating inflammation and the pain due to arthritis.

According to Dr. Michael Whitehouse of the University of Queensland, Australia, who has spent his life studying the world’s strongest arthritis drugs, this extract "blew them away." A small dose can shrink arthritic joints by over 90%. Dr. W.H. Betts of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Australia, called it "a very major breakthrough." Apparently it blocks the 5-lipoxygenase pathway preventing the chain reaction that causes both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Obviously you should not take this extract if you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs without the knowledge and consent of your doctor.

In supplement form, green-lipped mussel is available as a lipid extract or a freeze-dried powder. It is important to recognize that some people are allergic to shellfish or iodine and they must consult a medical doctor before attempting any use of Green Lipped Muscle Extracts. Also, Freeze-dried powder contains significantly more of the protein fraction responsible for allergic reactions than lipid extract.

Suggested use: Take 6 capsules daily, 2 with each meal. When results are evident, reduce to 3 capsules daily, 1 with each meal.

Note: These dietary supplements should not be taken if you have an allergy to shellfish.

2. Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries as a herb for rheumatism and arthritis because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain associated with arthritis.

Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the manufacture of inflammatory compounds and by the presence of an anti-inflammatory enzyme similar to Bromelain, which is found in pineapple. In one clinical study, seven patients with RA in whom conventional drugs had provided only temporary or partial relief were treated with ginger. One patient took 50g/day of lightly cooked ginger while the remaining six took either 5g of fresh or 0.1-1g of powdered ginger daily. All patients reported substantial improvement, including pain relief, joint mobility, and decrease in swelling and morning stiffness.

Ginger has been known to erase the symptoms in 50% of people suffering from osteoarthritis who used it as a remedy, and in 70% of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. A recent study showed that after three months of taking ginger root, patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported pain relief, better joint movement, and less swelling and morning stiffness.

In one study, Indian researchers gave three to seven grams of ginger a day to 28 people with rheumatoid arthritis. More than 75 percent of those participating in the study reported at least some relief from pain and swelling. Even after more than two years of taking these high doses of ginger, none of the people reported side effects. Many people drink ginger tea for arthritis. A ginger compress is also beneficial for arthritis. Dosage: 6-50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger per day.

It’s no secret that the health implications of drugs like Celebrex and Viox are cause for concern. Ginger is believed by many to be a much safer, and considerably more cost-effective alternative.

The way that ginger works can be compared to the way that aspirin works, in that they both thin the blood. Thromboxane compounds clump blood platelets and constrict blood vessels. What ginger does is dissolve the clumped blood platelets. This results in the reduction of blood clots and helps reduce the risk of heart attack

It is best to take 255 mg of concentrated extract of ginger supplement twice a day to help with the symptoms of your arthritis.

Clinical trials have shown that by taking this amount for six weeks that the degree of arthritis pain was reduced and the condition improved.

3. Resveratrol

Resveratrol, a phyto-estrogen, or plant-derived, non-steroidal compound, is present in the skins of grapes, in mulberries, nuts, wine, and other foods. While all wines have some, Resveratrol, red wine seems to be the best source.

In the past few years, various studies have shown that Resveratrol blocks cell inflammation, which is linked to arthritis and other diseases. A team of researchers now concludes that Trans-Resveratrol blocks the activation of the gene identified as COX-2, which is important in creating the inflammation that causes rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Researchers working with rabbits found that resveratrol shut down the production of HLA-DR4 the compound known to lead to joint deterioration in arthritis patients.

Studies show that resveratrol breaks down very quickly in the blood stream and within 8 minutes the half of the absorbed amounts are depleted. This means taking smaller doses more often is better than talking one large does every day

Resveratrol is readily available in supplement form. Basically large amounts of red grape husks are dried and mashed and put into capsules. Instead of drinking five bottles of wine every day just take pill.

Research already showed that red wine was good for you and now it could be taken in larger doses without all the alcohol.

4. Boswellia

Boswellia is a herb that comes from a tree native to India. The active ingredients are the boswellic acids, which have been found to block chemical reactions involved in inflammation.

Boswellia contains fatty acids, essential oils and boswellic acid.Boswellic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are great at reducing the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Modern science has verified that boswellic acids contained within the herb can block the formation of leukotrienes, the immune cells responsible for inflammation, while also promoting the formation of free radicals.

Click here to read more on the benefits of Boswellia for Rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Turmeric

A new study published in the November 2006 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism,  examined the effect and mechanism of turmeric, a botanical supplement long thought to have anti-inflammatory properties on arthritis.

This finding has been backed up in double blind trials which found turmeric to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

Turmeric contains an active constituent called curcumin. Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are great for rheumatoid arthritis.

Some researchers believe that turmeric has the potential to be more effective than cortisone or other steroids.

Click here to read more on the benefits of Turmeric for Rheumatoid arthritis.

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