Herbs For Arthritis Pain: Everything You Need To Know

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When you start to feel joint swelling, stiffness, and pain, you could be in arthritis’s preliminary stage — or so they say. Nowadays, arthritis is an informal way of referring to joint pain. But according to the Arthritis Foundation statistics, over 100 types of arthritis affect people universally, and over 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States have some kind of arthritis. Most people opt for modern allopathy and surgical treatments for arthritis relief, not knowing the side effects and prolonged medication.

But when you include herbs and supplements in your nutrition, you can manage arthritis symptoms in a conducive way. Herbs and herbal remedies are safe and effective with negligible side effects. Research on natural remedies for arthritis is limited but shows promising results. Though medication helps to manage arthritis, lifestyle changes can help bring preventative relief from arthritis ailments. Here are some useful herbs for arthritis relief you should pursue to get some natural relief.

SEE ALSO: How You Can Fight Insomnia Using Natural Herbs

Kratom

Kratom is an evergreen plant native to Southeast Asia with tremendous therapeutic powers. This herbal alternative contains Mitragynine alkaloid for pain management. It produces analgesia effects to reduce lower back pain and arthritis pain. Green Kapuas kratom tackles chronic pain in conditions such as joint pain, arthritis, neck pain, back pain, & broken bones. Kratom strains are available in crushed leaves, powder, and capsules and have a lot of medicinal uses. They also increase energy levels, relieve anxiety, reduce fever, cramps, and body pain. Avoid taking kratom on an empty stomach to prevent nausea and stomach discomfort.

Eucalyptus

Believe it or not, eucalyptus leaf extract is already used to treat arthritis pain. The tannins in the eucalyptus plant leaf help in reducing swelling and pain. Eucalyptus oil promotes healing from inflammation and finds use in many ointments and creams to apply directly to affect areas of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Eucalyptus oil may be helpful to patients recovering from joint or muscle injury and total knee replacement. Remember to dilute eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier oil before application or massage to reduce pain.

Ginger

Ginger also has medicinal values apart from being a common kitchen ingredient. It has compounds to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It not only helps manage joint pain symptoms, it also prevents bone destruction. Add fresh or powdered ginger to meals, grate it onto a salad, or make ginger-infused tea by boiling fresh ginger in water for 5 minutes. Consult a medical practitioner before increasing your intake of ginger for pain relief as it can interfere with your blood thinners.

Green Tea

Green tea is a popular beverage worldwide for its health and fitness properties. The antioxidants and polyphenols in green tea help fight pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and slow cartilage destruction. According to research studies, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) antioxidants in green tea helps block molecules that trigger joint damage. This is why green tea and its extracts help to heal damaged joints. But green tea is no miracle for arthritis pain if you continue to eat an oily and fatty diet — so ditch sweetened beverages like coffee, cola to lower the arthritis risk. Drinking four-six cups of green tea a day for a few months can prevent and control arthritis.

Turmeric

Turmeric, the yellow powder made from a flowering plant, adds unique color and flavor to recipes. Its main ingredient, curcumin, contains anti-inflammatory properties, and provides additional help in reducing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain. Thankfully, nowadays turmeric is available in whole root and powder form. Add a pinch of turmeric to milk, or use it in curries, soups, and rice dishes to get the anti-arthritic effect of this spice. Pre-packaged turmeric tea bags and curcumin capsules or tablets are straightforward modes of consumption. Avoid taking a high dose or long-term use of turmeric to prevent an abdominal upset.

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Boswellia

Boswellia Serrata or frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a scientific study published in 2011, gum-resin extracts of Boswellia trees has anti-inflammatory effects for patients struggling with arthritis and gout. Even frankincense capsules and topical creams may reduce chronic pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis. Taking 1 gram of Boswellia a day is a safe dose. Anything in excess is harmful to the liver.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera plant is a prize-winning herb for curing skin, hair, and beauty woes. Available in gels, powder, and as a leaf, aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from joint pain. Rich in antioxidants, aloe vera reduces joint stiffness and enhances mobility. Apart from topical application of aloe vera gel on the affected area, you may drink aloe vera juice on an empty stomach every morning. It will help lubricate your joints and give you temporary relief from painful arthritis. Talk to a healthcare professional before supplementing aloe vera with any other medication.

Willow Bark

The willow tree grows in Europe, and its bark helps cure inflammation and pain of arthritis. It decreases arthritis discomfort by interfering with pain-producing nerves in your spinal cord, reducing swelling. Willow bark has pain-relieving herbal properties similar to aspirin without the side effects. The pain relief from arthritis may not be immediate with willow bark, but it lasts longer than aspirin. You can take willow bark as a tablet or in tea form.

Takeaway

Always buy the herbs mentioned above from a reputed source and start their consumption after medical consultation. Start your first dosage of herbs for arthritis in limited quantities. When you see satisfactory results, discontinue them.

Besides the herbal supplements, you may pursue alternating remedies like hot and cold-water therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy, a healthy diet, and weight management. Schedule a 20 minutes to walk every day. Be careful with lifting items. Wear strong and sturdy shoes, especially sports shoes, to give you enough cushion for your walk. Include milk and yogurt, vegetables and fruits, nuts, detox juices in your diet to lead a stress-free and active lifestyle.

It’s important to note herbs and other natural remedies for arthritis may take time. Change your lifestyle habits to prevent arthritis pain from slowing down and halting your life!