If you suffer from RA, then you may be interested in rheumatoid arthritis herbal remedies. More and more people are turning to natural alternatives after the major bad press over the last few years about prescription drugs, and especially drug treatments for arthritis.
As most people know by know, the COX-2 inhibitor drugs produced by pharmaceutical drugs have come under intense scrutiny after Vioxx, produced by Merck, was shown to significantly increase the chance of suffering stroke or heart attack in people taking it.
Other treatment method also have significant risks. Aspirin and ibuprofen, which help fight inflammation, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, and ulcers if taken for long periods.
Corticosteroids, which can also offset inflammation, are another treatment that can only be used only for short periods because of possible horrible side effects.
Rheumatoid arthritis herbal remedies consist of the following:
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is yellow pigment that gives turmeric its color. Curcumin is used as a spice in ethnic dishes, such as Indian food. Recent research has shown that it harbors a great deal of anti-inflammatory action.
Because inflammation is at the root of rheumatoid arthritis, all treatments and remedies should have anti-inflammatory properties.
Devil's claw root - Despite its sinister name, it is believed to have inflammation fighting properties. However, it may aggravate certain conditions, such as peptic ulcers and may make acid reflux worse.
Feverfew - Feverfew has been used to treat arthritis and fevers for centuries. Extracts of the herb have been shown to inhibit inflammation as it occurs.
Ginger - Another of the more popular rheumatoid arthritis herbal remedies. Ginger, fresh giner, lighly cooked as in traditional Asian dishes or raw. Contrary to belief, there is no active ingredient of ginger in ginger ale or ginger candies. Fresh ginger root harbors anti-inflammatories and studies show that people using it achieve some measure of pain and swelling relief.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Although omega 3 fatty acids are not rheumatoid arthritis herbal remedies, they are essential nutrients that the vast majority of people in the Western world do not get enough of. And they are powerful anti-inflammatories, in addition to having numerous other benefits for the health of the brain and heart.
Some websites, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center, state:
"Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused...on rheumatoid arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis."
The best source of omega 3 fatty acids are purified, molecularly distilled fish oil supplements.
There you have it, herbal remedies to consider if you have rheumatoid arthritis and wish to avoid prescription meds.
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