How Effective Are Herbs For Arthritis?

The use of herbs for arthritis healing and pain is becoming accepted and popular all over the world. Used since ancient times by Chinese homeopaths, herbs offer many pain relieving and circulatory benefits. Most of these herbs, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can alleviate your need for narcotic pain relievers.

What is Arthritis?

Do you wonder what arthritis is? If so, you are not alone. Many people suffer intense pain but do not know that they have arthritis. There are many types of arthritis, two of the main types being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a painful inflammation or changes in joint tissue. If your condition has been diagnosed as osteoarthritis, herbs can help with circulatory problems and digestion.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second major form of the disease. This type of arthritis is caused by an autoimmune problem. Inflammation will be very painful and could be deforming. Herbs are also effective for addressing this severe form of arthritis. The herbs used will include those for circulation and digestion as well as herbs for boosting the immune system and herbs that ease inflammation.

Herbs for Digestion

Healthy digestion is a very important factor for people who suffer from arthritis. Many times a person with arthritis is unable to digest calcium and minerals from the foods they eat. In these cases, herbalists use enzymes to help with digestion. These enzymes can be digested before your meal and will help your body absorb the calcium and minerals it needs. An herbal concoction of bitters works well to help with digestion. Several different herbs are combined with bitters, which is an alcohol derivative.

Magnesium is an extremely important mineral for arthritis. This mineral is one that cannot be absorbed by many people with the disease. However, there are herbs for arthritis that can help your body absorb magnesium. Nettles, fennel, sage and marjoram, along with parsley and alfalfa, can be utilized by arthritis suffers. These herbs will help relieve muscle cramps caused by a lack of magnesium in your system.

Silica can be taken to improve calcium absorption and it will help improve bone density. Horse tail is a great source of silica and is used in many arthritis preparations.

Topical Herbs for Arthritis

There are also several good topical herbs for arthritis pain relief. The best is also the strangest and is usually performed by an herbalist. The technique, called moxabustion, involves the use of the mugwort root. Herbalists grind this herb into a powder and roll it in paper much like a cigarette. One end of the rolled herb is lit. After the lit end turns red the ground mugwort root will be passed back and forth very close to the affected area. The area will redden and the herbalist will move to another spot.

As mentioned, this technique is most often performed by an experienced professional. Although Moxa sticks can be found in many Chinese stores you should never attempt this treatment by yourself.

Herbs for arthritis can be extremely helpful in treatment and stabilization of the disease. Discussing your options with your doctor will help you find the best way to reduce the pain and gain control of your joints.