Arthritis involves a range of conditions that involves pain and inflammation in the joints. It is a degenerative condition which means that the symptoms can worsen over time. There are various types of arthritis and all of which can cause pain. You’ll need to keep up with your medicines to relieve the pain, but there are natural remedies that help ease the pain of arthritis.
Before you try any of these natural remedies for arthritis, be sure to talk to your doctor as some of it might conflict with your existing medications.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property that is great an excellent remedy for arthritis pain. This herb can prevent the activation in inflammatory substance in your body. Studies have shown that it can also prevent damage to your body’s cells by interacting with free radicals produced within your cells.
However, there possible side effects:
- low blood pressure
- headache
- nausea or dizziness.
You shouldn’t use this herb if you:
- take medications to suppress the immune system.
- have tuberculosis
- use blood thinners
Ginger
The compound found in ginger that gives it is strong flavor also have anti-inflammatory properties. People have been using ginger to treat nausea, but it can also be used to relieve pain from arthritis.
In a 2016 study, researchers believe that the ingredients in ginger can have applications for the pharmaceutical treatment of arthritis. It has been shown that it cannot only help manage the symptoms but also prevent bone degeneration.
You can use ginger by infusing it in tea bags or adding powdered ginger to your favorite foods.
If you’re using blood thinners, check with your doctor first before consuming ginger as it can interfere with your blood thinner medications.
Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine is a herb that has been long used as Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medicine to manage inflammation. This could make an excellent treatment in the treatment of arthritis.
A few studies have shown that there is a drop in inflammation and tender joints for people with arthritis who take thunder god vine supplements.
Side effects include:
- headache
- hair loss
- upper respiratory tract infections
- upset stomach.
Pregnant women and those at risk with osteoporosis should not take this.
Willow bark
Willow bark has been used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation as traditional Chinese medicine due to the chemical called salicin. Your body turns salicin into another chemical substance called salicylic acid. Salicylic acid reduces the development of certain prostaglandins in your hormone and eases pain and discomfort.
Common side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- upset stomach
- allergic reactions, particularly if you’re allergic to aspirin
- stomach ulcers and bleeding in case of overdose.
You should consult your doctor before using willow bark, especially if you have a stomach ulcer or is using blood thinners. Do not take willow bark supplements if you’re allergic to aspirin.
When treating arthritis with the mentioned herbal medicine above, make sure that you consult your doctor first before trying one as it may complement your current medications. It is also essential to understand that some of these herbs can cause serious side effects.