Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that centers on the joints. As you age, the joints naturally begin to degenerate to some degree. With arthritis, the joints also become inflamed and painful. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are more than 100 types of the disease. Two of the most commonly seen types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.
Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis develop slowly over several months or years. The major joints like the knees, hips, fingers and spinal column are affected. The most common symptom is pain that intensifies during movement and exercise. Stiffness in the morning occurs frequently, but the joints will loosen up a bit as the day goes on. In severe osteoarthritis, complete mobility may be compromised and you may feel sharp shooting pains.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis center around joint pain and stiffness, especially upon rising in the morning. Pain may be felt in the hands, wrists, knees and feet. You may also experience swelling, fatigue, weakness, weight loss and a low fever.
Causes
Osteoarthritis is caused primarily by age and injury. The exact cause behind this disease is not completely understood yet.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the antibodies in the immune system attack the joints and even the organs. The underlying cause has not been discovered yet.
Cautions
If you have any side effects or interactions from your herbal remedies with your prescription medication, tell your physician immediately. If your arthritis continues to worsen, seek medical attention.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Boswellia – this herb works for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may be combined with ashwagandha, zinc and turmeric. While it is slower to act than over the counter NSAIDs, this natural anti-inflammatory has comparable effects without the side effects. Boswellia can be used long-term.
- Willow bark – this herb has a similar effect to aspirin. While it works slower, willow bark lasts longer and has fewer side effects.
- Ginger – this herb can relieve pain and swelling due to arthritis. Follow directions on the label for the best results.
- Devil's claw – this herb is an anti-inflammatory and works as an analgesic. Take as directed for the best relief for arthritis.
- Turmeric – another anti-inflammatory herb, turmeric also protects against free radical damage, hopefully preventing further deterioration.
- Horsetail – the silica level in horsetail strengthens the connective tissue and is considered a good remedy to fight arthritis.
- Burdock root – adding burdock to your diet or taking supplements can cleanse the blood and reduce calcification and swelling of the joints.
- Stinging nettle – this herb helps the body retain calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones and joints. Tea made from nettle is rich and tasty. Drink it as needed throughout the day. Nettle can also be taken as a tincture.
External Applications
- Cayenne – a cream that contains cayenne extract can reduce pain and tenderness due to many forms of arthritis.
- Fenugreek – make hot, moist poultices of fenugreek leaves and apply to the areas that are painful. Add gentle exercise as the pain begins to ease.
- Comfrey – use this herb externally only. The tincture or fresh herb can be applied to painful joints to soothe inflammation and reduce pain and swelling.