Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Herbs for rheumatoid arthritis help to reduce the joint inflammation and undo the damage that has been caused, at least partially. Reducing the pain, stiffness in the joints and problems with the regular movement of the joints are other areas that should be handled. At the same time, these herbs also aid in preventing any further damage to the joints.

There are a lot of herbs and ingredients commonly available, that can help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We will get into the details of some of them now.

Turmeric: Turmeric, with its medicinal values, can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin, derived from turmeric is especially useful in the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric is considered an antiseptic, hence it helps in the reduction of infection in joints.

Celery: Celery is an anti-spasmodic, but at the same time works wonders for patients in both kinds of arthritis, namely rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Celery, a native American herb, is now available all over the world.

Arnica: Arnica is used in homeopathic treatment. It is used to sooth soreness and inflammation. Arnica is applied externally to the afflicted area.

Green Tea: Green tea has a number of health benefits, also helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It behaves like a mild painkiller. Hence, green tea can be a greener and healthier alternative to the allopathic drugs, that may have large number of side effects.

Guggul: Guggul (scientific name - Commiphora mukul), with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic property, is used by a lot of Ayurvedic practitioners all over the world, in the treatment of arthritis. The effect of guggul can be immediately seen on the patient.

Wild Yam: Wild yam is a tuber. It is generally found in humid and warmer climates. They flower annually. The root of these tubers have great medicinal values. They contain steroidal saponins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help in the treatment of the reduced gap between joints, caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties help in maintaining the gap and reducing the pain.

Linseed: Linseed (viz. flaxseed) has been used since the Egyptian civilization or may be even before that. Linseed is not administered orally, but the oil extracted from it is used as an ointment.

Oregano: Oregano can be referred to as the herbal morphine. Therefore, it is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dry Ginger: Another traditional Indian herb used for the treatment of rheumatoid is dry ginger. It is an analgesic. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are reduced considerably by this herb.

Indian Ginseng: Indian ginseng, like most of the other herbs mentioned above, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is also known to be a stress buster. At the same time, it is a medicine that has the capacity to combat cancer.

Tinospora Cordifolia: Tinospora cordifolia, in Ayurveda means 'an elixir for long span of life'. It is said to increase the immunity of the body against rheumatoid arthritis as well as various other diseases.

Vitex Negundo: The next herb, which we are going to learn about is Vitex negundo. By combining Vitex negundo with alcohol, tincture is prepared, and applied over the affected area. The leaves are also boiled in water and the warm leaves are applied on the joints.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa, a kind of a grass, is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is consumed like the herbal tea. A lot of people all round the world have benefited from the use of Alfalfa in their fight against rheumatoid arthritis.

Mustard: Mustard, a common herb in the Mediterranean and Asian region, is used as plasters, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The mustard seeds are grounded coarsely, and water is mixed with the grounded powder and applied to the joints.

It can be seen, that our kitchen itself is a store house of a number of medicines. Maximum utilization of these herbs can save us not only from rheumatoid arthritis, but many other diseases as well.