| Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which is considered | | | | tissue. |
| to be a chronic, inflammatory disorder that causes the | | | | Devil's claw root - Is known to be effective |
| immune system to attack the joints. This debilitating | | | | in reducing the inflammation of connective tissues, as it |
| disease is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, | | | | dispels uric acid. |
| and can often lead to a major loss of mobility due to | | | | Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) - |
| pain and joint expiration. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a | | | | Chinese skullcap has proven anti-arthritic and anti |
| systemic disease, it often affects extra-articular | | | | Chinese skullcap does not appear to have any |
| tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood | | | | adverse effects at therapeutic levels. Its |
| vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. | | | | therapeutic-inflammatory actions, similar in effect to the |
| A number of herbs have been shown to feature | | | | prescription drugs phenylbutazone and indomethacin. |
| significant anti-inflammatory properties. Some herbs | | | | action appears to be related to its high content of |
| also can be potential painkillers as well as being | | | | flavonoid molecules. |
| anti-inflammatory in nature. However, further testing of | | | | Chinese thoroughwax - (Bupleuri falcatum) |
| possible herbal remedies is still in the early stages and | | | | This root is an important ingredient in various |
| it would be difficult to tell the true effectiveness of | | | | prescriptions in Chinese traditional medicine, particularly |
| these herbs. A number of promising herbal substitutes | | | | remedies for inflammatory conditions. |
| for painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are shown | | | | Ginger - In one significant study, Indian |
| below to harbor significant anti-inflammatory properties:. | | | | researchers gave three to seven grams of ginger a |
| Birch leaf juice - Acts as a diuretic without | | | | day to 28 people with rheumatoid arthritis. More than |
| irritating the kidney. It is advised to take 1 tablespoon | | | | 75 percent of those participating in the study reported |
| three times daily. | | | | at least some relief from pain and swelling. |
| Boswellia - Boswellia, has been investigated | | | | Feverfew - Feverfew has a long history in |
| for its effects on arthritis. The herb has a unique | | | | traditional herbal treatment circles for the treatment of |
| anti-inflammatory action, and acts much like the | | | | fever, arthritis and migraine. Extracts of feverfew |
| conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | | | | have indicated greater activity in inhibiting inflammation |
| (NSAIDs). People are advised to take 400-800 mg of | | | | in experimental studies. Feverfew extracts have been |
| extract in capsules or tablets three times per day. | | | | noted to inhibit the synthesis of many pro-inflammatory |
| Blueberries and cherries - These berries are | | | | compounds at their initial stage of synthesis. |
| rich sources of flavonoid molecules, specifically | | | | Dong quai - This herb is potent for relieving |
| proanthocyanidins. These flavonoids possess | | | | fleeting muscle and joint pains, particularly, if they are |
| membrane and collagen stabilizing, antioxidant, | | | | worse in damp conditions. Take I tbsp. of dried root |
| anti-inflammatory actions, including many other | | | | juice three times daily. |
| functions that are very beneficial in the treatment of | | | | Along with these herbal concoctions, rheumatologists |
| rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | also advise that treatment for conditions like these also |
| Celery seeds - These seeds help clear uric | | | | includes rest and physical activity. Regular exercise is |
| acid from the joints of gout and arthritis patients. To | | | | required for maintaining joint mobility and strengthening |
| prepare, boil 1 tsp. of seeds in 1 cup of water for | | | | the joint muscles. Swimming is particularly good, since it |
| fifteen minutes, strain and sip. | | | | allows for exercise with a minimum of stress on the |
| Dandelion - Noted to dispel uric acid. Take 3 | | | | joints. Heat and cold compresses are effective |
| capsules daily, 1 tbsp. juice or 1 cup tea, twice daily for | | | | modalities that can ease RA symptoms before and |
| four to six weeks to reduce the frequency and | | | | after exercise. |
| intensity of pain, and to strengthen the connective | | | | |