| There is no shortage of herbs for arthritis. It is true that | | | | well known natural pain relievers that is useful even to |
| they may not really be able to cure arthritis. They can | | | | those who do not have arthritis. Capsaicin which |
| however greatly reduce the pain and swelling that | | | | makes peppers taste hot can also help hamper the |
| arthritis patients commonly suffer from. These herbs | | | | perception of pain. It also causes the release of more |
| may be a good option for you if nothing else works. | | | | endorphins which are natural pain relievers in the body. |
| Among the possible herbal options are: | | | | Another compound in red peppers is salicylate which |
| -Nettle Leaves- Stinging nettle is believed to be the | | | | closely mimics aspirin. |
| natural counterpart of NSAIDs. The anti-inflammatory | | | | -Alfalfa- The major contribution of this herb to arthritis |
| components of this herb reduce arthritis swelling. The | | | | relief is its nourishing nutrient content. It also serves to |
| herb also has boron which is a recommended nutrient | | | | minimize the retention of fluid. It is recommended that |
| for those with arthritis. Nettle can be eaten or used for | | | | arthritic patients take this herb in tea form. Alfalfa |
| tea. | | | | powder may increase arthritis symptoms. |
| -Devil's Claw- Its name is actually derived from the | | | | -Angelica- One species of this herb is also popularly |
| appearance of its fruits that look much like claws. This | | | | known as dong quai. This herb is used for both the |
| is a herb found in Africa and is prized for its pain | | | | relief of inflammation and arthritis pain. Like other herbs, |
| relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also | | | | this one can be taken in tea form. |
| believed to help improve the joint movement of arthritic | | | | A couple of other herbs have pain and inflammation |
| patients. | | | | reducing components. Those who take herbs seriously |
| -Ginger- If you love the taste of ginger, you will love it | | | | and properly can truly attest to the effectiveness of |
| even more for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can | | | | herbs. You should always remember though to always |
| also help reduce the sensation of pain. Those who are | | | | have safety in mind. Some herbs, when taken with |
| very fond of ginger often report that there seem to be | | | | some medicines can result in serious and dangerous |
| no side effects associated with it. Ginger can be | | | | side effects. |
| mixed with food or taken as tea. | | | | Herbs also have no standard dosages and mixtures. |
| -Celery- Another ingredient found in the kitchen that | | | | Different sources and herbal experts will have |
| can be used for arthritis relief is celery. Early European | | | | different recommendations. This means there is no |
| settlers introduced this herb to the North American | | | | guarantee that one specific dosage recommendation |
| continent. The herb has anti-inflammatory substances | | | | will work well for you. |
| and potassium which is beneficial for arthritis patients. | | | | Herbs should not be taken without your doctor's |
| -Red Pepper- No herbs for arthritis list will be complete | | | | advice. The safest way to take herbs for arthritis is |
| without red pepper. This is probably one of the most | | | | with your doctor's knowledge and consent. |