Herbal Supplements to Reduce Arthritis Inflammation

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. There are over 100 forms of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune form, are the more common forms. While conventional treatments are available, many individuals are empowered to make informed choices about their health and are turning to natural remedies such as herbs to help alleviate their symptoms.

One of the benefits of looking to natural remedies is that traditional medications used to treat autoimmune arthritis often have significant side effects, especially with long-term use. They can be very costly. In addition, about 30-40% of RA patients fail drugs, including biologic therapies, so many resort to natural therapies to help with symptoms. Herbs may serve as adjuncts to traditional therapies or even reduce their need.

Many herbs have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and some have been found to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Below are several common herbs that act on various inflammatory markers and pathways to reduce autoimmune inflammation and pain:¹

• Turmeric, which contains a compound called curcumin, has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It can be easily incorporated into your diet by adding it to curry dishes, smoothies, or even as a supplement.
• Ginger is another herb well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce pain and swelling in arthritic joints. You can enjoy ginger by adding it to teas, soups, or stir-fries or taking it in supplement form.
• Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herb used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules in the body. It has been shown to improve physical function and reduce inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis (OA) in studies.² Boswellia can be taken as a supplement or used topically as a cream or ointment.
• Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to modulate immune response and inflammatory markers in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and helping to reduce joint inflammation and pain.
• Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) or green tea extracts share some similarities in reducing inflammation similar to resveratrol and curcumin. It has also shown some promise for impacting the disease progression of clinical arthritis.
• Triptolide is sourced from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (TwHF), suppresses the immune system, and has been used historically to treat RA. It also helps protect cartilage and reduce inflammation.

In addition to these herbs, other supplements that may benefit arthritis include devil’s claw, cat’s claw, and willow bark. Devil’s claw, native to South Africa, has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in individuals with arthritis. Cat’s claw, a vine native to the Amazon rainforest, has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain. Willow bark, which contains salicin (a compound similar to aspirin), can help alleviate pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.

Many clinicians and herbalists consider herbal treatments safe. However, more research is needed to establish their effectiveness and the best dosing for diseases like RA. ³ Many supplement products combine natural herbs to help reduce inflammation by working on the same and/or different inflammatory markers.

When incorporating herbs and supplements into your diet for arthritis, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual needs. Additionally, remember that herbs can be a helpful adjunct to conventional treatments, but they are not a replacement for medical advice and treatment.

In conclusion, herbs can be a natural and effective way to help reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis. By incorporating herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and boswellia into your diet and considering supplemental herbs like devil’s claw and willow bark, you may find relief from your arthritis symptoms. Remember to consult a healthcare provider before starting new herbs or supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your needs.

References

1.          Moudgil KD, Venkatesha SH. The Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Natural Products to Control Autoimmune Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(1). doi:10.3390/ijms24010095

2.          Lindler BN, Long KE, Taylor NA, Lei W. Use of Herbal Medications for Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medicines. 2020;7(11):67. doi:10.3390/medicines7110067

3.          Talukdar AJ, Mani RK, Malli R, Shree S, Md F. The role of medicinal plants in rheumatoid arthritis-an updated review. International Journal of Indigenous Herbs and Drugs. Published online 2023. doi:10.46956/ijihd.v8i3.459