For centuries, holistic practitioners have relied on plant-based remedies to alleviate pain, overcome health conditions, and improve the quality of life. In fact, archaeologists recently discovered a clay Sumerian tablet that dates back over 5,000 years. It recorded the use of mandrake, poppy, and henbane as acceptable herbal medicine. Nowadays, many people are abstaining from prescription medications and opting instead to use more natural options. In this article, we will explore the best herbs for arthritis.
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Using the Best Herbs for Arthritis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that 54 million people (23 percent of adults) suffer from arthritis. Sadly, one in four of the sufferers report having to cope with severe joint pain that impacts daily activities and significantly reduces their enjoyment in life.
Choices for the Best Herbs for Arthritis
Arthritis pain
When researching the best herbs for arthritis, you’ll discover that not all plant products are available in the same forms. Typically, herbal preparations are available as teas, capsules, powders, extracts, topicals, and tinctures. On occasion, the herbs can also be used as spices that you add to your favorite recipes. You’ll find that some herbs are absorbed better by the body when heated and steeped as a tea and others have greater efficacy when used a capsule or powder form. For optimum potency, some are available as extracts. Usually, the form you take depends on personal preference.
Borage Oil
Borage Oil extract is obtained from the Borago officinalis plant. It contains exceptionally high levels of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). The fatty acid reduces inflammation throughout the body.
The oil does have side effects in some users such as soft stools, constipation, and flatulence that can lead to cramping. Depending on the product, it may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which often causes liver damage in some cases.
Borage oil is obtained from the plant’s seeds. Manufacturers place the oil into soft gel or capsule form. Arthritis sufferers often turn to topicals which they apply directly on the inflamed joint. The oil sinks rapidly into the skin without causing the degree of side effects often experienced via the oral route.
Evening primrose and black currant also contain GLA to some degrees.
Turmeric
The root turmeric eases pain and swelling.
Turmeric is a favored spice in Asian foods. The herb’s origins date back to ancient Egypt. The plant’s orange pulpy stem and roots contain a potent and impressive compound referred to as curcumin. One study found that curcumin worked at reducing inflammation caused by arthritis.
The body does not have the ability to absorb impressive quantities of curcumin but when combined with piperine, which occurs naturally in black pepper, the absorption rate improves dramatically.
You’ll find turmeric in various forms such as extracts, powders, teas, spices, and capsules. Ayurvedic medicine promotes the use of turmeric to treat a variety of health conditions. It acts as a pain reliever and inflammation reducer.
Some users report an upset stomach after using turmeric. Also, it has blood-thinning properties which can pose a problem for anyone taking prescription blood thinners.
Kratom
Kratom has been a favored herb for centuries in parts of SE Asia. Obtained from the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa, the tree’s foliage undergoes curing and pulverization to turn it into a fine powder. In addition, locals also brew the leaves into tea or chew the foliage to extract the abundant alkaloids.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the two main alkaloids found in plant fiber. Kratom also contains 26 other alkaloids that vary in quantity depending on the strain, location where the tree was cultivated, harvest time, and curing methods.
The alkaloids appear to impact the body’s opioid receptor (MOR). Also, depending on the strain purchased, the percentages can differ which provides varying physical reactions in the user.
Low doses of kratom act like a stimulant but higher doses have a sedative-like reaction. The alkaloids appear to reduce inflammation throughout the body, especially in the joints, according to research.
Kratom is widely available online and at brick-and-mortar establishments. You can buy it in capsule form, as a powder, or as an extract. At My Kratom Club, we sell a wide array of kratom strains in capsule, powder, and extract form HERE.
Chronic pain sufferers often turn to kratom to ease pain and to kick their opioid addiction. Therefore, many arthritis sufferers often turn to Green Bali or Red Indo for relief.
Aloe Vera
The succulent plant Aloe Vera boasts impressive antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll find the plant’s extracted gel is the active ingredient in a wide array of skin products.
In addition, Aloe Vera acts as an antioxidant and removes free radicals from the body. The antioxidant activity seems to prevent the body’s production of inflammatory enzymes which reduces inflammation
One study carried out in 2018 found that the active compounds of aloe vera had similar characteristics to those featured in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa or U. tomentosa) grows as a large vine throughout much of South and Central America. The herb improves the function of the immune system and appears to reduce inflammation. In one clinical trial, the cat’s claw showed anti-inflammatory properties among participants.
Another study showed that a cat’s claw appears to respond to the body’s enzyme activity which has long been associated with arthritis.
Cat’s claw appears completely safe when ingested in small quantities. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has suggested that pregnant women should not use cat’s claw due to potential problems.
Eucalyptus
Using Eucalyptus Oil Products to Ease Arthritis Swelling
The smell of eucalyptus oil is heavenly. It tantalizes the nostrils and many aromatherapy practitioners regularly prescribe it due to its cleansing abilities. The leaves have antioxidant properties that not only ease inflammation but also combat pain.
In a 2016 study, it was found that eucalyptus leaf extracts contained two enzymes that are well known to reduce inflammation: interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Many consider it one of the best herbs for arthritis. Also, you can add the essential oil directly to bath water for a long, leisurely soak. The oil sinks into the skin to reduce joint inflammation.
You can place the oil in a diffuser to inhale the herb’s aroma. Many users opt for a topical cream, lotion, or balm to smooth in the areas of discomfort.
Although there are no significant side effects to eucalyptus, users should take care in case of allergic reactions. It seems that many individuals have a sensitivity to the oil and can suffer an allergic response that varies in intensity and severity.
Frankincense
Frankincense (Boswella serrata) is obtained from the bark of the Boswellia tree. In addition, the resin boasts a strong, aromatic hue that is favored for use in incense, perfumes, and essential oils.
The Arthritis Foundation lists Frankincense as beneficial for arthritis sufferers due to its impressive anti-inflammatory properties.
You can apply Frankincense-laden topicals directly to the inflamed area or use the oil in a warm bath. Also, you try it as an essential oil in a diffuser of olfactory benefits.
Conclusion: Best Herbs for Arthritis
Arthritis suffers experience chronic, long-term inflammation of the joints that causes stiffness, swelling, and pain. Using a combination of exercise, proper nutrition, and naturopathic medical care options can provide relief. The compounds found in the best herbs for arthritis sufferers all complement each other.
If you want to try herbs to treat arthritis, then be sure to talk with your healthcare physician to determine the product’s safety prior to use. Sometimes, if you are taking prescription medications, then you might want to abstain from using certain herbs that can hinder the drug’s effectiveness or cause side effects.
At My Kratom Club, we carry a wide array of kratom products. We are here to answer your questions. Please contact us today to learn more.
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