Home Remedies and Natural treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a rare disease that is happening in only one percent of the population. This anti-immune disease is caused when tissues surrounding and cushioning the joints are attacked by the body’s immune system. This results in the form of scar tissue and deterioration of the cartilage, bone, and ligaments around the joints. It is a painful disease that is not treated; it will destroy your health.

This disease can affect on any age but is mostly diagnosed in people between 30 and 50. In some cases, not knowing the factors which are causing rheumatoid arthritis. But many medical experts believe that this disease can be caused by family history. This means that someone from your family has or has had rheumatoid arthritis. When it is in the early stage is often difficult to diagnose it.

If you are having rheumatoid arthritis, you can feel warm, painful, and swollen joints; occasional fever or fatigue; the small joints in your body are affected (feet, toes, hands, fingers, ankles, and elbows). When rheumatoid arthritis develops, your joints will be deformed, and you might feel difficulties in your moving.

There are many medicines for treating rheumatoid arthritis. But we recommend you start using natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis because nature is powerful, and you will also have benefits on your health.

14 Rheumatoid Arthritis Home Remedies and Natural cures

Plant oils

The seeds of black currant, primrose, and borage contain a type of fatty acid that helps to relieve you from the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and relieving from morning stiffness [1].

There also can be negative effects if you are not consuming these oils in the right amount. Here are included gas, nausea, and diarrhea. Before using these oils, you should consult your doctor because some types of oil can cause liver damage.

Omega-3 fatty acid

An omega-3 fatty acid is found in fish oil. We all know that fish oil is coming from coldwater fish such as tuna and salmon. Fish oil is improving inflammatory diseases.

If you use this oil, then you will feel decreased pain and morning joint stiffness. But if you are taking the fish oil in combination with other medicines, you risk your health. This combination can be the reason for the bleeding.

Also, it can cause high pressure. If you are not using omega-3 fatty acids in the amount which should be told by your doctor, then you can feel gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is always a good idea for you to know the right fish oil product because, in the market, there are many types of fish oils.

Medicine experts recommend not using fish oil products that smell so fishy and not using freezing capsules. They are the reason for the negative effects of using these products. You should always look for fish oil products that contain mercury-free fish oil. [2]

Borage oil

If you have swollen and tender joints, then you should use borage oil. This oil reduces tender and swollen joints. Borage oil is good for the relief you the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. This oil has negative effects if you are not using it, as your doctor said. Some of the negative effects are bloating, increased risk for bleeding (especially for people who are using medicines), and upset stomach. [1]

Andrographis paniculata

This is a native Asian plant. It is better known by its name King of Bitters. It is used in Chinese medicine as early as 260 BC. King of Bitters has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Andrographis paniculata has been used in traditional medicine for fevers, infectious diseases, respiratory infections, and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, this plant is used to treat HIV, inflammation, cold & flu, and cancer. One research has shown that taking this plant orally three times a day over 14 weeks can improve swollen joints and mobility.

Bromelain

Bromelain is also known as Ananas comosus. This is a tropical pineapple plant. It contains the active enzyme bromelain. It has been so many decades in Central and South America to treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, and indigestion. Bromelain is improving health and also reducing the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. [3]

Boswellia

Boswellia serrata, or Boswellia, contains anti-inflammatory properties [4]. This plant is native to India and Pakistan. Also it is known as Indian frankincense. Acids contained in the Boswellia serrata interfere with the leukotrienes, causing inflammation in the body. This plant is available in capsule form or as a topical cream. Many studies have shown that this plant is improving the organism which is affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

Cayenne Pepper

This plant has been used for decades to treat digestive aid, but these days, it is more used to treat pain. Cayenne pepper contains active substances, which are called capsaicin [1].

If you apply topical creams of cayenne pepper, then you will feel temporarily relieved from pain and minor aches which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This is confirmed by many studies which were done by famous medicine centers. One of these studies has shown that this plant is good for mild pain relief.

Calcium

We all know that calcium is used worldwide for bone disease. Many of the medicines used for rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone loss, pain, and inactivity from inflammation which will result in bone disease. If your diet is rich in calcium, your bones will be healthier and protected from bone diseases.

A rheumatoid arthritis diet should include green and leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified beverages, and low-fat dairy products. Health institutes are recommending 1000 mg supplement for adults under 50, women over 50, and men over 70 – 1200 mg.

Chamomile

This ancient herbal remedy is used to treat insomnia, inflammation, rheumatic pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. Chamomile contains a spirometer, which helps to ease sore muscles and joint pants. This plant also promotes sleep and relaxes tension.

Chamomile can be used in many ways, such as herbal tea and essential oils. When used as a tea, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and also sedative effects. If chamomile is taken internally, it can be effective at healing sore or irritated skin. There are many cases that have shown that using chamomile for rheumatoid arthritis has good results. [5]

Ginger root

Ginger is one of the most used plants worldwide for many types of diseases, such as hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive disorders, colds, migraines, and nausea [6]. Fresh root is available in the stores. Also, the fresh root can be used as tea. If you do not want to drink ginger tea, then you will find ginger in supplement form. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to relieve the body from the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. One study has shown that patients who had taken ginger in supplement form twice daily for three months said they felt improved joint functionality and pain relief.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is growing in the South American rainforest. This herb has been used for over 2000 years in medicine. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which are effective for relieving joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. This plant has few side effects, with a digestive upset in the first place.

Celery seed

This plant has been used for thousands of years to treat rheumatoid arthritis, colds, digestion, liver, and spleen. This herbal remedy is used as a diuretic these days. Some studies have shown side effects such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Devil’s Claw

This plant is native to the Kalahari Desert. The root of the devil’s claw has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, infections, and digestive disorders. Root extracts contain iridoid glycoside, which is good for treating rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, and OA. There are minimal side effects from this plant. [7]

Rosemary

Rosemary has been used as a food spice and fragrance in cosmetics. This plant is used in medicine to treat indigestion, relieve muscle pain, and improve memory [7].

Antioxidant properties, which are contained in the rosemary, help to reduce muscle pain. Rosemary can be used as a topical application and capsule supplement. Experts recommend not to use more than four to six grams daily.

References

[1]  Soeken KL, Miller SA, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology. 2003;42(5):652-9.

[2] Rajaei E, Mowla K, Ghorbani A, et al. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis receiving DMARDs therapy: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. Global Journal of Health Science. 2016;8(7):18-25.

[3] Rathnavelu V, Alitheen NB, Sohila S, et al. Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications. Biomedical Reports. 2016;5(3):283-8.

[4] Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, A potential antiinflammatory agent: An overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011;73(3):255-61.

[5] Pirouzpanah S, Mahboob S, Sanayei M, et al. The effect of chamomile tea consumption on inflammation among rheumatoid arthritis patients: randomized clinical trial. Supplement: Nutraceutical and Medicinal Plants. 2017;9(1).

[6] Al-Nahain A, Jahan R, Rahmatullah M. Zingiber officinale: A potential plant against rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis. 2014;2014:159089.

[7] Ghasemian M, Owlia S, Owlia MB. Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences. 2016;2016:9130979.