19/08/2022
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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
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9 Herbs to Fight Arthritis Pain
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Kristeen Cherney — Updated on June 1, 2020
Aloe Vera
Boswellia
Cat's Claw
Eucalyptus
Ginger
Green Tea
Thunder God Vine
Turmeric
Willow Bark
Other options
Ask a Doctor
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Overview
There are different types of arthritis, but they can all cause pain. Some natural remedies may help you manage mild symptoms, particularly if you use them alongside other treatment options.
Certain herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA).
Still, there’s a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of many of these options, and some may have negative effects.
Before opting for “natural” remedies for arthritis, be sure to talk to a doctor first, as some options may interact with existing medications.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used herbs in alternative medicine. It’s available in many forms, such as pills, powder, gels, and as a leaf.
Known for its healing properties, it’s popular for treating small skin abrasions, such as sunburn, but it may also help with joint pain.
Possible benefits includeTrusted Source the following:
It has anti-inflammatory properties.
It doesn’t have the negative gastrointestinal effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used for arthritis pain.
Topical application: You can apply a gel directly to the skin.
Oral medication: Some researchersTrusted Source have suggested that taking aloe by mouth may help relieve osteoarthritis pain.
More studies are needed to confirm that these treatments are beneficial.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source notes that aloe vera use is likely to be safe, but some people have side effects when they take it by mouth.
It may lower glucose levels and interact with some diabetes medications.
You can purchase topical aloe vera online.
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2. Boswellia
Practitioners of traditional and alternative medicine use Boswellia serrata, also called frankincense, for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s derived from the gum of Boswellia trees, which are indigenous to India.
According to a reviewTrusted Source published in 2011, boswellic acid appears to have anti-inflammatory effects that could help people with RA, OA, and gout.
Results from human trials have suggested that frankincense capsules may help improve pain, function, and stiffness due to OA. However, these were small studies. More research is needed.
Doses of up to 1 gram a day of boswellia appear to be safe, but high doses can affect the liver. It’s available in tablet form and topical creams.
Boswellia can be purchased online.
3. Cat’s claw
Cat’s claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that may reduce swelling in arthritis. It comes from the bark and root of a tropical vine that grows in South and Central America.
People have traditionally used it as an anti-inflammatory and to boost the immune system.
The Arthritis Foundation notes that, like many conventional drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, cat’s claw suppresses tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
They cite a small 2002 study in which cat’s claw was shown effective in reducing joint swelling by over 50 percent in 40 people with RA.
However, possible side effects include:
nausea and dizziness
low blood pressure
headache
You shouldn’t use this herb if you:
use blood thinners
take medications that suppress the immune system
have tuberculosis
According to the NCCIHTrusted Source, some small studies have looked at cat’s claw for rheumatoid arthritis, but more research is needed.
If you prefer a more natural approach to managing arthritis pain, plenty of herbal remedies are available. We’ll spotlight nine of them for you.
