Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Oenothera biennis

• Evening primrose oil contains GLA (Gamma-linolenic Acid) an omega-6 fatty acid which helps ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the production of prostaglandins that trigger inflammation.
  
  
• Evening Primrose Oil is also useful for heart complaints (it is a natural anticoagulant) and can also be used for psoriasis , gastric irritations, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure .

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Borage Salad with Edible Flowers

Borago officinalis

• Borage seeds also contain GLA which can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the production of prostaglandins that trigger inflammation.
  
  
• Borage Tea is a delicious and relaxing bedtime drink and can also be drunk to bring down a fever, and relieve chest colds, bronchitis and coughs.
  
  
• Borage also contains potassium which helps the body make cortisone (your very own natural painkiller) by stimulating the adrenal cortex.

Uncaria tomentosa

• Cat's Claw is one of the important healing herbs for rheumatoid arthrits as it enhances and stimulates the immune system.
  
  
• It acts as an antioxidant and inflammatory both of which will help with the management of arthritis.
  
  
• And a warning - Do not use Cat's Claw if you are pregnant or even think you might be pregnant.
  

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Cats Claw

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Chrysanthemum parthenium

• Feverfew can help with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory actions.
  
  
• Migraine sufferers can also benefit from this herb by taking 1 to 2 large leaves daily in sandwiches.
  
  
• Rheumatism sufferers have also reported good results.

Zingiber officinale

• Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory effects.
  
  
• This healing herb for RA is well known for inhibiting the pain-producing prostaglandins.
  
  
• It can also be used in cases of bad circulation.
  
  
• And as a gargle it may be effective in the relief of sore throats.

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Cayenne a Natural Painkiller

Capsicum annuum

• Cayenne's main constituent is a substance called capsaicin, which is number 1. amongst natural painkillers.
  
  
• When applied topically it temporarily depletes substance P, a chemical in nerves that transmits pain sensation. Without this substance pain signals can no longer be sent.
  
  
• Mash the fruit of the herb and mix with a skin cream and apply it directly to your swollen aching joints.
  
  
  

Curcuma longa

• Turmeric is another strong anti-oxidant that protects us against free-radicals damage.
  
  
• Turmeric contains Curcumin which in turn contains natural pain relieving COZ-2-inhibitors such as celecoxib.
  
  
• It also reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce more cortisone ,the body's own natural painkiller.
  
  
• Add the Turmeric to soups stews and rice dishes.
  
  
• Try using supplements as it is difficult to get medicinal doses of turmeric from your diet alone. The daily required dose is 250 to 500 mg which translates into 5 to 25 teaspoons of dried turmeric a day.
  

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Turmeric for Arthritis

• Green Tea is one of the very very very good herbs for rheumatoid arthritis because it is a rich source of anti-inflammatory catechins that can actually help slow cartilage breakdown and decrease chronic inflammation.
  
  
• It also has anti-oxidant activity to help fight those free radicals causing trouble with your joints.
  
  
• An extra little bonus here is, that green tea is believed to help reduce fat in the body and thereby taking unnecessary extra weight from painful joints.