The first place most rheumatoid arthritis sufferers turn is a medical doctor who in turn prescribes medications to lessen the arthritic pain to enable joints to feel better for a short time, but is this really the best solution? Over time, these medications can cause more damage to the patient as the toxins in the medications begin to harm other parts of the body.
Anti-Inflammatories for Rheumatoid Arthritis
An anti-inflammatory is very important when beginning to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatory herbs can help ease the symptoms of arthritis. There are a number of anti-inflammatory herbs: chamomile, aloe vera, devil's claw, frankincense, and zinc along with others like Co-Q10, golden seal, Omega-3, rose hips, and green tea extract.
- chamomile - is a single herb that is used for inflammation, antiviral, calming, digestion, nervine, and for the intestinal system. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or asters, you should not take chamomile as it could cause an allergic reaction.
- aloe vera - is a single herb used for arthritis, inflammation, as a tonic, heartburn, ulcers, and cancer. Aloe vera in its whole leaf form is used to help fight arthritis by building up the immune system.
- devil's claw - is a single herb used as an intense anti-inflammatory. It is also known to have pain relieving properties. Use caution when gastric ulcers are present.
- frankincense - is an essential oil used topically for asthma, respiratory congestion, sinusitis, laryngitis, and relaxation. It is an immune stimulant and anit-inflammatory.
- zinc - is a nutrient used in age prevention, anemia, body odor, and inflammation among many other aliments and conditions. Zinc is used for immune health because it searches out free radicals that cause the body problems.
Holistic Nutrition
While removing inflammation is the first step, rebuilding is the next step. Herbs rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients will need to be in place for healing to begin. Herbs that have been know to help include: alfalfa, chickweed, devil's claw, and grapefruit (pink).
- alfalfa - is a single herb used for centuries due to its rich vitamin, mineral, and nutrient content. It can thin the blood. Use caution when taking blood thinners or before surgery.
- chickweed - is a single herb used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, fatty tumors, Type II Diabetes, bronchial congestion, anemia, asthma, helps heal wounds and sores, and for many other ailments and conditions. It is a safe food herb that contains no known warnings.
- grapefruit (pink) - is an essential oil used to help rheumatic pain when the joints feel swollen and warm. It is also good for stretch marks, oily skin, irritability, frustration, tension, and elimination of toxins. When using, avoid direct sunlight.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Since rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) is an autoimmune disorder, it is best to talk to a Doctor of Natural Medicine to find natural remedies to help keep the body from attacking its own joints. Removing toxins from the body is very important for rheumatioid arthritis recovery. An overall good holistic nutrient is black current oil.
Black current oil contains GLS (gamma-linolenic acid) which is known to help lower cholesterol, knit nerve tissues, eczema, PMS, multiple sclerosis, and reduce arthritis inflammation. It has no known warnings and has an added bonus of cell construction making it a nutritious holistic food to add to your diet.
Holistic Approach
By starting at the core of the rheumatoid arthritis problem, a more holistic approach should be made. A stress free environment is optimal, but is not always obtainable. Using calming herbs and essential oils can help to gain a more stress free daily life.
Another way to help with pain is to add a dehumidifier to the home. By keeping a more consistent humidity in the home, the pain of arthritis tends to be lessened especially during weather changes that can aggravate arthritis symptoms.
Lastly, watch what you eat. Eating a diet full of artificial ingredients and preservatives can add more unwanted elements into the body. If possible, eat fresh fruits and vegetables including meat with no added hormones or additives. Also, watch refined sugars as they can be more of a 'poison' to the body than a delicacy if eaten in large quantities. For sweetness, use natural honey, agave nectar, and Stevia.
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
Join the Conversation