Herbal medicine potentially offers the 3.85 million Australians being affected every year with Arthritis an alternative way in managing painful symptoms. Please read on for more information.

What is arthritis?

The term Arthritis refers to a collection of musculoskeletal system conditions that affect the joints (where two or more bones meet).

The most common forms of Arthritis include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout
• Juvenile arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• Scleroderma

Symptoms of Arthritis

Whilst symptoms vary between the different Arthritis types, common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint cartilage damage
• Joint weakness
• Joint instability
• Deformities

Herbal Medicine and Arthritis

Herbal medicine employs the use of medicinal plants and herbs to treat arthritis, to relieve its symptoms and to assist the individual in reaching an optimum state of health.

How does Herbal Medicine benefit Arthritis?

Herbs may benefit Arthritis by reducing joint inflammation, pain, tenderness and swelling. They may also support the immune system that may be compromised with arthritis conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Herbs for Arthritis

Popular herbs for arthritis include:

• Alfalfa (Medicago Saliva)
• Angelica (Angelica Archangelica), which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic.
• Arnica, which soothes inflammation, soreness, and tissue damage.
  
• Black Cohosh, which acts as a muscle anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and soothes muscles and blood vessels.
• Boswella, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
• Cayenne pepper, which contains pain-relieving properties and increases blood circulation.
• Celery, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and is rich in essential minerals.
• Ginger, which reduces arthritis associated swelling. 
• Gingeng (Panax Quinquefolius), which has been used for centuries to treat arthritis.
• Hops, which carry anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Licorice, which carries anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Mustard plaster, that when applied to joints may relieve arthritis symptoms.
• Oregano, that acts as a powerful antioxidant and
• relieves pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Pineapple, whose constituent Bromelain inhibits any swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis.
• Rosemary, who anti-inflammatory properties may improve symptoms of arthritis.
• Stinging nettle, one of the most popular herbs used in the treatment of arthritis
• Tumeric, whose yellow pigment is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Willow, which acts as a natural pain reliever and carries anti-inflammatory qualities.
• Wintergreen, which contains methyl-sacilylate, a constituent that is considered to relieve pain when applied to the skin.

If you are interested in finding out more on how herbal medicine may benefit arthritis, please consult a professional Herbalist or Chinese Medicine Practitioner.