Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, damage and deformity of the joints. The disease lasts a long time, because medicine can only relieve the symptoms, not cure the condition. Compared with steroid and non-steroidal medications for rheumatoid arthritis, herbs act more gently, but they are certainly worth trying.
Several herbs can be of great help to people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. This group includes nettle, ginger, ash, willow bark, oregano and rosemary.
Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Some experts in natural medicine claim that, when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, what you eat greatly affects the course of your disease.
What to avoid: People with this condition are primarily advised against corn, meat (especially processed meat) and vegetables from the nightshade family (first of all tomatoes, then potatoes and peppers). Aged cheeses and full-fat milk can also make the situation worse.
What to eat: If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should eat plenty of cold-water sea fish – mackerel, tuna, salmon and herring – especially combined with garlic and rosemary. Useful vegetables include Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, while the most desirable fruit is pineapple, which contains bromelain, a substance that helps prevent inflammation. Sunflower seeds should also be part of your diet.
Nettle
Nettle is one of the most useful herbs if you suffer from this disease. Use it fresh. Pour 300 ml of cold water over two or three stalks of fresh nettle, bring to a boil and boil for two to three minutes. Leave to cool for 15 minutes, strain and drink three times a day.
Nettle stops the enzymes cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes – substances involved in the process of inflammation and joint damage. Nettle porridge seasoned with garlic is especially recommended.
Nettle is safe to use, but it can rarely cause minor digestive upset, allergic reactions and itching. People who suffer from fluid retention due to heart or kidney problems should avoid nettle.
Nettle Porridge for Arthritis
Blanch two handfuls of fresh nettle for 5 minutes. Drain and chop. Do not throw away the water that remains – drink it. Sauté a small onion in a little oil, add the chopped nettle, stir and pour in 100 ml of low-fat yogurt. Let it cook for one minute, then add two cloves of garlic and salt lightly. Eat this porridge at least three times a week.
Ash Bark, Goldenrod and Alder
The combination of white ash bark, goldenrod and alder bark is very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Taken individually, these herbs act considerably more weakly, so they should be taken in combination. This blend contains salicin, isofraxidin and rutin. The mixture of these herbs reduces inflammatory processes in rheumatic diseases, and also in muscle pain.
Tea Blend for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Alder bark (Alnus glutinosa) – 300 g
- White ash bark (Fraxinus excelsior) – 100 g
- Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) – 100 g
Mix all the herbs, then pour 700 ml of cold water over four tablespoons of the mixture. When it comes to a boil, boil for 5 minutes, then leave to cool for half an hour. Strain and drink throughout the day in small sips.
Oregano and Rosemary
Oregano is an excellent antioxidant and a good herbal choice for rheumatoid arthritis, especially in combination with rosemary. According to aromatherapists, rosemary essential oil is a good remedy for joint pain, on its own or in combination with juniper and chamomile essential oils.
Ginger Tea
Everyone who has rheumatoid arthritis should start the day with a cup of ginger tea. This warm, spicy drink will significantly ease their discomfort.
Put a teaspoon of ginger into an empty cup, pour 250 ml of boiling water over it and wait for it to cool a little. When the ginger sinks to the bottom, drink this invigorating tea in small sips. Be sure to add ginger to your food as well, especially in combination with black pepper and chili.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is also very useful in preventing all inflammatory processes, including rheumatoid arthritis, thanks to its gamma-linolenic acid. Get evening primrose oil capsules and use them according to the enclosed instructions. You can also take evening primrose oil in its original form, but be careful, because its shelf life is quite short and it goes rancid quickly.
Balm for Painful Joints
- 200 ml of calendula oil
- 10 g of beeswax
- 30 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 30 drops of juniper essential oil
- 20 drops of black pepper essential oil
In a clean pot over a steam bath, warm the oil and melt the wax in it. Remove from the heat and stir for one minute. Add the essential oils, stir and pour into a dry jar that closes well. Leave to cool and set. Use it to massage painful joints two to three times a day.
For more tea blends, elixirs and massage oils, read Herbs for Joint Pain and Arthritis. You may also find A Natural Drink for Gout helpful.
