Herbal Remedies have been the treatment of choice for arthritis for centuries. Below are listed some of the most effective herbs and supplements for arthritis.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa can be sprouted and eaten with a salad, or used either powdered or drunk as a tea. It's easily prepared by placing one ounce of alfalfa in a pot, adding one quart of water and boiling for thirty minutes and should be strained and drunk over a day. The treatment needs to be continued for at least three weeks and then a break for seven to ten days is taken before resuming treatment again for best results.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is an American Indian treatment for arthritis. There are five species being used globally. The constituents are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodics and aspirin like substances which makes it an excellent herbal remedy for arthritis.
This can be prepared by simmering one teaspoon of black cohosh root in one cup of boiling water for duration of twenty minutes. The tea is then strained and taken in two divided doses during the day. The regime is continued for duration of three weeks before taking a break of ten days in between.
Boswellia
Boswellia has been known for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been proven that boswellic acids contained within the herb can block the formation of leukotrienes, the immune cells responsible for inflammation, while also promoting the formation of free radicals. With regular use, blood supply to the joints is also maintained, keeping soft tissue nourished and viable.
Celery
Celery as a natural remedy for arthritis has proved very effective The different parts of the celery plant contain well over twenty-five anti-inflammatory constituents. A cup of celery contains well over three hundred and forty milligrams of potassium, which makes it particularly effective considering that Potassium deficiency leads to aggravation of symptoms of arthritis.
The preparation is easy with one teaspoon of celery seeds being placed in a cup and filled with boiling water. Allow to stand for fifteen minutes. Then strain and drink three times a day during an acute arthritic attack for best results. Alternatively it can be eaten fresh.
Devils Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens) is found only in Africa, Devil's Claw has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is used globally for osteo-arthritis, fibrositis, rheumatism, small joint disease and lower backache. Because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties, Devil's Claw is not recommended for people with stomach ulcers or heart conditions, unless medically supervised.
Dong Quai (Dang Gui)
Also called Angelica, this herb has been used in Europe for centuries as a herbal remedy for arthritis. The western variety is known to have twelve anti inflammatory constituents (which decrease the symptoms of pain and swelling of the joints), ten antispasmodics (muscle relaxants) and five anodyne constituents (pain relievers)
This is best taken by placing one tablespoon of the roots of any of the species in a pot and adding of one pint of water which is then brought to the boil and then covered and boiled for two minutes. The pot is removed from the flame and left to stand till it reaches room temperature and then strained and drunk.
Do this two or three times a day for a duration of three weeks. This is followed by a break of ten days before the treatment can be resumed again.
As with all herbal remedies for arthritis, not all these remedies will be instant. They may take a few weeks to build up in the body. But persistence will bring relief.