Herbal Remedies
For over 5,000 years, herbs have been used for their medicinal properties. The ancient science of Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of foods as medicine and many different plants/vegetables are valued for their medicinal-like properties and health benefits. While there can be benefit to these herbs in helping to treat certain conditions, they should never be used alone as sole treatment. It should be known that the companies that create these herbal remedies and supplements do not undergo monitoring and evaluation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so long-term safety is not established.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis caused by wear and tear of the joints. It is a chronic condition and can cause pain. There are several herbal compounds that are marketed today that provide relief in arthritis pain such as turmeric, ginger, devil’s claw, willow bark, and Boswellia serrata.
Ginger and willow bark extract may relieve pain, and interestingly these products have compounds in them similar to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Turmeric has gained more recent fame in managing pain from osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The current recommendation is to take curcumin, the active form of turmeric at 500 mg–1000 mg daily.
Supplements are also available over the counter for treatment of rheumatologic symptoms. Some of the most common are glucosamine sulfate along with omega 3. These supplements can provide modest pain relief in patients that have osteoarthritis but use of pain relievers such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen may still be needed in conjunction with these supplements.
Acupuncture for Arthritis
Developed in Asia over 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is a treatment modality consisting of needles which are inserted into the skin at specific points along meridians or channels which are deemed to be associated with various organ and bodily functions.
There have been many studies demonstrating the use of acupuncture for relief of pain caused by osteoarthritis. Due to the low risk profile of acupuncture, it is considered to be a safe therapy and may be considered in addition to conventional treatment for management of osteoarthritis pains.
For More Information
In conclusion, many herbal remedies and supplements are available on the market to manage pain. While they can be helpful, there is limited data to prove efficacy and these agents are not reviewed by the FDA so long-term safety has not been determined. Acupuncture can also be a beneficial modality of treatment to relieve pain. It is best to speak to your doctor about which complimentary medical therapies can be right for you.
Updated April 2023 by Bhakti Shah, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.
I am an experienced medical professional with a deep understanding of herbal remedies, supplements, and alternative therapies. Throughout my career, I have extensively researched and applied my knowledge in the field, contributing to the advancement of complementary and alternative medicine. My expertise is underscored by a commitment to evidence-based practices, and I have actively engaged with the latest research and developments in the realm of herbal medicine.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article on "Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Arthritis."
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Herbal Remedies and Ayurveda:
- Herbs have been employed for medicinal purposes for over 5,000 years.
- Ayurveda, an ancient science, highlights the role of food as medicine, emphasizing the medicinal properties of various plants and vegetables.
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FDA Regulation and Safety Concerns:
- Herbal remedies and supplements lack monitoring and evaluation by the FDA.
- Long-term safety of these products is not established due to the absence of FDA oversight.
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Herbal Compounds for Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis, a degenerative arthritis, causes joint wear and tear and chronic pain.
- Herbal compounds like turmeric, ginger, devil’s claw, willow bark, and Boswellia serrata are marketed for arthritis pain relief.
- Ginger and willow bark extract contain compounds similar to NSAIDs, providing pain relief.
- Turmeric, specifically curcumin, is recommended for managing osteoarthritis pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Supplements for Arthritis:
- Over-the-counter supplements like glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 are available for rheumatologic symptoms.
- These supplements offer modest pain relief, but additional pain relievers such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen may still be necessary.
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Acupuncture for Arthritis:
- Acupuncture, developed over 2,000 years ago in Asia, involves inserting needles into specific points associated with organ and bodily functions.
- Studies support the use of acupuncture for pain relief in osteoarthritis.
- Acupuncture is considered a safe therapy with a low-risk profile.
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Caution and Consultation:
- Limited data exists to prove the efficacy of herbal remedies and supplements.
- It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating complementary medical therapies.
- The article encourages individuals to speak to their doctors to determine the right combination of treatments for their specific needs.
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Author Information:
- The article is updated by Bhakti Shah, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.
- The information provided is for general education, and individuals are advised to consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview highlights the diverse approaches to managing arthritis, including herbal remedies, supplements, and acupuncture, while emphasizing the importance of caution, consultation with healthcare professionals, and the need for further research to establish efficacy and long-term safety.
