What might work?
Different herbs and nutritional supplements have been tested for different types of arthritis. Some may be reasonably effective. However, unlike prescription medications, natural health products are not tested as stringently. Also, the amount and dosing of these products used in trials may not be the same as what is on the label. Natural health products that may have some evidence for effectiveness include:
- for rheumatoid arthritis:
- fish oil
- probiotics
- superoxide dismutase
- thunder god vine
- for osteoarthritis:
- arnica
- boswellia serrata
- comfrey
- ginger
- glucosamine sulfate
- SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)
- soybean oil
- superoxide dismutase
- turmeric
- vitamin B3
What doesn't work?
There are some purported remedies that have been tested and have not been found to be effective:
- for rheumatoid arthritis:
- collagen
- flaxseed oil
- histidine
- zinc
- for osteoarthritis
- fish oil
- vitamin E
What's still unproven?
For many herbal remedies and supplements, we don't yet have enough scientific data to tell if they are effective or safe:
- baikal skullcap
- boron
- bromelain
- cannabis
- catechu
- creatinine
- DMSO (dimethylsufoxide)
- eucalyptus
- fennel
- garlic
- guggul
- krill oil
- neem
- olive
- rosemary
- shark cartilage
- selenium
- vitamin D
- willow bark
What should you do now?
If you're thinking of using a natural remedy for arthritis relief, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if it will be effective for your type of arthritis and safe to take with your other medications and medical conditions. Herbs may be natural, but that doesn't mean they're safe.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Herbs-and-supplements-for-arthritis
