What Herbs Are Good For Arthritis?

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word arthritis? If you said that it is the ‘disease of the old people,’ you are not far from the truth. But it is not only limited to old people nowadays, even young people are having such problems.

Arthritis is a condition where the cartilage of the joint start wearing out, get swollen and stiffens thereby causing you to start having pains and finding it difficult to move about and carry out your daily activities. It is an autoimmune disorder – meaning your immune system is attacking you. Although it can be managed, there is no effective cure yet for it.

Many people are now looking for herbs as an alternative since synthetic drugs have failed to do the job. Below is a list of herbs that are known to elevate the swelling and pain and some herbs that are also good for the treatment of arthritis.

Turmeric

This is gotten from the turmeric plant. It is the main ingredient used in making curry and has been used in cooking as well as a herbal medicine for a very long time by many people. Researchers have found turmeric to contain the active ingredient curcumin and curcuminoid which helps to relieve swelling in the joints and as such decrease the progress of arthritis.

Aloe vera

This is one of the most common herbs familiar to many folks, as it has been used for its various healing properties from treating small wounds, sunburn, to using it as hair food. It can also be used to soothe pains in the joints when applied to the affected area.

Nettles

Everything about this leaf is effective for treating arthritis; its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and pains in the joints. The nutrients it contains help to build stronger bones and the tiny sharp hairs found on the leaf surface enters the skin along with the silicon it contains to reduce the pain as well. It also has many other benefits like helping the kidney and preventing the retention of water in the body.

Willow Bark

This is probably the oldest herb that has been used for the treatment of arthritis and has been particularly used to treat inflammation of the joint. It contains a compound similar to aspirin which is very effective for the treatment of mild and severe kind of joint pain.Using herbs as an alternative method most times have no side effect unless you are allergic, but before you start, it is better that you consult your doctor for proper guidance.