While medical science has changed and advanced a lot over the years, many patients prefer to take a more natural approach to their treatment.
Many of those that suffer from the pain and stiffness of arthritis don’t want to use prescription or OTC medications to treat it, due to the added side effects.
There are several herbal medications available to those with arthritis who would rather use the natural method to treat their arthritis, however, it’s crucial not to make your choice blindly.
While several of these herbs have been used for centuries, it’s important to research and consult with your doctor to ensure you’re getting the most out of your arthritis treatment.
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The Science Behind Treating Arthritis with Herbs
Recent studies have suggested that “natural remedies from fish oil to chili peppers” can help to reduce pain caused by arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can help to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis with none of the side effects caused by the prescription treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids have also shown to decrease the amount of NSAID someone with arthritis needs for treatment.
Researchers are now exploring the potential benefit of other herbals like turmeric and borage seed oil. Unfortunately, due to the ever-common placebo effect, scientists are struggling to determine these herbal medications’ true effect.
With both test groups (one given real treatment, the other a sugar pill) claiming they see results, scientists are unsure what of the treated group’s reported effects they can trust. Until more conclusive tests are done, we won’t really know the full potential of these herbs.
Choosing Your Herbs: Know What to Look For
Anyone who has journeyed down their local grocery store’s supplement aisle, let alone a health food store, has seen the vast array of herbs and herbal combinations readily available nowadays. However, that certainly doesn’t mean you can trust all of them.
The FDA isn’t involved with herbs like they are prescription and over-the-counter medications; they don’t require their approval before the supplements go to market.
According to the Assistant Professor of Pain Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, M. Fahad Khan, MD, MSPH, many patients neglect to tell doctors about herbs they’re taking, thinking patients neglect to tell doctors about the herbs they’re taking, thinking it unimportant.
However, he says that “a lot of herbal supplements have side effects of their own ranging from GI upset to skin problems.
They can also interact with other medications you’re taking.” Withholding this information from your doctor could result in your experiencing adverse side effects that could have been easily avoided.
It’s important to take the time to research the herb before buying it. Examine the labels on all the supplements you consider trying. US Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International all offer seals of approval for supplements that were properly manufactured, have only the ingredients listed on the label and all listed on the label, and that they lack any harmful contaminants.
Here’s a few tips to help guide you through finding the right herbal combination for your arthritis:
Seek Guidance
Never hesitate to consult with a professional to help you find the right herbs for you. You can ask your doctor, pharmacist, dietician, or nutritionist about the right herbal medication to treat your arthritis, which brands you can trust, etc.
Be Wary of Marketing Schemes
As we said before, herbs aren’t regulated by the FDA like prescription medications. This means the companies that make the supplements can make any claims for what their supplements treat and the ingredients they contain. Keep your guard up; if a supplement’s promised results or ingredients sound too good to be true, they likely are.
Read Labels Completely and Carefully
When looking at labels, be sure to search for the previously mentioned companies’ seals of approval. You should also closely read the directions for usage. Many people operate under the misconception that herbs are harmless because they’re easily accessible without a prescription, but as we said before, they can cause adverse side effects and react negatively with other medications you may be taking.
