It is normal to say inflammation plays a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), thus it makes sense to include anti-inflammatory herbs and spices in your diet. To be honest, these nutritional components probably won’t make a big difference in reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms on their own. However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, ingesting specific Chinese herbs for Arthritis and some spices throughout the day as part of an anti-inflammatory diet may have a cumulative effect on lowering inflammation and other symptoms. At the very least, including them in your recipes will make your food taste better.
The worldwide disability burden associated with the musculoskeletal system is greatly increased by arthritis. A prominent cause of pain, functional disability, and use of medical services in many nations, arthritis is made up of about 100 distinct illnesses and ailments that affect joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints become swollen and painful. Joint stiffness and pain are the primary signs of arthritis, and these symptoms often get worse with age.
What are the Types of Arthritis?
The following are the known types of arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Gout
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Septic arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis?
Joint pain and stiffness are characteristic of arthritis, which is one of the most prevalent manifestations of the disease. Signs and symptoms of various types of arthritis may include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
What are the Causes of Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the two main kinds of arthritis, affect joints in various ways.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis, is caused by wear and tear to a joint’s cartilage, which is the tough, slick coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint. When cartilage is sufficiently damaged, bone can grind directly against bone, causing pain and limiting movement. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and allows for practically friction-free joint motion. This deterioration may take place gradually over many years or may be sped up by an infection or joint damage.
The connective tissues that connect muscle to bone and keep the joint together are also harmed by osteoarthritis, which also affects the bones. The lining of the joint may swell and become inflamed if the cartilage in the joint is significantly damaged.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by an attack by the immune system on the lining of the joint capsule, which is a thick membrane that surrounds and protects all of the joint’s component parts. This lining (synovial membrane) swells and becomes inflamed. Bone and cartilage in the joint may eventually be destroyed by the disease process.
Risk Factors of Arthritis
Risk factors for arthritis include:
- Family history: Family history is one of the risk factors for arthritis. If your parents or siblings have arthritis, you may be more likely to have it yourself as some types of arthritis run in families.
- Age. Age raises the likelihood of developing several types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
- Your sexual. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men, but gout, another kind of arthritis, is more common in males.
- Past joint damage. People are more prone to later develop arthritis in a joint that has been injured, possibly while participating in sports.
- Obesity. Your knees, hips, and spine are particularly strained when you carry extra weight. Those who are obese are more likely to get arthritis.
What Are the Complications Arthritis
You may find it challenging to carry out daily duties if you have severe arthritis, especially if it affects your hands or arms. Weight-bearing joint arthritis might make it difficult for you to sit up straight or walk comfortably. Joints can lose their alignment and shape over time.
Is arthritis curable?
When individuals inquire about a possible arthritis cure, they truly want to know if there is a method for those who already have the disease or condition to continue living normally. There is no cure for arthritiis yet, however, they can be managed. Even though there is not yet a cure for arthritis, it is extremely important to keep in mind that there are treatments available for the many arthritic changes that might occur.
Even though there is not yet a cure for arthritis, it is extremely important to keep in mind that there are treatments available for the many arthritic changes that might occur.
The Differences Between a Cure and a Treatment
The word “cure” refers to the state of being free of a certain illness following medical treatment. On the other side, a treatment can assist in managing a condition and enhancing your quality of life. It is possible to treat or even cure several conditions that cause arthritis. However, the persisting arthritis, whether it has an underlying condition or not, usually results in some persons experiencing discomfort and losing function while others are able to continue performing at a high level despite having arthritis.
What causes this? There is no treatment for the arthritic changes in the joint; instead, they must be controlled with common-sense solution. The condition might always be present, but there are therapies that can lessen how severe the issues it causes are and aid with pain and function. Treatments are employed to assist control a condition when it cannot be cured.
10 Effective Chinese Herbs For Arthritis In Humans
Chinese herbs for arthritis in human include:
1. Ginger
GingerGinger is one of the very best Chinese herbs for arthritis. According to research published in the journal Arthritis, ginger, which has been used for centuries in Asia for medicine and food, has anti-inflammatory properties, including the potential to suppress inflammatory molecules called leukotrienes and to produce prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation. In a study published in the journal Gene in May 2019, 70 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were given ginger powder or a placebo for 12 weeks. The findings of this study revealed that ginger may lessen RA symptoms by altering the expression of particular genes.
Consider eating fresh pickled ginger, cooking a chicken or vegetable meal with fresh ginger that has been diced, or adding grated ginger to soups or smoothies.
Ginger can be a helpful component of your strategy to relieve joint pain brought on by arthritis, according to Galina Roofener, a certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. She also advises consulting with a qualified herbalist. Utilize the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s directory to locate one nearby (NCCAOM).
2. Thyme
Thyme is a tasty herb with strong antioxidant properties that has a long history of use in cooking. Additionally, research revealed in Pharmacognosy Communications suggests that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities that might be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. A study that was published in December 2018 in Complementary Therapies in Medicine revealed that thyme was actually the herb that RA patients utilized the most frequently.
Fresh thyme sprigs or the fresh leaves can add flavor to soups, stews, dishes with meat, poultry, beans, tomatoes, or eggs. Thyme has a long history of use in Italian, French, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. According to Spiceography, its pungency is one of its biggest advantages, but it may also be a disadvantage if applied improperly. So be careful not to overdo it.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric, a golden spice that has been used for centuries to give meals color and flavor, has also been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a number of ailments, including arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. According to studies reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food in August 2016, in addition to having anti-inflammatory characteristics, turmeric and curcumin (the active component that gives turmeric its yellow color) also have analgesic benefits.
Do you wish to try turmeric? Include it in stews, soups, and curries. A helpful tip: According to research published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, mixing black pepper and turmeric improves your body’s absorption of the yellow spice.
The Arthritis Foundation advises taking 500 mg of curcumin extract capsules twice daily if you’re taking it as a supplement.
Before you start taking turmeric, don’t forget to talk to your doctor. Avoid taking excessive quantities of turmeric if you use a blood thinner because it contains blood-thinning qualities.
4. Green Tea
Green tea, which has been consumed for centuries in Asia, includes polyphenols, antioxidant-rich compounds that can lessen inflammation, protect joints, and modify immune responses to lessen the severity of arthritis. Green tea extract exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory benefits than black tea, according to research that was compared in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Treat yourself to a cup of hot green tea, an iced green tea, or even a cup of matcha, which is a powder formed from ground green tea leaves, as part of your regular tea break. You’ll benefit much from it for your health and possibly for your joints.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a wonderful spice that contains potent antioxidant qualities that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It is a good Chinese herbs for treating arthritis. Cinnamon’s health benefits extend beyond just lowering blood sugar and cholesterol; it also appears to protect cognitive function as people age and lowers blood pressure.
In addition, a study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in May 2018 discovered that women with rheumatoid arthritis who took four 500 mg capsules of cinnamon powder daily for eight weeks experienced a significant drop in blood levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, as well as a reduction in disease activity, such as painful and swollen joints.
Another study indicated that taking cinnamon supplements reduced C-reactive protein levels and other biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress, which are present in RA patients. This study was published in September 2020 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine. The study’s authors came to the conclusion that taking cinnamon supplements may help people experience less inflammation and oxidative stress.
For a tasty and healthful treat, dried cinnamon can be added to porridge, smoothies, soups, stews, or even oranges. To add more flavor to teas or ciders, add cinnamon sticks. Just don’t go overboard, advises Roofener. “While it’s OK on your cinnamon bun, it might not be safe for pregnant women if overdosed,” Large amounts of the spice may also affect the effectiveness of blood thinning and anticoagulant medications.
6. Garlic
Fresh garlic may add flavor to any recipe and may even aid with rheumatoid arthritis pain when it is minced, diced, or sliced. Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory substance that lessens the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, just like leeks and onions do. Garlic was discovered to have anti-arthritic effect in experimental studies that were published in the Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology, and Oncology, which prevented cartilage damage and decreased inflammation in arthritis-induced rats.
In a research published in Phytotherapy Research in June 2020, 70 women were randomized to receive either a placebo or 500 mg of garlic powder twice day for eight weeks. Those who consumed the garlic reported considerably reduced pain and exhaustion levels at the conclusion of the research. Additionally, they showed reduced levels of the inflammatory proteins C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Many meals can benefit from the use of garlic, such as pasta dishes, stir-fries, roasted chicken or vegetables, and sandwich spreads.
7. Black Pepper
It is a major staple on most dinner tables and is frequently used to enrich meals with flavor. According to studies, black pepper has gastroprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
According to a study that was published in September 2018 in the European Journal of Pharmacology, administering piperic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce edema and cytokine production in animals. An earlier study that was published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy discovered that giving animals piperine improved their arthritis-related pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.
You are already aware of how to use black pepper: You can use it to season salads, soups, eggs, and other foods.
8. Cayenne pepper
According to the Arthritis Foundation, capsaicinoids, which are organic chemicals with anti-inflammatory characteristics, are present in cayenne and other chili peppers.
There are numerous creams and ointments on the market that contain capsaicin, the primary component of cayenne. According to a study that appeared in the December 2018 issue of Osteoarthritis Cartilage, capsaicin cream can help persons with osteoarthritis feel less pain just as well as NSAIDs.
Cayenne pepper may be added to sauces, marinades, and rubs. Or you could just add some dry cayenne to your preferred cuisine. The digestive tract may become irritated by this spice, so use caution.
Cayenne can also be found in pill form if you can’t handle the heat.
Before using this product, be sure to consult your doctor because cayenne may interact with other medications.
9. Borage Seed Oil
The borage plant, which is native to areas of Europe and North Africa, produces seeds that are used to make an oil that is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. According to research in the journal Rheumatology, taking daily oral supplements of borage seed oil for six months significantly reduces joint soreness, edema, and discomfort in RA sufferers.
10. Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine, which has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine, lessens inflammation caused by autoimmune illnesses, including RA, when taken orally. According to a review published in July 2016 in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate were found to be inferior to thunder god vine (also known as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) in the treatment of RA symptoms.
“Some studies have shown that thunder god vine with regular medical treatment may be more helpful than standard treatment alone for symptoms such joint swelling and tenderness,” the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports.
Thunder god vine should never be taken as an alternative to conventional RA therapy, though.
The NCCIH cautions that if the extract is not correctly produced, thunder god vine can be exceedingly dangerous.
Chinese Techniques For Arthritis
While you’ll need to continue receiving your regular medical care, some natural therapies may be able to ease the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Many of these are easy to do, such as applying heat and cooling. Some require a qualified expert, such as acupuncture.
Ask your doctor what would be most beneficial for you if you wanted to attempt natural and home treatments and if there were any restrictions on what was acceptable for you to try. If they give you the go-ahead, you might wish to research some of these popular therapies, starting with the first three that need consulting with experts. Examples of these techniques to treat arthritis include:
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese medicine is one of the first known natural pain treatments. It stimulates energy via channels, or pathways in your body, using extremely fine needles. The aim is to repair imbalances in energy, which is referred to as qi (pronounced “chee”).
There isn’t much evidence specifically on acupuncture for RA, although studies do indicate that treatment lowers levels of substances connected to inflammation in the body. Additionally, it eases chronic pain, particularly back pain. Also, osteoarthritis may benefit from it.
Ask your rheumatologist to recommend an acupuncturist who works with RA patients because acupuncture requires clean, well-placed needles.
Biofeedback
You can learn to manage automatic reactions like heart rate and blood pressure with the use of this technique. You do it using body sensors that communicate information to a monitor. You learn how to manage how you respond to pressures from a therapist.
Massage
Modern science demonstrates that this age-old natural method helps reduce pain. It has been used for thousands of years. There are numerous types. Before attempting it, you should consult your doctor. Also, you can request recommendations. Choosing a massage therapist with experience treating RA patients is a good idea. If you have any sensitive areas they should avoid, let them know. Additionally, you might request that they refrain from using fragrances that might aggravate your skin.
Exercise
Even though you might not feel like walking around or exercising, you should. It won’t worsen your RA, and it might reduce joint swelling and lessen your pain.
Before you begin, discuss your RA with your physician or a physical therapist. They can assist in developing the ideal program for you. It will probably place a strong emphasis on:
- Aerobics, such as swimming or walking, to get your heart rate up; It will probably place a strong emphasis on
- Strength training, to keep the muscles surrounding your joints strong
- Range-of-motion exercises, to assist your joints move as they should and
- Balance workouts, to help you avoid stumbling and falling
Heat and Cold
To reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, several experts advise using heat and cold therapies. Each provides several advantages:
Cold: It reduces swelling and inflammation in the joints. For instance, when RA flares up, place an ice pack on the affected joint. Simply don’t go overboard. Each time, apply the cold compress for 15 minutes. Give yourself at least 30 minutes between treatments.
Heat: It promotes blood flow while calming your muscles. Use a warm, damp towel or a moist heating pad. Hot packs that can be heated in the microwave are popular. Avoid going overboard. It shouldn’t burn on your skin. The shower is another great place to utilize heat treatment. Allow the warm water to contact the sore spot on your body. That might calm things down. Another effective method for easing tense muscles is a hot tub. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or are pregnant, you should limit how often you use hot tubs or spas.
Topical Creams, Gels, and Patches
Although you would not consider a pain reliever to be a natural medicine, many of these products are produced with capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy flavor. According to studies, it can lessen RA pain. Never combine it with a heating pad. It increases the risk of burns.
Deep Breathing
Take some deep, slow breaths from your stomach. You may feel calmer after turning off the stress receptors that cause your muscles to tense up and exacerbate discomfort. Additionally, while you concentrate on your breathing, your mind is diverted from pain-related ideas.
Meditation
It is not dependent on spiritual convictions or extreme calmness. Anyone can do it, and even a short amount of time can have an impact. Your thoughts will undoubtedly stray. It’s alright. Just bring your focus back to your breathing or whatever else you choose.
Progressively Relaxing the Muscles
- Tighten and then release the muscles in various places of your body to achieve this.
- Start with the muscles in your face and work your way down the body, starting with your arms, chest, back, belly, legs, and feet. or start at your feet and work your way up.
- Inhale while contracting your muscles.
- Ensure that you exhale completely before letting go.
Originally posted 2022-08-23 14:42:55.
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