Did you know that more than 350 million people around the globe suffer from some form of arthritis, and that nearly 40 million of these are within the US? And who hasn’t wrestled with nagging pain every now and then?
While there are a variety of prescription and over the counter medications that claim to help ease your arthritis and mild pain, the fact is that many of these come with a long list of side effects. As such, you might be looking for more natural, health-conscious options.
But remember that just because it’s natural, this doesn’t mean that it’s safe or effective! Here, we’ll discuss some of the most common ingredients found in arthritis and pain relief supplements, if they’re effective, and if you should be cautious.
A whole plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat heartburn, appetite loss, poor circulation, insomnia, and more. However, other than for upset stomach and premature ejaculation, there is insufficient evidence showing that it is effective for additional conditions. Angelica Root is considered safe for short-term use for most individuals up to 3ml per day, although it could make your skin more prone to sunburn.
A tree used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of joint pain, abdominal pain, sore throat, painful menstruation, cancer, and more. However, other than for pain related to osteoarthritis and ulcerative colitis, there is insufficient evidence showing Boswellia Serrata represents an effective treatment for additional conditions. Boswellia Serrata is considered safe for most individuals for use up to 30 days and at up to 350mg per dose, although some may experience nausea, stomach pain, and/or diarrhea.
An enzyme found in pineapple stems and juice, it has traditionally been used to treat inflammation, ulcerative colitis, to relax muscles, prevent cancer, and more. However, other than for osteoarthritis and muscle soreness, there is insufficient evidence showing Bromelain is an effective treatment for additional conditions. When taking 90mg or less, side effects are generally mild, an include diarrhea and stomach/intestinal discomfort.
A chemical naturally found in cartilage and joints, chondroitin is possibly effective for mild pain relief related to osteoarthritis, especially of the hands and knees, but there is insufficient evidence showing its effectiveness for other conditions. Chondroitin sulfate is created using animal products, which has led some to worry about contamination from infected tissue. Other than this, it is considered safe for use at 1,200mg daily doses for up to 6 years.
A fatty acid found in coldwater fish, such as mackerel, herring, tuna, and more, that is often used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, depression, and more. While EPA has been shown to be possibly effective for some conditions, such as healing wounds, reducing the risk of heart attack, and reducing menopausal symptoms, there is insufficient evidence showing it to be effective for arthritis or pain relief. Despite this, EPA is considered safe up to 1 gram per day, although some may experience skin reactions or digestive upset.
This oil has a wide variety of uses, including in soaps and cosmetics, and as a treatment for diabetes-related nerve damage and for osteoporosis. Outside of these conditions though, evening primrose has insufficient evidence show that it’s effective as a medical treatment, although it has been shown to be safe for use up to one year, and in daily amounts of 3-4 grams. Side effects are uncommon, and are often related to digestive upset.
Feverfew has been used for many years for many different conditions, although clinical evidence suggests it may be possibly effective only for preventing migraine headaches due to a component chemical called parthenolide. Feverfew is considered safe for use up to 100mg daily for 4 months, although some users may experience digestive upset.
A chemical that occurs naturally within the human body, and is likely effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis when taken as a supplement, especially of the knee, although not all patients who take it will experience these results. When taken by mouth, glucosamine is considered likely safe for most adults at dosages up to 1,500mg daily, although some may experience nausea, diarrhea, and/or heartburn.
Typically free dried, ground into a powder, and added to capsules, this shellfish is claimed to contain chemicals that may help with arthritis and asthma. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing this to be the case. Although there is no official dosing for green lipped mussels, unless you have a shellfish allergy, they are considered safe for most adults. Some may experience digestive upset.
These fatty acids are essential for normal human growth and development, and when taken as a supplement have been clinically shown to reduce triglycerides and treat arthritis, depression, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Common side effects include digestive upset. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for omega 3 fatty acids is about 1.6 grams per day.
Passionflower has been used for centuries as a traditional treatment for sleep problems, anxiety/nervousness, and more. However, other than anxiety, narcotic withdrawal, and certain psychiatric disorders, there is insufficient clinical evidence showing it is effective for additional concerns. Passionflower is considered safe for most adults to use for up to 2 months, although there is no recommended daily allowance.
Quercetin is a plant pigment (also known as a flavanoid) that has some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is found in a variety of foods, including red wine, green tea, apples, berries, Ginkgo Biloba, and more. Although taking 500mg of Quercetin twice daily has been shown to reduce prostate pain and swelling, it doesn’t seem to help prostate-related urination problems. Quercetin is thought to be safe for up to 12 weeks of continuous use, although some may experience headache and leg or arm tingling.
Rutin is derived from certain fruits and vegetables, and is often used to strengthen blood vessels, to prevent stroke and cancer, and more. However, it has only been shown to be possibly effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis when taken in conjunction with trypsin and bromelain. Most adults are safe taking up to 100mg of rutin per day, although some may experience headache and digestive upset.
Skullcap is a plant that’s used for a wide range of medical problems, including insomnia, stroke, high cholesterol, epilepsy, allergies, and more. However, skullcap has insufficient evidence showing it’s effective for any of these conditions, including those related to arthritis or pain relief. There are no dosing regulations for skullcap, and it is currently unknown if it is safe for consumption.
Turmeric is a plant commonly used in food preparation that is thought to help treat arthritis, liver problems, headaches, colds, depression, and more. However, other than osteoarthritis (where it’s about as effective as ibuprofen) and stomach upset, there is insufficient evidence showing its effectiveness for additional conditions. Turmeric is considered likely safe for use in adults up to 2,000mg per day, although some may experience dizziness or digestive upset.
The bark of the willow tree contains a chemical (salicin) that works very similar to aspirin, and has been used to treat headache, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, and more, although there is insufficient clinical evidence showing it to be possibly effective for anything other than treating lower back pain. Most adults can safely use willow at doses of 240mg for up to 2 weeks, although some may experience itching, rash, and digestive upset.
Yucca is a tree, and its roots are often used to treatment of osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, migraines, diabetes, and more, although there is insufficient clinical evidence showing it to be effective for any of these. There are no recommended dosages for yucca, although most adults should be fine when taking it short-term. Some patients may experience digestive upset and vomiting.
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