Herbs And Supplements: Helpful To Treatment Of Osteoarthritis?

Looking for a new treatment of osteoarthritis? Supplements and natural remedies can help.

Traditional herbs and spices, as well as modern supplements, can complement a regimen of prescription or non-prescription pain relievers. Just be sure to talk to your doctor and pharmacist to let them know what you’re taking. (They can help head off potential allergies or bad drug interactions.)

So what are the most popular ones to consider for osteoarthritis?

• Ginger. This root blocks the development of inflammatory chemicals in your body, keeping inflammation at bay and (hopefully) joint pain down. It isn’t known for any serious interactions with regular medication, but can cause some stomach upset if you ingest too much. You can get ginger in powered capsules, drink it as tea, or eat candied cubes or pickled ginger.
• Curcumin. Curcumin is an ingredient in turmeric, a gold-colored Indian spice that helps minimize inflammation. It isn’t known for serious interactions with regular medication, but there’s a small chance of side effects such as nausea or diarrhea. You can take curcumin through turmeric capsules or add ground turmeric to food.
• Digestive enzymes. These enzymes from animal sources or fruits (specifically papaya and pineapple). They work by reducing inflammation and pain, while also removing cellular waste from the body. They could have bad interactions with other drugs or conditions (namely gastroesophageal reflux disease or food allergies), so be sure to discuss these with your doctor before taking them.

They come in capsule form.

To learn more about these supplements as a treatment of osteoarthritis (as well as 7 other supplements), as well as the recommended dosage and what doctors have to say about each, visit Lifescript.com, a women’s health and wellness web site.

Also be sure to swing by Lifescript’s new online Osteoarthritis Health Center for more osteoarthritis information.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).