10 Natural Painkillers
There are several dietary supplements and herbal remedies can relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatism. Often they have anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory effect. Some studies show that it seems to relieve osteoarthritis of the knee. In one of them got 63 percent of those taking ginger relieves pain in the knees, compared with 50 percent of those receiving placebo. Some studies show effect also of rheumatism, where the ginger seems to relieve pain, tenderness and swelling and increase mobility.
Fish oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It has been well-documented anti-inflammatory effect and should therefore be able to mitigate the different types of arthritis. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of rheumatism – pain and morning stiffness decreases, and prescribing costs. To get the desired effect you have to eat at least three grams of omega 3 fatty acids every day for a few months. There is also research showing that fatty fish can have a preventive effect, reducing the risk that we get rheumatism. Still missing, however, good trials in osteoarthritis.
Devil’s claw
Some studies show that medicinal the plant Devil’s claw may have anti-inflammatory properties, relieve pain and increase mobility when suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
GLA
Gamma-linolenic acid is a fatty acid belonging to the omega 6 that may have anti-inflammatory effect. Might be good for rheumatism. Some studies show the relief of pain, sore joints and morning stiffness.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an endogenous substance that occurs naturally in our cartilage. Several studies show that supplementation with glucosamine can reduce pain and improve mobility in mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The effect is best seen for osteoarthritis of the knee. A summary of research in the medical database Cochrane shows an average 28 percent reduction in pain and 21 percent increase in the joints function.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the herb that gives curry spice mixture until dark amber color. It has been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, including the joint pain. Test tube and animal studies indicate that the substance curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effect. There are few clinical studies on humans, but some suggest that turmeric may help relieve pain in osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a substance in the cartilage tissue in humans and animals. Supplementation with chondroitin has in several studies been shown to relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Often the roughly half of the symptoms. People who eat painkillers are usually able to reduce the dose.
Green-lipped mussel
New Zealand’s green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, have for centuries been used against various types of arthritis of the New Zealand aborigines, the Maoris. Modern research shows that stabilized mussel extract has anti-inflammatory effect. Some studies show that the extract may ease the pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. In a Korean study, 80 percent of patients had significant pain relief and improved joint function after eight weeks.
Rosehip
Rose hips, like several other fruits, an anti-inflammatory effect. Particularly large impact has been seen by beach rose hips, which are included in supplements designed to maintain good mobility in the joints. Several studies indicate that rosehip powder Litomove can relieve pain and increase mobility in osteoarthritis. A German-Danish study indicates some relief even in rheumatism.
Sulfur
Sulfur is needed for the body to form substances in cartilage, such as chondroitin sulfate. The sulfur found in all proteins and are therefore included in small amounts in most things we eat. In some supplements contained the organic sulfur compound MSM, metylsulfonylmetan. Some studies suggest it can relieve pain in osteoarthritis, sports injuries and back pain.
