Common Questions About Arthritis

Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
ThirdAge Pain Management Expert

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis Pain

Question: My mom and a friend both suffer from arthritis. They take Celebrex, but it hasn't offered them much relief. Are there any herbal remedies for the pain?

Answer: The key way of putting out the fire of arthritis pain and inflammation is to reduce the amount of fat in the diet. Substitute fats such as those found in red meat with the right fats, known as omega-3 fatty acids. These come primarily from fish -- especially darker coldwater fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel and sardines, as well as from seaweed and algae. Omega-3 fatty acids help your body produce mostly "good" prostaglandines that cause your blood clot-forming platelets to form easily and stick together. When blood is flowing easily, it quickly exits the inflamed area and doesn't collect in the painful pockets of swollen tissue.

Several other foodstuffs have a demonstrated ability to decrease inflammation. The first one is turmeric, a common yellow spice that may be the single most powerful natural anti-inflammatory substance. Found in Asian, health food and spice stores, turmeric is available in capsules. I usually recommend patients begin with small dosages such as 100-200 mg a day. When not taken in capsule form, turmeric should always be cooked with your food. Sprinkle it on top or cook it in low-fat recipes such as mung beans with basmati rice and vegetables.

Boswellia and ginger are other effective anti-inflammatory agents found in health food stores. Boswellia, an ancient remedy that comes from a tree, should be taken in capsules of 300 mg a day. Dry ginger is also sold in powerful capsules; I recommend taking two capsules of 500 mg a day. You can also eat it fresh or prepare a nice ginger tea.

Finally, take protein-digesting enzymes with your food, as well as antioxidants, which are vitamins, not herbs. The main ones would be Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

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