Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, often causing stiffness and swelling.

It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to damage and deformity. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, environmental factors, and hormonal imbalances are thought to contribute.

If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to disability and other health complications. Fortunately, herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, and willow bark have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms. Medicinal preparations such as ointments, teas, and capsules can be made from these herbs.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of rheumatoid arthritis?

The main causes of rheumatoid arthritis are multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with certain genetic variants such as HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DRB4 being strongly associated with the disease. Environmental triggers, including infections, stress, and smoking, may also contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, with some studies suggesting that viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and parvovirus B19 may trigger the disease. Hormonal factors, including hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, may also play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, an imbalance of gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, with certain bacteria such as Prevotella and Porphyromonas being associated with the disease.

• Genetics: Genetics plays a crucial role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, as individuals with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it due to inherited genetic mutations that affect the immune system's ability to regulate inflammation.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis, as it triggers an inflammatory response in the body, damages the lining of blood vessels, and increases the production of inflammatory chemicals.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly the presence of estrogen, is thought to contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, as estrogen can stimulate the production of inflammatory chemicals and trigger the activation of immune cells.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and preventing excessive inflammation.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as those caused by bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus, can trigger the development of rheumatoid arthritis by triggering an autoimmune response and activating immune cells.
• Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis, as excess body weight can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals.
• Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis by triggering the production of cortisol, a hormone that promotes inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
• Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis by promoting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis by triggering an inflammatory response and damaging the immune system.
• Gut Dysbiosis: Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of the gut microbiome, can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis by promoting chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for rheumatoid arthritis?

The main medicinal herbs used for rheumatoid arthritis are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Boswellia serrata, Rheum palmatum, Equisetum arvense, Capsicum annuum, Cinchona officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, and Withania somnifera.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing joint inflammation and pain by inhibiting COX-2 and NF-kappa B. Zingiber officinale's gingerol and shogaol exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while Glycyrrhiza glabra's licorice root reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting COX-2 and 5-LOX. Boswellia serrata's boswellic acids suppress the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, Rheum palmatum's rhein reduces inflammation and pain, Equisetum arvense's horsetail normalizes calcium and phosphate metabolism, Capsicum annuum's capsaicin reduces pain by activating TRPV1 receptors, Cinchona officinalis's quinine reduces inflammation and pain, Aloe barbadensis's aloe vera gel reduces inflammation and pain, and Withania somnifera's ashwagandha reduces stress and inflammation by inhibiting NF-kappa B.

These herbs have been traditionally used to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by modulating the inflammatory response and promoting joint health.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a polyphenol compound that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which helps to reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, contains gingerols and shogaols, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata, or frankincense, contains boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects, and help to reduce inflammation and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheum palmatum: Rheum palmatum, or Chinese rhubarb, contains rhein, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense, or horsetail, contains silica and flavonoids, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, or cayenne pepper, contains capsaicin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, contains quinine, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, contains aloin and acemannan, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, contains withanolides, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which help to reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for rheumatoid arthritis?

The main herbal preparations used for rheumatoid arthritis are Capsule, Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Gel, Suppository, Ointment, Poultice, Elixir.

Capsule forms of herbal preparations such as Ashwagandha and Turmeric are used to reduce inflammation and joint pain due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoctions of herbs like Ginger and Echinacea are used to reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Tinctures of herbs like Willow Bark and St. John's Wort are used to reduce pain and inflammation due to their salicylic acid and flavonoid content. Topical preparations such as Salve, Cream, Gel, Suppository, Ointment, and Poultice of herbs like Arnica and Calendula are used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting tissue repair.

Elixir forms of herbal preparations are used to reduce inflammation and joint pain due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Capsule: Capsules made from plants such as Turmeric (Curcuma longa) containing Curcumin, a bioactive compound, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and joint pain through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Decoction: Decoctions made from plants like Willow Bark (Salix alba) containing Salicin, a glycoside, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, similar to aspirin.
• Tincture: Tinctures made from plants like Ginger (Zingiber officinale) containing Gingerols and Shogaols, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Salve: Salves made from plants like Calendula (Calendula officinalis) containing Tricyclodecan-12-one, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Cream: Creams made from plants like Arnica (Arnica montana) containing Sesquiterpene lactones, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Gel: Gels made from plants like St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) containing Hyperforin, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from plants like Willow Bark (Salix alba) containing Salicin, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain directly in the affected area through their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Ointment: Ointments made from plants like Comfrey (Symphytum officinallum) containing Allantoin, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Poultice: Poultices made from plants like Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) containing Salicin, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, similar to aspirin.
• Elixir: Elixirs made from plants like Turmeric (Curcuma longa) containing Curcumin, help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and joint pain through their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.