Updated: Nov 30, 2024
7 Herbal Creams For Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you're living with rheumatoid arthritis, you might be looking for ways to ease the pain and inflammation.
Herbal creams can be a great option. These creams are made from natural ingredients like plants and herbs, which have been used for centuries to treat various health issues. When applied topically, these creams can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They work by penetrating deep into the skin and reaching the affected joints. One of the key herbs used in these creams is turmeric, or Curcuma longa. Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, which can reduce swelling and pain. Another herb, licorice root or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is also used in some creams. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated joints. Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is another popular herb used in herbal creams. Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce pain and inflammation. When applied topically, ginger can help warm up the muscles and joints, promoting blood flow and relaxation. By using herbal creams, you can experience relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, without the risk of side effects associated with prescription medications.
This can bring a sense of calm and well-being to your life, allowing you to move more freely and enjoy your daily activities.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for rheumatoid arthritis and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa creams contains compounds like curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
These bioactive constituents have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin, in particular, inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines and enzymes, such as COX-2 and lipoxygenase, that contribute to joint inflammation and pain. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, Curcuma longa creams may help slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and improve joint function.
The antioxidant properties of Curcuma longa also protect against tissue damage and promote healing in the joints.
- Gather ingredients: 2 cups of coconut oil, 1 cup of shea butter, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa), and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add beeswax to the melted mixture and stir until it's fully incorporated.
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in turmeric powder and vitamin E oil.
- Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container and let it cool and solidify. Once set, use a spoon to scoop out a small amount and apply it to affected areas.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra creams contains active constituents like glycyrrhetic acid and flavonoids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in the joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Glycyrrhetic acid blocks the production of a hormone called cortisol, which contributes to inflammation. Flavonoids, on the other hand, have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
By reducing inflammation and protecting the body, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams may help alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of glycerin, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 1 teaspoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder.
- Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl over a pot of boiling water.
- In a separate bowl, mix glycerin and distilled water. Add dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder and stir well.
- Combine the melted mixture and glycerin mixture. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container. Let it cool and solidify before use. Apply the cream to affected areas 2-3 times a day.
3. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale creams contains active constituents like gingerols and shogaols.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in joints. They also have antioxidant properties that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerols and shogaols can also help block the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body.
By reducing inflammation and pain, Zingiber officinale creams can help provide relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of ginger oil, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil, and 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the ginger oil, vitamin E oil, and turmeric powder to the melted mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool until it reaches a temperature of around 120°F to 130°F.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin and let it cool completely before use. Apply a small amount to the affected area 2-3 times a day.
4. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis creams contains bioactive compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help reduce swelling and pain in the joints, which is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The creams also contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, which act as antioxidants and help protect the joints from damage. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aloe barbadensis creams may help slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing joint inflammation and promoting healthy tissue repair.
Aloe-emodin, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes that contribute to joint damage.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil, and 2 teaspoons of lavender oil.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the shea butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add the aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and lavender oil to the melted mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and solidify. Once solid, your aloe vera cream is ready to use.
5. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea creams contains the bioactive constituents alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce swelling and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The alkylamides in Echinacea purpurea creams have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to joint inflammation. The caffeic acid derivatives in Echinacea purpurea creams have antioxidant properties that help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
The polysaccharides in Echinacea purpurea creams have been found to stimulate the immune system, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gather 2 cups of dried Echinacea purpurea flowers, 1 cup of beeswax, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, and 1/4 cup of shea butter.
- Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the dried Echinacea purpurea flowers to the melted mixture and let it steep for 2 hours, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth.
- Pour the strained mixture into a heat-proof container and let it cool until it reaches 120°F to 130°F.
- Pour the cooled mixture into small containers and let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before using.
6. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica creams contains bioactive constituents like histamine, lectins, and polysaccharides that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help reduce swelling and pain in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Histamine, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which contribute to joint damage. The polysaccharides in Urtica dioica creams also have antioxidant properties, which help protect joints from oxidative stress and damage.
By reducing inflammation and protecting joints, Urtica dioica creams may help alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Urtica dioica leaves and 1 cup of coconut oil in a blender.
- Blend the leaves and coconut oil together until you get a smooth paste.
- Transfer the paste to a saucepan and heat it over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl, squeezing the cheesecloth to get all the liquid out.
- Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil to the liquid. Stir until the beeswax is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour into a jar and let it cool before use.
7. Capsicum annuum
Capsicum annuum creams contains the bioactive constituents capsaicin and flavonoids.
Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, have antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The capsaicin in Capsicum annuum creams also blocks the production of a chemical called substance P, which transmits pain signals to the brain.
By reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals, Capsicum annuum creams may help alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Capsicum annuum peppers and 1 cup of coconut oil in a blender.
- Blend the peppers into a smooth paste using a tablespoon of water as needed.
- Heat the coconut oil in a pan over low heat and add the pepper paste.
- Stir and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, then let it cool.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store it in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent rheumatoid arthritis from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage, which are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some herbal teas, like turmeric and ginger tea, contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between herbal tea consumption and the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for rheumatoid arthritis every day?
Herbal teas can be a helpful addition to managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but it's essential to consume them in moderation.
Drinking too much herbal tea daily may interact with medications or worsen certain conditions.
It's best to start with small amounts and observe how your body reacts.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in rheumatoid arthritis?
The effects of herbal teas on rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person.
Some people may feel a slight improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks, such as reduced pain and inflammation.
However, it may take 2-3 months or longer for the full benefits to become noticeable.