List of natural rheumatic remedies to help relieve symptoms

But it needs to be underlined, there is no single natural or herbal remedy that can cure rheumatism. The use of this drug is generally only to relieve joint pain or other rheumatic symptoms that you are experiencing. So, what herbal ingredients can be used as natural remedies to help treat rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis?

List of natural or herbal remedies to help treat rheumatism

Using herbal ingredients to help treat rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis is not prohibited. However, before taking this type of drug, you should first consult with your doctor. The reason is, some natural ingredients can interact with drugs from doctors, so that they can cause serious problems to your health.

In addition, not all natural ingredients are suitable for consumption. Ask your doctor for advice before using herbal remedies to make sure the ingredients in them are safe for you. Here are some choices of natural remedies that can be used to relieve inflammation and relieve rheumatic symptoms:

1. Fish oil

The main component in fish oil is healthy fats that the body needs, namely omega-3. These healthy fats block prostaglandins and cytokines in the body that can cause inflammation and turn them into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins.

A study also found that taking fish oil significantly relieved joint pain and stiffness in rheumatic patients, thereby reducing the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, this herbal remedy for rheumatism can also cause side effects, such as nausea, belching, and a fishy taste in the mouth, and can interfere with the medication you are taking.

2. Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric, namely curcumin, has been shown to reduce swelling and joint pain in people with rheumatism. Curcumin works by blocking cytokines and other enzymes that can cause inflammation.

A 2012 study also found that a product made from the natural ingredient of turmeric, called BCM-95, was more effective at reducing pain and swelling in rheumatic patients than using diclofenac or anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve joint pain.

3. Ginger

Ginger is known for its properties to treat various diseases and symptoms, such as nausea, colds, migraines, to hypertension. However, not only that, natural ingredients can also be herbal remedies for various types of arthritis (arthritis), including rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatism and osteoarthritis.

Reporting from the Arthritis Foundation, ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors, which are often used to treat rheumatism. This traditional medicine can effectively reduce inflammatory reactions as well as steroid medicines for rheumatism.

4. Green tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory properties. One type of polyphenol found in green tea leaves is epigallocatechin 3-gallate (ECGC). Based on research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, consuming green tea along with daily exercise is effective for relieving rheumatic symptoms.

But keep in mind, green tea is a type of caffeinated drink. You should take this natural rheumatism remedy in moderation or consult your doctor about the right level.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is said to have anti-inflammation properties. Cinnamon bark is believed to help relieve rheumatic symptoms, so it is often used as a natural remedy to treat this disease.

However, the use of cinnamon as a traditional rheumatic medicine also needs to be careful. The reason is, cinnamon in large doses can actually cause blood clots, and this drug is also known to cause dangerous side effects for pregnant women.

6. Garlic

Garlic is known as the main flavoring in a variety of dishes. But not only that, garlic can also be a herbal remedy for rheumatoid arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic works by suppressing the production of cytokines as one of the causes of rheumatism, so that the development of this disease slows down. However, you can only get the benefits for rheumatoid arthritis when you eat raw garlic. When ripe, the anti-inflammatory properties are reduced.

7. Black pepper

Black pepper can be a natural rheumatic remedy, especially to relieve pain and swelling of the joints it causes. Black pepper is known to contain capsaicin, which is an ingredient found in anti-inflammatory creams. Creams containing capsaicin are also often used by arthritis patients, including rheumatoid arthritis.

However, like capsaicin cream, the pain-relieving effect of black pepper is also temporary. You need to consume this herbal medicine frequently to be able to help deal with rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis that you are experiencing.

Essential oils as another way to treat rheumatism naturally

Apart from herbal remedies, nowadays many people use essential oils as another way to treat rheumatism naturally. This oil can specifically target inflammation and joint pain when used. In fact, the effectiveness of this oil is said to be the same as NSAID drugs.

Here are some essential oils that are often used as traditional medicines for rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil (frankincense oil) comes from the sap of the plant Boswellia serrata . The content in frankincense oil is anti-inflammatory and can be used by rheumatoid patients to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in joints.

You can use this oil as a rub on the skin or mix it in water to drink. However, this oil can also have side effects, namely skin irritation.

2. Orange oil

Not only citrus fruits, essential oils derived from oranges also have anti-inflammatory properties, so this ingredient is often used as a natural remedy for rheumatism. Orange oil is known to lower inflammation levels by interfering with the inflammatory response in the immune system.

You can apply this oil directly to the affected area of the skin or you can add it to the bath to provide a calming effect and reduce pain in the body. However, citrus oils can increase the risk of sunburns. So avoid applying it to exposed skin prior to sun exposure.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint is an essential oil with a myriad of health benefits, including its ability to reduce inflammation. This natural ingredient has natural analgesic, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve joint pain and stiffness in people with rheumatism.

You can apply peppermint oil directly to the affected joint area or add it to water or tea to drink. However, these natural ingredients can also cause side effects, such as heartburn or nausea and may interact with certain rheumatic drugs.

In addition to the three ingredients above, several essential oils have also been shown to help treat rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatism naturally, including: