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Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

8 Natural Anti-inflammatory Measures Against Rheumatism

Rheumatoid arthritis and a number of rheumatic disorders are characterized by extensive inflammation in the body and joints. Natural anti-inflammatory measures can help fight these inflammations.

It is not just drugs that can have an anti-inflammatory effect - in fact, several measures have documented a better effect than traditional anti-inflammatory tablets. Among other things, we will review:

turmeric
Ginger
Green tea
Black pepper
Willowbark
Kanel
Olive oil
Garlic

We fight for those with other chronic pain diagnoses and rheumatism to have better opportunities for treatment and investigation. Like us on our FB page og our YouTube channel in social media to join us in the fight for an improved everyday life for thousands of people.

This article will review eight measures that can reduce the symptoms and pain caused by rheumatic disorders - but we point out that treatment should always be coordinated through your GP. At the bottom of the article you can also read comments from other readers, as well as watch a video with exercises adapted to those with rheumatic disorders.

1. Green tea

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Green tea has a number of well-documented health benefits and scores five out of five stars on our star rating. Green tea is ranked as the healthiest drink you can consume, and this is primarily due to its high content of catechins. The latter are natural antioxidants that prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation reactions.

The way green tea combats inflammation is by preventing free radicals and oxidative stress from forming in the body. The strongest biological component of green tea is called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) and has also been linked in studies to other health regulations such as reduced risk of Alzheimer's (1), heart disease (2) and gum problems (3).

A good and easy way to contribute to anti-inflammatory effects in the body can thus be achieved by drinking green tea daily - preferably 2-3 cups. There are also no documented side effects from drinking green tea.

Too many people are plagued with chronic pain that destroys everyday life - that's why we encourage you to Share this article in social media, Feel free to like our Facebook page and say: "Yes to more research on chronic pain diagnoses". In this way, one can make the symptoms associated with this diagnosis more visible and ensure that more people are taken seriously - and thus get the help they need. We also hope that such increased attention can lead to greater funding for research on new assessment and treatment methods.

Also read: - 15 Early Signs of Rheumatism

2. Garlic

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Garlic contains significant levels of health-promoting nutrients. Research has also shown that it reduces typical symptoms seen in rheumatism, among other things, it can attenuate inflammation and swelling of the joints (4).

Another study from 2009 concluded that an active substance called thiacremonone in garlic have significant anti-inflammatory and arthritis-fighting effects (5).

Garlic tastes absolutely delicious in a variety of dishes - so why not try to incorporate it into your natural diet? However, we point out that garlic has its highest content of anti-inflammatory components in its raw form. Garlic is also as natural as you get it - and has no negative side effects (apart from a change in your spirit the next day).

Also read: - 7 Early Signs of Gout

3. Willow bark

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Willow bark can be translated from Norwegian to English as Willow bark. Arrow bark is, hence the name, bark from the arrow tree. In the past, in the old days, decoction of the bark was used regularly to reduce fever and swelling among those with rheumatism.

Although many have previously reported that they have had the effect of such decoction, we must rate this natural, anti-inflammatory measure to 1 of 5 stars. - the reason for this is that too large dosages can lead to kidney failure and fatal outcome. We simply cannot recommend anything like that - not when there are so many other good, effective measures out there.

The active ingredient in willow bark is called salecin - gg it is through chemical treatment of this agent that one gets salicylic acid; the active component of aspirin. In fact, it is shocking enough that the history books believe that Beethoven died of an overdose of salecin.

Also read: - Research report: This is the Best Fibromyalgia Diet

Click on the image or link above to read more about the correct diet adapted to those with fibro.

4. Ginger

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Ginger can be recommended for anyone who suffers from rheumatic joint ailments - and it is also known that this root has one a host of other positive health benefits. This is because ginger has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

Ginger works by preventing a pro-inflammatory molecule called prostaglandin. It does this by stopping the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. It should also be said that COX-2 is related to pain signals, and that common painkillers, like ginger, attenuate these enzymes.

Many people with rheumatism drink ginger as tea - and then preferably up to 3 times a day during periods when the inflammation in the joints is extremely strong. You can find some different recipes for this in the link below.

Also read: - 8 Incredible Health Benefits Of Eating Ginger

5. Hot water with turmeric

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Turmeric contains high levels of powerful antioxidants. The unique, active ingredient in turmeric is called Curcumin and can help fight inflammation in joints - or the body in general. In fact, it has such a good effect that certain studies have shown that it has a better effect than Voltaren.

In a study of 45 participants (6) researchers concluded that curcumin was more effective than diclofenac sodium (better known as Voltaren) in the treatment of active rheumatic arthritis. They further wrote that unlike Voltaren, curcumin has no negative side effects. Turmeric can thus be a healthy and good alternative for those who suffer from osteoarthritis and / or rheumatism - yet we do not see many recommendations from GPs that patients with such ailments should consume curcumin instead of medication.

Many people choose to get turmeric by adding it to their cooking or mixing it with hot water and drinking it - almost like tea. Research on the health benefits of turmeric is extensive and well documented. In fact, it is so well documented that it should be recommended by most GPs - but would not the pharmaceutical industry like it?

Also read: - 7 Fantastic Health Benefits of Eating Turmeric

6. Black pepper

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You might be surprised to find black pepper in this list? Well, because we include it's active ingredients called capsaicin and piperine - the former is a component you'll find in most heat creams out there. Some studies have shown positive effects by using creams with capsaicin to relieve rheumatic pain, but the effect is almost always short-lived.

Black pepper can indicate documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic (analgesic) behaviors. What we are very positive about when it comes to black pepper is another active component called piperine. Research (7) has shown that this ingredient actively prevented inflammatory responses in cartilage cells. In other words, it prevented cartilage damage - which is a major problem with, among other things, rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have questions regarding treatment methods and assessment of chronic pain, we recommend that you join your local rheumatism association, join a support group on the internet (we recommend the facebook group «Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: News, Unity and Research«) And be open with those around you that you sometimes have difficulty and that this can go beyond your personality temporarily.

Also read: - How Training in a Hot Water Pool Can Help With Fibromyalgia

7. Cinnamon

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Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory effects, but knowing how much to get in can be difficult. It is also true that eating too much of this spice can have negative consequences for your kidneys.

However, if cinnamon is taken in the right amount and is of good quality, then it can have very positive effects in the form of reduced joint swelling and pain relief for sore, rheumatic joints. One of the strongest health benefits of consuming cinnamon is its ability to reduce joint death - which comes in handy for rheumatic disorders (8).

A negative effect of eating cinnamon may be that it may affect the effect of blood thinners (such as Warfarin). This means that it makes the drug less effective than it should be. So the conclusion is that you should consult with your GP before considering health supplements like this if you are already on medication.

Also read: - 8 Natural Pain Relieving Measures For Fibromyalgia

8. Olive oil

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Olive oil can have a very good effect in reducing inflammation and pain among those with rheumatism. Olive oil is already well established in the Norwegian home and has had a gradual increase in popularity over the years.

Several studies have shown that olive oil can reduce oxidative stress associated with rheumatism. Something that can provide symptom relief for certain forms of arthritis in the joints. Especially combined with fish oil (full of Omega-3) it has been seen that olive oil can reduce rheumatism symptoms. A study (9) combining these two showed that the study participants experienced significantly less joint pain, improved grip strength and less rigidity on the mornings).

We can hardly get the full health benefits of full-roasted olive oil - so therefore we have written a separate article about them that you can read by clicking on the link below. Did you know, for example, that olive oil can play an active role in preventing stroke? How amazing is that?

If you liked this article then we really appreciate if you want to follow us in social media.

Also read: 8 Phenomenal Health Benefits of Eating Olive Oil

More information? Join this group!

Join the Facebook group «Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: Research and news»(Click here) for the latest updates on research and media writing about rheumatic and chronic disorders. Here, members can also get help and support - at all times of the day - through the exchange of their own experiences and advice.

VIDEO: Exercises for Rheumatists and Those Affected by Fibromyalgia

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We sincerely hope that this article can help you in the fight against rheumatic disorders and chronic pain.

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Sources:

PubMed

Zhang et al, 2012. Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks.
Want et al, 2015. Association between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Hyperuricemia.
Yuniarti et al, 2017. Effect Of Red Ginger Compress To Decrease
Scale Of Pain Gout Arthiris Patients.
Chandran et al, 2012. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov; 26 (11): 1719-25. doi: 10.1002 / ptr.4639. Epub 2012 Mar 9.

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