Joint relief

You can’t cure arthritis but there are some herbs that can help ease the strain

Damp wet October days can spell bad news if you suffer from arthritis. The reason? No one knows for sure but the change in weather seems to exacerbate symptoms such as stiff and painful joints. So what can you do if you are one of the 1.5 million people in the UK who are affected?

There are plenty of arthritis drugs on the market that promise to ease the pain but if you would prefer a more natural approach here are some herbal remedies for you to try.

Devil’s claw

Top of the list comes devil’s claw which has long been used by bushmen living in the Kalahari Sands of Namibia for a variety of ills ranging from digestive complaints to back and joint problems. And now research shows that they may indeed know a thing or two when it comes to reducing joint swelling and pain as devils claw has been found to contain substances that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

And the good news is that there are no side effects to devil’s claw. The anti-inflammatory action doesn't block any of the body's natural processes, as some conventional medications do, so there is no danger of harming the stomach lining, the kidneys, or of causing any circulation or vascular problems.

So how does it work? No one knows for sure but the anti- inflammatory properties of the active compounds, the harpagosides and the plants sterols found in its roots, are thought to be responsible.

Willow bark

Willow bark also known as white willow is another ancient remedy for aches and pains as well as rheumatic problems. Its active ingredient salicin is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and some studies have shown it to be as effective as aspirin in reducing inflammation.

Valerian

But pain and inflammation are not the only symptoms of arthritis. Depression is another common side effect. Endless days of pain can be very wearing which sooner or later can start to get you down. And this is where the soothing herb valerian can help to relax you. It can be taken through the day or at night. And if the constant pain makes it hard for you to get to sleep a cup of valerian tea at bedtime may be just what you need to help you drop off.

Help yourself

• Keeping on the move is one of the best ways to ease the discomfort and stop joints seizing up.  A gentle activity that puts no strain on joints is best. Walking, swimming or aquarobics are best.
• Follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg, which are full of vitamins and minerals and water to help lubricate your joints.
• Oily fish such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, which are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, can help ease any pain and stiffness.
• Lose weight if you need to. Shedding just a few pounds will help reduce stress on the joints and can be as effective at relieving arthritic knee pain as taking painkillers, according to research.
• Try to stay positive. Sharing experiences with others in the same boat can be helpful so think about joining an arthritis care local group.

Devil’s claw is found in Flexiherb - A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints based on traditional use only.