Herbal medicine to relieve osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

In this article, we will help you understand what osteoarthritis is and how natural methods such as herbal medicine can relieve osteoarthritis .

Osteoarthritis is a pathology that affects 10 million people in France. It is more likely to occur in older people. In fact, it affects 65% of those over 65. It is a joint disease that will lead to the destruction of cartilage . The sliding of bones without friction is possible thanks to the set of joints that make up our body. The joint is a vector of movement. It is possible to feel severe pain when this joint is damaged. This pain restricts the mobility of the patient suffering from osteoarthritis.

What is cartilage made of?

Cartilage is a relatively flexible connective tissue. It is composed of collagen which gives it its flexibility and helps it resist the tension that can be exerted on it.

But also elastin which allows collagen molecules to be linked together to ensure the coherence of the structure supported by proteoglycans to increase the adhesion of this tissue unit.

Proteoglycans are molecules rich in chondroitin. This is a substance that helps maintain healthy cartilage.

Glucosamine is also a substance that helps nourish cartilage. Without chondroitin and glucosamine, cartilage could not regenerate.

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?

For a functional joint , cartilage must be rested, nourished and hydrated . The synovial fluid, which surrounds the cartilage, helps provide the nutrients necessary for its maintenance. It also helps to smooth movements.

In the event of a nutritional deficiency, a dietary imbalance or in more serious cases of malnutrition, the cartilage will have difficulty being nourished properly. It will therefore lose functionality and renewal. This leads to premature aging of the integrity of the cartilaginous structure.

People who undergo more intense or prolonged exercise, with little rest, are also likely to develop osteoarthritis.

In fact, when the cartilage is compressed, the fluid that composes it disperses. The rest phases help the fluid return to the structure. The shorter the rest phases or the more out of balance they are in relation to the compression phases, the more the cartilage will weaken.

This is the case for top athletes, people with very physical and demanding jobs, and those lifting heavy loads. Being overweight also increases the strain on the joints. Age remains the most common cause of osteoarthritis.

Indeed, when the body ages, metabolic disorders set in, leading to functional tissue difficulties. Cartilage is difficult to renew and is gradually destroyed.

What is the most effective dietary supplement against osteoarthritis?

There are several dietary supplements available to help maintain healthy joints . They are not intended to cure osteoarthritis, but they support joint integrity.

Collagen, chondroitin and glucosamine

As we have explained, these three substances are part of the composition of cartilage tissue. It is possible to find all three of them in the formulation of many food supplements on the market.

They exist as supplements in the form of powder to dilute or capsules to swallow.

You will find collagen on the food supplement market under the name Peptan ®, Collagen type I, Collagen type 2 or Collagen Peptide.

Concerning the other two substances, although it is possible to find them separately, they are very frequently associated (Chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin glucosamine MSM, etc.).

Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid that makes up ⅓ of collagen. As a supplement, it is therefore beneficial for collagen synthesis in the body.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that has a strong antioxidant power. It is involved in the formation of collagen and therefore becomes interesting as a supplement in cases of osteoarthritis.

Copper

Copper-based dietary supplements can be useful in cases of osteoarthritis. In fact, in cases of cartilage inflammation, copper allows the synthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD). This molecule is involved in the fight against free radicals and participates in the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins. It thus limits cartilage inflammation. Please note that taking dietary supplements should in no way replace a healthy, balanced and varied diet.

Herbal medicine food supplements for osteoarthritis

Herbal medicine is increasingly developing within the food supplement market. These natural solutions are a real asset to contribute to a healthy body. Especially when it comes to using herbal medicine to relieve osteoarthritis.

Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Harpagophytum can be interesting as a natural solution in cases of arthritis or osteoarthritis.

This plant, also called Devil's Claw, is used in herbal medicine for its roots which have anti-inflammatory properties. It is often consumed , in the case of chronic inflammation , to relieve osteoarthritis.

Harpagophytum root contains tannins, iridoids (harpagosides, harpagide and procumbide), phytosterols, triterpene esters, flavonoids, aromatic active ingredients and harpagoquinone. All of these active ingredients give it interesting properties to help limit cartilage inflammation.

In rheumatology , harpagophytum is used as a massage gel to reduce inflammation and orally (capsules) to accelerate the physiological healing process of osteoarthritis.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)

In herbal medicine to relieve osteoarthritis, we will favor the use of blackcurrant leaves. Indeed, the blackcurrant tree was called “the gout tree” and was widely used to treat gout. Blackcurrant leaves would help regenerate cartilage.

Being rich in anthocyanins, they would contribute to significantly reducing inflammation . Blackcurrant berries also contain molecules with anti-inflammatory properties (flavonoids and anthocyanidols).

Find our food supplement based on Blackcurrant.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is generally used as a condiment to color and spice up dishes. But that is not its only asset. Its root is widely used in herbal medicine and more particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. It is an unconventional medicine originating from Asia. Turmeric is also called “Indian Saffron”. Turmeric root is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This plant contains a major active ingredient, curcumin.

Stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica )

Nettle has many vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It also has an anti-inflammatory action and helps the cartilage to rebuild itself. We can consume the leaves of Nettle in infusion.

Herbal medicine recipe idea for osteoarthritis:

Steep a handful of nettle leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Consume up to three cups a day for osteoarthritis or arthritis.

These infusions could help relieve rheumatic pain. You can add ginger, turmeric and lemon to this preparation for more effectiveness and flavors.

Find our food supplement based on Stinging Nettle.

Meadowsweet ( Spirea ulmaria )

In herbal medicine against osteoarthritis, meadowsweet can be used to help better support the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Salicylic acid is one of the active ingredients it contains. This active ingredient is the main compound in aspirin. It thus helps relieve pain due to osteoarthritis.

Find our food supplement based on Meadowsweet.

Herbal medicine through cosmetic oils

These plants can be consumed as food supplements, but they are also beneficial in cosmetic use through massage oils to relieve inflammation directly at the local level.

Essential oils have a much higher concentration of plant extract. However, they must be handled with great care, as they can be irritating due to their high concentration.

The presence of peppermint in an essential oil is interesting in cases of inflammation. It provides a feeling of freshness on the skin and quickly soothes the heating caused by pain.

How to get rid of osteoarthritis permanently?

Unfortunately, there is no completely effective treatment to permanently cure osteoarthritis. Preserve your joints as much as possible with appropriate movements. Do not neglect your diet or rest to take care of your body. And finally, turn to herbal medicine to prevent inflammation or cartilage degradation.

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Phytotherapy and osteoarthritis: Bibliographic references

1 - Altindag O, Erel O, et al. Increased oxidative stress and its relationship with collagen metabolism in knee osteoarthritis. Rheumatol Int. February 2007, Vol. 27, 4, pp. 339-44.

2 - Wegener, T., & Lüpke, N.-P. Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbensDC.) . Phytotherapy Research, 2003, 17(10), 1165–1172.

3 - Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis . Phytomedicine 2000; 7(3):177-83.

4 - Haroyan A, Mukuchyan V, Mkrtchyan N, et al. Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: a comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18(1):7.