The authors of this research concluded that cinnamon supplementation may enhance the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress levels in humans.

Related: Cinnamon May Be a Safe Way to Reduce RA Symptoms. Dried cinnamon can be added to oatmeal , smoothies, soups, stews, or even oranges for a delicious and healthy dessert. Cinnamon sticks can be added to teas or ciders for an extra flavor infusion.

Sliced, minced, or chopped, fresh garlic can liven up any dish and may help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain. Like leeks and onions, garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that decreases the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Research has found that the administration of garlic has anti-arthritic activity — preventing cartilage destruction and reducing inflammation — in arthritis-induced rats. In one study , 70 women were randomly assigned to take either mg of garlic powder tablets twice a day or a placebo for eight weeks.

At the end of the study period, those who took the garlic reported significantly lower pain intensity and fatigue scores. They also had lower levels of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor TNF , which are proteins involved in inflammation. Related: Pain Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Garlic can be added to many foods, including pasta dishes, roasted chicken or vegetables, stir-fries, and sandwich spreads. But did you know that black pepper, including piperine, its active compound, has bona fide health benefits?

Research has found that black pepper has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and gastro-protective effects. One study suggested that the administration of piperic acid has anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting swelling and the production of cytokines in animals.

Other research has found that piperine administration relieved inflammation, pain, and other symptoms of arthritis in animals. Related: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Diet: What to Consider. Cayenne and other chili peppers contain capsaicinoids, which are natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Many ointments and creams containing capsaicin the main ingredient in cayenne are available to relieve arthritis pain. One study found that capsaicin cream was just as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs at reducing pain for people with osteoarthritis.

You can add cayenne pepper to sauces, marinades, and rubs. Or simply sprinkle dried cayenne onto your favorite dish. But beware: This spice can be hot and may irritate the digestive tract.

Cayenne may interact with different medicines, so be sure to talk to your doctor before trying this supplement. Willow bark has significant anti-inflammatory properties and reduces various markers of inflammation, according to research. In one study , researchers gave willow bark extract to people with rheumatic pain due to osteoarthritis and back pain and saw a significant reduction in pain after three weeks.

Roofener stresses that you should consult with your doctor before taking willow bark, as it may increase the action of aspirin or an NSAID. Derived from the bark of the Boswellia tree, found in India and North Africa, Indian frankincense has strong anti-inflammatory properties as well as analgesic effects.

It also may help prevent cartilage loss. Technically, this substance is a seafood extract not an herb that is touted for inflammation-fighting properties. Nutritional supplements containing extracts from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel Perna canaliculus are rich in omega-3 fatty acids , which have anti-inflammatory effects.

So it stands to reason that these supplements could be helpful for RA; however, little research has been done in people, and so far results from studies in animals and humans have been mixed, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The oil comes from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, which is native to certain parts of North and South America.

Research has suggested that evening primrose oil could reduce symptoms of RA, but the results were inconsistent. If you are interested in trying evening primrose supplements, the Arthritis Foundation suggests a dosage of 2. Related: Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine, thunder god vine reduces inflammation from autoimmune diseases, including RA, when taken as an oral extract.

One review found that treatment with thunder god vine aka Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F was superior to conventional drugs, including sulfasalazine Azulfidine and methotrexate Trexall , in treating RA symptoms.

However, thunder god vine should never be used as a substitute for standard RA treatments. Research has found that taking ashwagandha powder followed by treatment with Sidh Makardhwaj another type of Indian medicine with herbal and mineral ingredients eases pain and joint swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The dosage will depend on the type you take. Alschuler says ashwagandha is generally safe for people with RA. However, patients should consult with their doctors if they are taking diabetes or thyroid medicines, as the supplement could cause an additive effect. Additionally, pregnant women should talk to their providers before taking ashwagandha.

To keep it that way, she advises using herbs or supplements at least two hours before or after taking your medication. If you want to use them in high doses as medicine, make sure to check with your doctor first, she adds, or work with a Board Certified Traditional Chinese Herbalist.

After all, some herbal supplements can cause unpleasant side effects or interact with medication you may be taking.

Additional reporting by Julie Marks , Madeline Vann, MPH , and Stacey Colino. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.

We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Health Conditions A-Z. Best Oils for Skin Complementary Approaches Emotional Wellness Fitness and Exercise Healthy Skin Online Therapy Reiki Healing Resilience Sleep Sexual Health Self Care Yoga Poses See All.

Atkins Diet DASH Diet Golo Diet Green Tea Healthy Recipes Intermittent Fasting Intuitive Eating Jackfruit Ketogenic Diet Low-Carb Diet Mediterranean Diet MIND Diet Paleo Diet Plant-Based Diet See All. Consumer's Guides: Understand Your Treatments Albuterol Inhalation Ventolin Amoxicillin Amoxil Azithromycin Zithromax CoQ10 Coenzyme Q Ibuprofen Advil Levothyroxine Synthroid Lexapro Escitalopram Lipitor Atorvastatin Lisinopril Zestril Norvasc Amlodipine Prilosec Omeprazole Vitamin D3 Xanax Alprazolam Zoloft Sertraline Drug Reviews See All.

Health Tools. Body Type Quiz Find a Doctor - EverydayHealth Care Hydration Calculator Menopause Age Calculator Symptom Checker Weight Loss Calculator. See All. When and for how long they feel stiff will help your doctor determine what type of arthritis you have.

When do you feel most stiff? If you suffer with osteoarthritis in one of these places, you may have difficulty with movement in general and doing any of the follow activities:.

Arthritis can also cause complications. Fluid can accumulate in the affected joint, and levels of a beneficial chemical hormone called hyaluronan can decline, which means joints are less protected from the effects of shock and pressure. Another common complication associated with osteoarthritis is free-floating bone or cartilage within joint fluid, causing irritation and sometimes developing into painful bone spurs.

A less common complication of longstanding, severe rheumatoid arthritis is called rheumatoid vasculitis, which occurs in about 1 percent of this patient population. In such cases, a treatment plan is normally outlined by a rheumatologist. This occurs when the immune system generates internal inflammation to get rid of perceived threats like an infection or allergy and mistakenly causes joint erosion and sometimes organ damage.

These forms of arthritis are especially important to treat as early on as possible, since tissue damage can be hard to reverse once it sets in. Inflammatory arthritis is believed to be highly tied to gut health , which means a healthy diet is key for recovery.

Different types of arthritis are treated conventionally by rheumatologists. Rheumatology is a sub-specialty in internal medicine and revolves around the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases.

Rheumatology involves studying diseases can affect the joints, muscles and bones, often causing pain, swelling, stiffness and even deformity. The most common type of treatment for arthritis is pharmaceutical drugs.

Those that are most often prescribed to manage osteoarthritis are analgesics. These drugs are used to treat only the pain but not also inflammation or the underlying causes of arthritis.

Four common prescription analgesics used to treat osteoarthritis pain include:. Not only do these medications pose many potential side effect s, but they can also be very addicting.

The U. Food and Drug Administration requires a label warning of risks associated with these prescriptions, including heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding. For dealing with very bad pain, over-the-counter drugs might be helpful temporarily, every now and then.

If you want to avoid the risk and side effects of prescription painkilling drugs, the alternative natural treatments for arthritis above can greatly help control your pain and help your condition.

Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr. Axe on Twitter 70 Dr. Axe on Instagram Dr. Axe on Google Plus Dr.

Axe on Youtube Dr. Axe on Pintrest Share on Email Print Article 6. Symptoms and even chronic diseases related to heavy metal toxicity also called Axe on Twitter 21 Dr. A systematic review on the role of eicosanoid pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Adv Med Sci. Saad J, Mathew D. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Toxicity.

Hazlewood G, van der Heijde DM, Bombardier C. Paracetamol for the management of pain in inflammatory arthritis: a systematic literature review.

J Rheumatol Suppl. Horta-Baas G, Romero-Figueroa MDS, Montiel-Jarquín AJ, Pizano-Zárate ML, García-Mena J, Ramírez-Durán N.

Intestinal Dysbiosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Link between Gut Microbiota and the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Immunol Res. Wu X, He B, Liu J, Feng H, Ma Y, Li D, et al. Molecular Insight into Gut Microbiota and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Int J Mol Sci. Maeda Y, Kumanogoh A, Takeda K. Altered composition of gut microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Nihon Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi. Maeda Y, Kurakawa T, Umemoto E, Motooka D, Ito Y, Gotoh K, et al. Dysbiosis contributes to arthritis development via activation of autoreactive T cells in the intestine.

Arthritis Rheumatol. Bjarnason I, Williams P, So A, Zanelli GD, Levi AJ, Gumpel JM, et al. Intestinal permeability and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis: effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Tajik N, Frech M, Schulz O, Schälter F, Lucas S, Azizov V, et al. Targeting zonulin and intestinal epithelial barrier function to prevent onset of arthritis. Nat Commun.

Kinashi Y, Hase K. Partners in leaky gut syndrome: intestinal dysbiosis and autoimmunity. Front Immunol. Fasano A.

Zonulin, regulation of tight junctions, and autoimmune diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. Morris G, Berk M, Carvalho AF, Caso JR, Sanz Y, Maes M.

The Role of Microbiota and Intestinal Permeability in the Pathophysiology of Autoimmune and Neuroimmune Processes with an Emphasis on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Type 1 Diabetes and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Curr Pharm Des. Hallajzadeh J, Safiri S, Mansournia MA, Khoramdad M, Izadi N, Almasi-Hashiani A, et al. Metabolic syndrome and its components among rheumatoid arthritis patients: A comprehensive updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS ONE. Youssefi M, Tafaghodi M, Farsiani H, Ghazvini K, Keikha M. Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune diseases; Is there an association with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune atrophy gastritis and autoimmune pancreatitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis study.

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. Ma Y, Zhang X, Fan D, Xia Q, Wang M, Pan F. Common trace metals in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trace Elem Med Biol. Hadwen B, Stranges S, Barra L. Risk factors for hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis patients-A systematic review.

Autoimmun Rev. Nelson J, Sjöblom H, Gjertsson I, Ulven SM, Lindqvist HM, Bärebring L. Do Interventions with Diet or Dietary Supplements Reduce the Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Mohammed AT, Khattab M, Ahmed AM, Turk T, Sakr N, M Khalil A, et al. The therapeutic effect of probiotics on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

Clin Rheumatol. Lowe JR, Briggs AM, Whittle S, Stephenson MD. A systematic review of the effects of probiotic administration in inflammatory arthritis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Liu Y, Hazlewood GS, Kaplan GG, Eksteen B, Barnabe C.

Impact of Obesity on Remission and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arthritis Care Res Hoboken. Porras M, Rada G, Durán J. Effects of Mediterranean diet on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Podas T, Nightingale JMD, Oldham R, Roy S, Sheehan NJ, Mayberry JF.

Is rheumatoid arthritis a disease that starts in the intestine? A pilot study comparing an elemental diet with oral prednisolone.

Postgrad Med J. Jiang Y, Jarr K, Layton C, Gardner CD, Ashouri JF, Abreu MT, et al. Therapeutic Implications of Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Related Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases.

Marum AP, Moreira C, Saraiva F, Tomas-Carus P, Sousa-Guerreiro C. A low fermentable oligo-di-mono saccharides and polyols FODMAP diet reduced pain and improved daily life in fibromyalgia patients. Scand J Pain.

Try Heat and Cold. Heat increases blood flow to painful joints, relaxes tight muscles and helps eliminate waste products. Cold decreases blood flow to reduce swelling, slows the transmission of pain signals through nerves and inhibits inflammatory chemicals.

Cold therapy is best for pain and swelling after exercise, during a flare or in the first 48 to 72 hours after an injury. Later, try alternating hot and cold packs or warm and cold soaks switching back and forth after about 10 minutes. For an even bigger chill: Freeze half a paper cup of water, then rub the ice on sore spots for about 10 minutes.

Be sure to protect your skin with a thin cloth or paper towel. An oldie but goodie for heat therapy , warm paraffin wax can take the edge off pain in your hands or feet.

Leave the wax on while it hardens, then peel it off. Bonus: Paraffin wax is an occlusive moisturizer that can plump and soften skin. Since becoming popular in the West decades ago, acupuncture has been closely and often skeptically scrutinized.

The vast majority of research — and there is plenty — has found that acupuncture has the ability to help a range of conditions, especially chronic pain. Still, skeptics remain, and some findings have been mixed. For example, a analysis of both randomized controlled trials and review articles found that acupuncture was effective for knee osteoarthritis , back pain and fibromyalgia , but not hip osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Another analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that fire acupuncture, which uses heated needles, worked better for pain than traditional acupuncture. Other studies suggest traditional acupuncture is equally effective for all types of pain. These varying results may be due to the quality and length of studies, not to a problem with acupuncture itself.

Various forms of bodywork can provide temporary pain relief. Try full-body Swedish massage for stress relief and relaxation, deep-tissue massage, which releases knots in deeper tissue on deeper muscle tissue to release knots, or myofascial release, which uses long, stretching strokes to relieve tension around connective tissue.

Certain counseling techniques may help ease anxiety, reduce emotional distress and improve sleep, which can make living with pain easier.

Hypnosis or hypnotherapy. This relaxed state of focused attention makes you more open to suggestions. Like acupuncture, hypnotherapy can be used to treat a number of conditions, but there is less quality research to back it up.

Many randomized controlled trials have shown major improvements in pain after about eight hypnosis sessions. Fewer sessions seem to have less effect. In biofeedback, a machine will show how thoughts and actions can affect your autonomic nervous system.

This controls the heart, lungs, stomach and intestines, as well as the release of stress hormones. Learning how to control breathing and heart rate will allow you to control other physical reactions, including pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT. In CBT, a psychotherapist helps you identify problematic behaviors like becoming less active or doing fewer fun activities in response to pain , negative thoughts about self, others and the future and feelings depression, guilt, anxiety.

Two other observational trials are underway, and will hopefully lead to more investigation in this area. In a Cochrane review, only one clinical trial of acupuncture met inclusion criteria for rigor of study design There were no statistically significant differences found between intervention and control groups.

A prior review of published studies was broader in its inclusion criteria, but due to mixed results, the review still concluded that nothing can be determined from the trials conducted so far in this area 6. Many patients with arthritis use magnets as a complementary treatment for pain.

A review of the use of magnets for pain cites one trial in RA patients with unremitting knee pain 16 , in which significant pain reduction was found with two different types of magnetic treatment.

There was not a third group without magnet treatment for comparison. Magnets have been effective for treating other types of pain 17 , but further research is needed to ensure safety and efficacy for the RA population.

A Cochrane review by Verhagen et al 18 found seven trials of hydrotherapy also called balneotherapy for RA patients, which generally included mineral baths using varying minerals and concentrations. This is to be distinguished from water aerobics or therapies in the field of physical therapy that involve the use of water, which are not considered CAM.

Positive findings were reported by most studies, but flaws in the methodology hindered conclusiveness. Results were mixed for pain and quality of life QOL , while some improvements were noted in morning stiffness and grip strength.

Although hydrotherapy may be beneficial for RA patients, a large and well-conducted trial is in order. Two recent trials have been conducted using homeopathy compared to a placebo for RA patients 19; Neither found evidence of an effect.

Collectively, this evidence does not support the use of homeopathy for RA, although larger and better designed studies would be useful to crystallize that conclusion. Some measures, such as disability, mood and vitality showed improvement. No change was seen for any markers of pain or functional assessment, and results were mixed for fatigue and swollen joints.

Only two of these trials were randomized. Two trials have shown significant improvements in grip strength for yoga as compared to non-active controls 24; Unfortunately, broader outcomes were not assessed.

Improvements were seen in a variety of QOL areas, as well as both joint measures. A full examination of these data will be important for helping to determine the efficacy of yoga for this population.

Complementary and alternative medicine is a very broad category, including mind-body therapies, herbs, energy medicine, and any other modalities that are not considered part of standard allopathic care.

In fact, some treatments that were formerly considered CAM have moved into the realm of standard care ie. some vitamin and mineral supplementation. As expected, some CAM modalities seem to show more promise for patients living with RA.

Some natural supplements have been known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and when side effects are of little concern, they may be beneficial for this population.

Special diets, if acceptable to the patient and sufficient in nutrient content, may also provide some relief. CAM forms of physical activity may be the most promising, as this population would benefit from anything that increases their activity levels safely.

As is generally the case in this emerging field of scientific inquiry, more research is necessary to bolster such findings. A variety of lifestyle recommendations are generally accepted for ongoing management of rheumatoid arthritis. These include: 1 eating a healthy, balanced diet for adequate nutrition; 2 participating in regular physical activity; 3 reducing sources of stress and finding ways to better manage stress; 4 relying on sources of social support; 5 openly communicating with care providers; and 6 taking an active role in disease management.

Psychoneuroimmunology suggests that immune function is impacted by a variety of factors that must all be considered. For those that do no harm, there may be benefits on a variety of levels that are not measured, or are inadequately assessed by objective measurement criteria.

In many cases, too little research has been done to allow for recommendations regarding participation or avoidance.

It is important for patients and providers to be informed about the nature of these modalities, and for researchers and funders to continue the search for more information about their safety, efficacy and mechanisms. Health Care Professional Yes No. All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center website is intended for educational purposes only.

Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website. Dietary and Botanical Supplements Fish oil.

Glucosamine and chondroitin. For those with a diagnosis of RA, dietary choices may have added significance for a variety of reasons: it may be more difficult to eat a well-balanced diet drug therapy may change nutrient absorption foods perceived as allergens may contribute to inflammation.

All individuals, and especially those with RA, should make efforts to consume a well-balanced diet, full of nutrient-dense foods and limited in additives and processed foods. However, some special diets have been investigated specifically for their potential to aid patients with RA. Mediterranean One RCT of a Mediterranean diet found improvements to clinical and psychological parameters in patients with RA Acupuncture In a Cochrane review, only one clinical trial of acupuncture met inclusion criteria for rigor of study design Magnets Many patients with arthritis use magnets as a complementary treatment for pain.

Hydrotherapy A Cochrane review by Verhagen et al 18 found seven trials of hydrotherapy also called balneotherapy for RA patients, which generally included mineral baths using varying minerals and concentrations.

Yoga Two trials have shown significant improvements in grip strength for yoga as compared to non-active controls 24; Overall Recommendations Complementary and alternative medicine is a very broad category, including mind-body therapies, herbs, energy medicine, and any other modalities that are not considered part of standard allopathic care.

Reference List Walsmith J, Roubenoff R. Cachexia in rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Cardiol ; 85 1 Bair MJ, Robinson RL, Katon W, Kroenke K. Depression and pain comorbidity: a literature review.

Arch Intern Med ; 20 Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, Adv Data ; National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Research Report: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev ; 1 :CD Soeken KL. Selected CAM therapies for arthritis-related pain: the evidence from systematic reviews. Clin J Pain ; 20 1 Distler J, Anguelouch A.

Evidence-based practice: review of clinical evidence on the efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Am Acad Nurse Pract ; 18 10 Ahmed S, Anuntiyo J, Malemud CJ, Haqqi TM.

Biological basis for the use of botanicals in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: a review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med ; 2 3 Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger Zingiber officinale in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Med Hypotheses ; 39 4 Palmblad J, Hafstrom I, Ringertz B.

Antirheumatic effects of fasting. Rheum Dis Clin North Am ; 17 2 Kjeldsen-Kragh J, Haugen M, Borchgrevink CF, Laerum E, Eek M, Mowinkel P et al. Controlled trial of fasting and one-year vegetarian diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet ; Darlington LG, Ramsey NW.

Review of dietary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Rheumatol ; 32 6 Stamp LK, James MJ, Cleland LG. Diet and rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature. Semin Arthritis Rheum ; 35 2 Skoldstam L, Hagfors L, Johansson G.

An experimental study of a Mediterranean diet intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis ; 62 3 Casimiro L, Barnsley L, Brosseau L, Milne S, Robinson VA, Tugwell P et al.

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev ; 4 :CD