Spices That Are Good for Arthritis

Spices That Are Good for Arthritis

Overview

Arthritis, which includes more than 100 related medical conditions, causes symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, stiffness and joint damage. While medications can help to treat arthritis, patients sometimes look to alternative remedies for effective, safe and inexpensive treatment options, according to a the journal "Advanced Experimental Medicine and Biology."

Cayenne

Cayenne peppers contain an active ingredient called capsaicin, which gives these pepper their hot taste and also has pain-relieving effects. Capsaicin temporarily inhibits substance P, a chemical that transports pain signals to the brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Studies on the effectiveness of capsaicin for arthritis relief have focused on topical use rather than oral. In one study published in the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand" in 2010, a team of researchers from Khon Khaen University in Thailand found that a gel containing 0.0125 percent capsaicin effectively relieved mild to moderate pain in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a common ingredient in curry powder. It contains an active ingredient called curcumin, a polyphenol antioxidant that has long been used to treat pain and wounds. Curcumin has also been show to relieve autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis in human and animal studies, according to a 2007 study published in "Advanced Experimental Medicine and Biology." Curcumin's effectiveness in treating autoimmune conditions is due to its ability to regulate chemicals that increase inflammation in the body known as cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma. A recommended dose for turmeric powder is 1 to 3 g daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, while the dose for standardized curcumin powder is 400 to 600 mg three time daily.

Ginger

That pungent aroma of ginger is due to active compounds called gingerols, which are the primary extracts researchers focus on in scientific studies. Ginger helps to inhibit inflammatory substances such as tumor necrosis factor. Some of those studies indicate that ginger can help to reduce symptoms of knee osteoarthritis as well as pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published in the journal "American Family Physician" in 2007. However, other studies on ginger's effectiveness for osteoarthritis are mixed. No specific dosage recommendation exists for ginger.

Considerations

More studies are needed on the benefits of these spices for arthritis. Also, keep in mind that these spices may cause side effects; for instance, some people have allergies to capsaicin, ginger may burn your mouth or cause diarrhea and turmeric taken internally can lower blood sugar. Consult your doctor for more advice about taking these spices to relieve arthritis.

source : livestrong.com