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Arthritis and rheumatic complaints are among the most common reasons people turn to herbal medicine — often after finding that conventional treatments offer incomplete relief, or carry side effects they are not willing to accept long-term. I have great sympathy for anyone living with chronic joint pain, and I am genuinely heartened by the quality of research now available for herbal treatments in this area. Devil's claw, willow bark, boswellia, celery seed, turmeric — these are not simply folk remedies. They are plants with documented anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and joint-protective properties, and they deserve a place in any serious approach to arthritic and rheumatic conditions. The articles here explore the evidence, the herbs, and the practical wisdom.
Anti-Cancer
16 November 2020
What is Celeriac? Celeriac, or celery root, contains a large amount of natural organic sodium. This is not to be confused with the inorganic sodium chloride, which we know as table or common salt, a substance responsible for deterioration of kidney function, varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other problems of the circulatory system. […]
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Arthritic & Rheumatic Complaints
22 October 2019
There are numerous species of willow tree, but the most commonly used in botanic medicine is the white willow or Salix alba, also known as the European or Salicin willow – not to be confused with the small flowered willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum) used for prostate disorders. Old herbal books tell us that the American […]
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Arthritic & Rheumatic Complaints
20 May 2019
Herbal Foot Bath Herbal foot baths are a wonderful remedy for tired aching feet and legs, tinea, chilblains, poor circulation and many other problems that affect the feet and legs. To prepare a foot bath, steep approximately 50 g of dried herbs in a bucket with cold water for 12 hours. Heat the infusion and […]
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Arthritic & Rheumatic Complaints
2 April 2019
Galium verum, commonly known as bedstraw, is a native of Western Europe and can be found on dry banks, in pastures and meadows, and near the sea. In olden times, bedstraw was used by women for disorders of the uterus and it was laid in the bed to ease childbirth, hence the name! In herbal […]
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23 February 2018
Arnica is one of the most versatile and useful herbs found in nature and is an essential addition to every medicine cabinet. From treating pain, inflammation, bruising, arthritis and more, arnica cream is extremely handy to have — the only thing to remember is that arnica should not be used on broken skin. Here are […]
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Anti-Cancer
20 October 2017
Rudolf Breuss was an Austrian healer. Read our review of Rudolf Breuss' works and life as he worked to cure cancer with natural herbal medicines.
Read article →Arthritis encompasses a range of conditions — osteoarthritis (degenerative), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), and gout (uric acid crystal deposition) among others. The herbal approach differs somewhat for each, and these articles aim to help you understand which herbs apply to which situation.
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has some of the strongest clinical evidence for osteoarthritis, particularly of the hip and lower back, with studies showing pain reduction comparable to low doses of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. Willow bark (Salix alba) has also been studied for osteoarthritis with positive results. Turmeric and boswellia are consistently recommended in combination for joint inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin, while not herbal medicines in the strict sense, are also widely used in this area.
Devil's claw contains iridoid glycosides — particularly harpagoside — which appear to inhibit inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not appear to damage the gastric lining, making it a gentler option for people who cannot tolerate conventional anti-inflammatories.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune condition requiring medical management. Herbal medicine can provide complementary support — turmeric, boswellia, omega-3 fatty acids, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties relevant to RA. However, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) remain the cornerstone of RA management. Herbal support should always be integrated with your rheumatologist's care.
Gout is caused by elevated uric acid levels leading to crystal deposition in joints. Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is traditionally used to support uric acid elimination and has some clinical evidence for this effect. Cherry extract (particularly Montmorency cherry) has been shown to reduce uric acid levels. Avoiding purine-rich foods (organ meats, shellfish, excessive red meat) and alcohol is essential alongside any herbal treatment.
Some herbs appear to have chondroprotective (cartilage-protecting) properties. Boswellic acids have been shown to inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage matrix. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory action also reduces some of the drivers of cartilage degradation. These effects are modest — herbal medicine cannot reverse established joint damage — but supporting the joint environment may help slow progression.
Arnica (Arnica montana) gel is well studied for localised musculoskeletal pain. Capsaicin cream (from cayenne) reduces pain signalling over time with repeated application. Comfrey root preparations have a long traditional use for sprains, muscle soreness, and superficial arthritic joints. St John's wort oil is used for nerve-related pain.
Significantly yes. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in oily fish, olive oil, vegetables, and low in processed foods and refined sugars has anti-inflammatory effects that are well documented in arthritic conditions. Eliminating or reducing nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant) can help some individuals with inflammatory arthritis, though this is not universal.
Musculoskeletal health and joint conditions are covered in dedicated depth in our Lesson 9, with further coverage of pain and inflammation in Lesson 10. If you are passionate about helping yourself or others with arthritic or rheumatic conditions, our online course provides the knowledge foundation you need. View lesson packages and enrol today.