For almost as long as humans have existed, plant-based remedies have been used to treat diseases. Ancient Sumerian clay tablets reveal recipes for plants like hoppy, henbane and mandrake that were used as medicines more than 5,000 years ago. Today, we see cannabis, turmeric, Boswellia serrata, ginger, devil’s claw, feverfew, and willow bark extract, all herbs that are being used in modern day medicine to treat arthritis.
However, there are different types of herbal products and a few are only available in the form of pills. You will also find various forms of herbs including extracted oils, tinctures, powders, while some are infused in creams, capsules, or gummies. You can use these forms in a variety of ways as well, such as cooking with food, mixing with beverages or simply making tea. Let’s explore some evident forms of herbs and supplements you can take for arthritis pain.
Liquids such as, Tinctures or Herb Extracts
You can also buy herb liquids; such as tinctures or drinks containing extracts. These are often made with the help of soluble oils and alcohol. Evaporation is another method of drying extracts. Capsules and tablets are then made from dry extracts such as Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa. Typically, tinctures are the most potent form of herbs, which is why their recommended dosage may vary, depending on their intensity.
Tablets, capsules, softgels, or gummies
Capsules are the most common form of any herbal supplement and also one of the convenient ways of intake. Any drugstore would provide you with bottles that you can purchase any time. Studies often use these forms of herbal remedies, making it easier to be sure that you’re taking the right dose. However, the amount of active ingredients you get from other sources may be hard to measure.
Many people use cannabis extract for arthritis pain, one of the most selling supplements in the market these days. Those who don’t like the taste prefer CBD gummies for the pain, as the potency is low in these gummies and still they work effectively. Softgels is another form of pill, preferred for this particular herb. To buy CBD softgels, you can visit online stores. It is recommended that you do some research before shipping a reliable CBD product.
Infused as topical products
It is possible to rub on or apply herbal remedies either as gels, creams, or patches. Applied creams made with capsaicin, an extract of the chili pepper, can also provide pain relief, but can also cause irritation and burning sensations. It is usually stated on the packaging what the dosage should be for these products.
Herbs as tonics and teas
Often, teas are made by boiling fresh or dried plant products in water for a period of time to extract their medicinal properties. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, ginger and willow bark are used as anti-arthritis teas.
The ideal time for boiling tea is 10 to 15 minutes, but beware that in some cases steeping tea too long can actually harm you. For instance, black teas contain tannins that might cause cancer if steeped longer than an hour. With loose herbs, you can consult with an herbalist or a Chinese medicine physician for the right dose. Many health food stores offer sachets and packets as well.