This ancient system of alternative medicine focuses on holistic methods, like consuming certain nutrients and supplements, to promote healing. Some find ayurveda may help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine that started in India. It uses nutrients, exercise, and meditation together to encourage good health. Combining certain nutrients and other supplements with modern medicine may be beneficial if you have arthritis.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 conditions that impact your joints. That includes:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriatic arthritis
- gout
When you’re diagnosed with a form of arthritis, it’s important to follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed. However, if you’re searching for more relief, these ayurvedic treatments may help.
You may consider taking supplements and herbs in addition to your doctor-approved arthritis treatment plan. Before using a supplement or herbal product, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks. Check with your doctor if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a scheduled surgery
- have diabetes
SAMe
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body. It acts as a pain reliever, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may stimulate cartilage growth.
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A typical dosage is 200—400 milligrams (mg) three times a day. You shouldn’t take more than 1,200 mg per day.
Do not take SAMe if you have:
- bipolar disorder
- Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
Do not take SAMe if you’re taking:
- antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- cold medications, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
- levodopa (Stalevo)
- meperidine (Demerol)
- pentazocine (Talwin)
- tramadol (Ultram)
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the heat-producing active ingredient in chili peppers. It’s thought to ease arthritis-related pain. Capsaicin causes a pain transmitter called substance P to be released and depleted. Regular use prevents substance P from building up again.
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Look for a topical cream, gel, or patch that contains up to a 0.075% concentration of capsaicin.
Always do a small skin patch test before use to check for possible allergies. Mild burning and irritation may occur. If you don’t have more severe irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere. Avoid eyes and sensitive skin.
You shouldn’t use capsaicin if you take any medications containing zucapsaicin or if you take any antiarrhythmic drugs, such as lidocaine.
Keep reading: A guide to the best pain relief creams for arthritis »
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It works by blocking the substances that cause inflammation and helps reduce cartilage damage. It may offer relief by reducing pain signals in the body.
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A typical dosage is 200–500 mg four times per day for up to 8 months at a time. You can use a topical cream or gel up to four times per day.
You shouldn’t take curcumin if you’re taking any medications that slow blood clotting, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin).
You also shouldn’t take curcumin if you have:
- gallbladder problems
- a bleeding disorder
- gastroesophageal reflux disease
- any hormone-sensitive condition
- infertility
- iron deficiency
Learn more: Turmeric and curcumin »
Fish oil
The omega-3s in fish oil may improve symptoms of arthritis by blocking substances that cause inflammation and converting them into anti-inflammatory chemicals. Fish oil is also said to reduce pain and joint tenderness.
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Take fish oil capsules with EPA or DHA concentrations of at least 30%. Choose a reliable brand that contains no additives or toxins. Supplements are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
A typical dosage is up to 500 mg per day. You shouldn’t exceed this dose.
Do not take fish oil if you have:
- bipolar disorder
- depression
- liver disease
- high blood pressure
- HIV or AIDS
- a weakened immune system
- an implanted defibrillator
Do not take fish oil if you’re taking:
- birth control pills
- blood pressure medication, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
- orlistat (Xenical)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin)
Eating a healthy diet is essential for good health and may help with arthritis symptoms. In addition to the supplements above, you may wish to add certain vitamins and minerals to ensure that you’re getting the proper amounts.
Just be sure to check with your doctor first. Depending on your nutritional needs, certain vitamins or minerals may be harmful when taken in large amounts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is thought to prevent inflammation and maintain healthy joints. It also helps to form and maintain connective tissue.
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If you and your doctor decide you should take supplemental vitamin C, the recommended dose is 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. If you smoke, you may need a higher dose.
Do not take vitamin C if you have:
- had angioplasty recently
- cancer
- blood-iron disorders
- kidney stones
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- sickle cell disease
Do not take vitamin C if you take:
- estrogen
- fluphenazine
- antacids, such as cimetidine (Tagamet)
- medications for cancer, such as chemotherapy
- medications for HIV or AIDS, such as antiviral therapy
- medications for lowering cholesterol, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and niacin (Niacor)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin)
Learn more: Your guide to vitamin C »
Vitamin D
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Keeping vitamin D levels normal might help prevent inflammation and arthritis disease progression.
If you’re 70 years old or younger, the recommended dosage is 600 international units (IU) per day. If you’re over 70 years old, the recommended dosage is 800 IU per day.
Do not take vitamin D if you have:
- kidney disease
- high levels of calcium in the blood
- hardening of the arteries
- sarcoidosis
- histoplasmosis
- hyperparathyroidism
- lymphoma
- tuberculosis
Do not take vitamin D if you take:
- calcipotriene (Dovonex)
- digoxin (Digox)
- diltiazem (Cardizem)
- verapamil (Verelan)
- antacids, such as cimetidine (Tagamet)
Learn more: The benefits of vitamin D »
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. It’s thought to reduce pain and inflammation, making it useful in the treatment of arthritis.
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A typical dosage for adults is 15 mg per day.
Do not take vitamin E if you have:
- had angioplasty
- a history of heart attack
- low levels of vitamin K
- retinitis pigmentosa
- bleeding disorders
- head and neck cancer
- prostate cancer
- a history of stroke
Do not take vitamin E if you take:
- cyclosporine (Neoral)
- medications for cancer, such as chemotherapy
- medications for lowering cholesterol, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and niacin (Niacor)
- medications that slow blood clotting, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin)
Learn more: The benefits of vitamin E »
Calcium
Calcium is thought to help prevent osteoporosis because it helps maintain healthy joints and bones. This is important for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis because they have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
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A typical dosage is 1,500 mg of calcium per day. If you can, take calcium supplements alongside vitamin D supplements. This can help boost calcium absorption and increase your overall health benefits.
Do not take calcium if you have:
- high or low levels of phosphate in the blood
- hyperthyroidism
- parathyroid gland disorders
- sarcoidosis
- poor kidney function
Do not take calcium if you take:
- antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
- bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax)
- cyclosporine (Neoral)
- digoxin (Digox)
- diltiazem (Cardizem)
- levothyroxine (Synthroid)
- sotalol (Betapace)
- verapamil (Verelan)
- diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix)
These natural treatments can help to quickly relieve pain and ease discomfort related to arthritis. They can also be used for relaxation.
Hot and cold therapy
Heat improves circulation and flexibility and allows for more ease of movement.
Heat treatments can include:
- warm showers or baths
- a heating pad or hot water bottle applied for up to 20 minutes
- disposable heat patches or belts
- whirlpool or hot tub
- sauna
- hot paraffin wax treatment
You shouldn’t use hot tubs or saunas if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Cold slows circulation, decreases swelling, and dulls pain by numbing nerve endings. You can wrap ice, a store-bought cold gel pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply for up to 20 minutes. Another option is a full or partial ice bath.
Use cold and heat applications with care. Both can cause skin damage.
Massage
A moderate-pressure massage can help:
- improve joint function
- relieve both short- and long-term pain and tension
- reduce anxiety
- improve sleep
Check with your doctor to make sure that massage is safe for you. You shouldn’t get a massage when you’re having a flare-up, when your joints are especially sensitive, or if you have a history of blood clots in the legs.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to create positive mental and physical changes. You can use essential oils with your bath, diluted in massage oil, or inhaled through a diffuser.
The scent of the oils can help:
- reduce pain and anxiety
- boost energy levels
- aid in relaxation
Essential oils often used for arthritis relief are:
- ginger
- clove
- camphor
- bergamot
- lavender
- clary sage
- marjoram
- frankincense
- eucalyptus
- geranium
If applying an essential oil to the skin, you should always dilute with a carrier oil (like jojoba) and first do a skin patch test. Rub a dime-sized amount of diluted essential oil on the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any inflammation or irritation within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.
Learn more: Essential oils for pain relief »
Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that can be used as a complementary therapy for arthritis. It should not be used in place of your doctor-prescribed arthritis treatment plan.
Get your doctor’s approval before incorporating any of these practices into your overall arthritis management routine. Always discontinue use or consult your doctor if you experience any new, unusual, or worsening symptoms.
