| Supplement |
Amount |
Why |
|
Borage Oil
|
1.1 to 2.8 grams of GLA daily |
[3 stars]
Oils containing the omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, such as borage oil, have been reported to be effective in treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Fish Oil
|
3 grams daily of EPA plus DHA |
[3 stars]
Fish oil has anti-inflammatory effect and may help reduce pain. Many trials have proven that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil partially relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Tripterygium wilfordii
|
360 to 570 mg daily |
[3 stars]
In one trial, an extract of this Chinese herbal remedy improved symptoms and laboratory tests in eight of nine patients with rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Vitamin E
|
1,200 to 1,800 IU daily |
[3 stars]
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, protecting joints against oxidative damage. Supplementing with vitamin E can help ease symptoms, including pain. |
|
|
|
Boswellia
|
400 to 800 mg of gum resin extract three times daily |
[2 stars]
Boswellia, an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis, has reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in most reports. |
|
|
|
Cat’s Claw
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[2 stars]
Cat’s claw has been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Cayenne
|
Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas |
[2 stars]
A cream containing capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, may help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints. |
|
|
|
Cetyl Myristoleate
|
540 mg daily for 30 days |
[2 stars]
Cetyl myristoleate may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by acting as a joint “lubricant” and anti-inflammatory agent. |
|
|
|
Devil’s Claw
|
4.5 to 10 grams daily of powdered herb or 800 mg of a standardized extract three times daily |
[2 stars]
Devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions and is a traditional herbal remedy for people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
DMSO
|
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |
[2 stars]
When applied to the skin, DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates pain, apparently by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves. |
|
|
|
Evening Primrose Oil
|
540 to 1,100 mg daily of GLA |
[2 stars]
Evening primrose oil appears to be an effective treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It contains gamma linolenic acid, which is converted in part to an anti-inflammatory substance. |
|
|
|
Green-Lipped Mussel
|
1,050 to 2,100 mg daily of freeze-dried powder or 210 mg daily of lipid extract |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with New Zealand green-lipped mussel may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including joint tenderness and morning stiffness. |
|
|
|
Pantothenic Acid
|
2,000 mg daily |
[2 stars]
People with rheumatoid arthritis may be partially deficient in pantothenic acid. In one trial, taking pantothenic acid resulted in less morning stiffness, disability, and pain. |
|
|
|
Selenium
|
200 mcg daily |
[2 stars]
People with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have lower selenium levels than healthy people. Supplementing with selenium may reduce pain and joint inflammation. |
|
|
|
Turmeric
|
400 mg of curcumin three times daily |
[2 stars]
Turmeric’s active constituent, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that protects the body against free radical damage. |
|
|
|
Zinc
|
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |
[2 stars]
Deficient zinc levels have been reported in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some trials have found that supplementing with zinc reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
Betaine Hydrochloride
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
When stomach acid is low, supplementing with betaine HCl can reduce food-allergy reactions and help some people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Boron
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Boron supplementation may be beneficial, particularly in treating people with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Bromelain
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Bromelain has significant anti-inflammatory activity and may help reduce joint swelling and improve joint mobility. |
|
|
|
Burdock
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Burdock root has been used historically both internally and externally to treat painful joints. |
|
|
|
Cajeput Oil
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Topically applied cajeput oil has been historically used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
Camphor Oil
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Topically applied camphor oil has been historically used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
Chaparral
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Chaparral has anti-inflammatory effects and has a long history of use in treating joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Copper
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to be deficient in copper, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent needed to activate an enzyme that protects joints from inflammation. |
|
|
|
Eucalyptus Oil
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Eucalyptus oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
Fir Needle Oil
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Fir needle oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
Ginger
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Ginger is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat people with arthritis. Taking fresh or powdered ginger may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Glucosamine
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Taking glucosamine hydrochloride improved pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis in one study.
|
|
|
|
Meadowsweet
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Meadowsweet has been used historically for a wide variety of conditions, including treating rheumatic complaints of the joints and muscles. |
|
|
|
Nettle
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Nettle has been used historically as a treatment for arthritis. It is applied topically, with the intent of causing stings to relieve arthritis pain. |
|
|
|
Phenylalanine
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
D-phenylalanine has been used with mixed results to treat chronic pain, including pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Picrorhiza
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Studies conducted in India with the herb picrorhiza show a benefit for people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Pine Needle Oil
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Pine needle oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
Rosemary Oil
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Rosemary oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|
|
White Willow
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Willow appears to be a long-lasting though slow-acting pain reliever. One trial found that willow bark combined with other herbs effectively relieved pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
|
|
Yucca
|
Refer to label instructions
|
[1 star]
Yucca, a traditional remedy, is a desert plant that contains soap-like components known as saponins. Yucca tea is often drunk for relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
|
|