Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease of inflamed joints. It is the synovial membrane, or lining, of the joints that is affected. The inflammation turns into swollen painful joints that are stiff. These joints may lose range-of-motion if not treated. Eventually the function of the joints may be lost. Herbal self-care can help give relief to rheumatoid arthritis.

Cayenne Pepper

• Bring 1 pt. of apple cider vinegar to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium low and add 1 tbsp. cayenne pepper. Let the mix simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the unstrained liquid into a bottle while still hot. Rub this liniment on your joints when in pain. Also dip a cloth in this mixture and lay the compress over the area affected by the rheumatoid arthritis. Wash off after pain is gone. Long-term exposure to cayenne pepper can cause the skin to become irritated, burned or blistered.

Echinacea

• Add 1/2 cup dried echinacea root in 1 pt. of boiling water. Turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Dip a cloth into the echinacea decoction to create a compress. Lay over the joints for pain relief.

Hyssop

• Add 1 cup of hyssop leaves and tops to 2 cups of boiling water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add a tbsp. honey and drink this herbal infusion. You can safely drink up to 2 cups a day without the hyssop upsetting your stomach.

Mustard

• Mix 3 tbsp. mustard powder with enough warm water to form a paste. Spread the mustard paste on a piece of paper. Apply the paper to your joints. Make sure the paper is between you and the mustard. Long-term contact with mustard can cause skin blisters. Leave the mustard plaster on your joints until it begins to feel uncomfortable. Wash any mustard residue off the skin.