D-F
DEVIL'S CLAW, DEVIL'S CLAW ROOT, GRAPPLE PLANT
OR WOOD SPIDER
Harpagophytum procumbens
  
Where It Comes From: A traditional herbal plant used in South Africa and Namibia.
Forms and Dosage: Capsules, powdered root and tea; six 435 mg capsules daily; 1 gram to 4.5 grams daily of powdered root or tea.
What It's Supposed to Do: Relieve pain and inflammation. Act as a digestive aid and appetite stimulant.
What We Know: The active ingredient in devil's claw is harpagoside, which appears to reduce pain and inflammation in joints. Some studies suggest stomach acid may counteract benefits. To avoid this problem, take the supplement between meals when stomach acid is at its lowest.
Studies: One recent clinical human study showed devil's claw relieved OA pain in the knee and hip, especially when used with NSAIDs. People taking devil's claw may be able to decrease use of NSAIDs.
What to Watch For: Do not take if you have ulcers or are taking an antacid. It can affect heart rate and may interfere with cardiac, blood-thinning and diabetes medication. Do not take if you have gallstones. May cause diarrhea.
 |
try more than one new supplement at a time |
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Where It Comes From: An androgen steroid hormone naturally produced in the body.
Forms and Dosage: Capsule and tablets available both as prescription and non-prescription products; typically 200 mg for lupus. Do not take without a prescription.
What It's Supposed to Do: Control lupus.
What We Know: DHEA levels have been found to be particularly low in people with RA and lupus. May regulate immune system. Has been submitted to FDA for approval for the treatment of lupus.
Studies: DHEA used in conjunction with conventional lupus treatment may reduce disease activity and flares. In studies it also allowed doctors to lower womens' glucocorticoid dosages. DHEA also appeared to counteract bone loss caused by medication and increase bone density. Long-term safety, overall effectiveness and appropriate dosages have not been established.
What to Watch For: Acne, stomach upset, abdominal pain and high blood pressure. Decreases HDL levels and may cause facial hair growth, voice deepening and changes in menstrual pattern. Can increase insulin resistance or sensitivity for people with diabetes. Can affect liver, if you have liver disease.
DMSO
Dimethyl Sulfoxide
See MSM
Where It Comes From: A colorless sulfur-containing organic liquid used as an industrial solvent and a by-product of paint thinner and anti-freeze.
Forms and Dosage: Cream, gel, injection, liquid or solution; topically, 70 percent to 90 percent DMSO solution; internally, take only if prescribed by a physician.
What It's Supposed to Do: Relieve pain and inflammation, improve joint mobility in OA, RA, JRA and scleroderma, and manage amyloidosis (excessive build-up of protein in organs as seen in RA).
What We Know: Topically, appears to be an anti-inflammatory.
Studies: Controlled studies as a topical application for DMSO and OA have yielded conflicting results. Few human studies.
What to Watch For: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and anorexia. Topical DMSO can also cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Do not use if you are have diabetes, asthma, or liver, kidney or heart conditions.
Extras: Never take industrial-grade DMSO.
ELEUTHERO
Eleutherococcus senticosus
See ginseng, Siberian
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, EVENING PRIMROSE OR
PRIMROSE
Oenothera biennis and
other Oenothera species.
Where It Comes From: The small seeds of a native American wildflower, containing 2 percent to 16 percent gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Forms and Dosage: Capsules; generally five 500 mg capsules per day. For RA, 540 mg daily to 2.8 grams daily. Look for capsules with concentrations of GLA ranging from 2 grams to 3 grams.
See GLA for more information.
FEVERFEW
Tanacetum parthenium
Where It Comes From: Fresh or dried leaves of the feverfew plant, which grows in Europe.
Forms and Dosage: Capsules, tablets, whole fresh leaves or dried leaves; capsules or tablets of the freeze-dried leaf, 50 mg to 125 mg daily standardized to .6 percent to .7 percent of the active ingredient parthenolide; two to three leaves taken with food daily.
What It's Supposed to Do: Decrease pain and inflammation.
What We Know: A few animal studies show feverfew may reduce inflammation, but results have been mixed. The few human studies have shown no benefit to arthritis.
What to Watch For: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence and vomiting. Do not take if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family including ragweed, marigolds and others. Chewing feverfew can cause mouth sores, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, and loss of taste. Do not take for longer than four months.
|
take supplements if you are taking medications, unless you get your doctor's OK first. |
FISH OIL
Where It Comes From: Oil from cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna, halibut and cod liver.
Forms and Dosage: Fish, capsules or pills; one serving of fish two to three times a week; capsules or pills, typically 3 grams EPA/DHA - the active ingredient in omega-3 fatty acids - daily.
What It's Supposed to Do: Fight inflammation, lessen fatigue and reduce morning stiffness. Treat RA, lupus, psoriasis, depression and Raynaud's syndrome. DHA is important for brain function and may inhibit RA development.
What We Know: Fish oil is made up of omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies: More than 20 clinical trials have shown fish oil supplements, alone and in combination with conventional drugs, to be effective in treating RA symptoms.
What to Watch For: Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn and nosebleeds. Acts as a blood thinner, so do not take if already taking anticoagulant medication. Fish oil can suppress the immune system, increase blood sugar and lower blood pressure.
Extras: Fish oil lowers blood triglyceride (fats that circulate in the blood stream) levels, protecting against heart disease and reducing high blood pressure. One study from Israel found EPA may enhance antidepressant medication in people with recurrent depression. Also helps to regulate heart rhythm, so it protects against sudden cardiac death.
Did You Know? - Cod liver oil is generally not recommended because of its high levels of vitamin A and D.
The FDA recently approved the addition of DHA (a component of fish oil) to infant formula.
FLAXSEED and FLAXSEED OIL, FLAX OIL or LINSEED OIL
Linum usitatissimum
Where It Comes From: Seed of the flax plant, primarily composed of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (beneficial plant compounds, similar to fiber).
Forms and Dosage: Whole seeds, ground meal or flour, capsules or oil; whole seeds must be ground into meal or flour; ground meal or flour, 30 grams (1 ounce) daily; capsules, available in 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg, no typical dosage; oil, 1 to 3 tablespoons daily.
What It's Supposed to Do: Ease symptoms of RA, lupus and Raynaud's syndrome. Lubricate joints and lessen stiffness and joint pain.
What We Know: Flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that can be converted to EPA and DHA (the active ingredients in fish oil).
Studies: No good studies showing flaxseed affects RA, but omega-3 fatty acids are known to be anti-inflammatory agents.
What to Watch For: Flaxseed is a natural laxative, so increase consumption slowly and drink plenty of liquids. Fiber in flaxseed can impair absorption of some medications. Flaxseed acts as blood thinner, so beware when taking blood thinners, aspirin or other NSAIDs. Should be avoided by women with hormone-sensitive breast and uterine cancer, and by people with high cholesterol.
Extras: Flaxseed oil should not be heated. It spoils quickly, so it must be kept in a dark bottle and refrigerated. Flaxseed lowers total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduces risk of heart disease and cancer, and is a good source of fiber.
 |
call your doctor right away, if you have any unusual symptoms, or if you feel worse, after taking a supplement. |
FRANKINCENSE, INDIAN
See Indian frankincense.
| 
