Read individual entries to learn about the research behind the claims.
|
Herbs and Supplements and Their Uses Read individual entries to learn about the research behind the claims. |
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| THERAPY | SYMPTOM | USES AND COMMENTS | ||||
| Pain | Stiffness | Fatigue | Inflammation | Anxiety/Depression | ||
| Aloe |
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Topical use; not advised for internal use | |||
| ASU |
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For OA | |||
| Ayurvedic remedies |
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Herbs used in combinations for many conditions | |
| Black currant oil |
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For RA; see GLA | ||
| Borage oil |
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For RA; see GLA | ||
| Boron |
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For RA, OA; may raise estrogen levels | ||
| Boswellia |
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For RA, OA; often used in combinations | ||
| Bromelain |
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Not enough evidence | ||||
| Cat’s claw |
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For RA; animal studies only; may protect GI tract | |||
| Cayenne |
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Topical use; recommended | ||||
| Chinese herbs |
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Herbs used in combinations for many conditions | |
| Chondroitin sulfate |
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For OA | |||
| CMO | No human studies; not recommended | |||||
| Collagen |
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For RA; not the same as cartilage | ||
| Copper |
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Not enough evidence | |||
| Curcumin |
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For RA, OA; often used in combinations | ||
| Devil’s claw | No evidence it helps RA | |||||
| DHEA |
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For lupus; don’t use without physician’s help | ||
| DMSO |
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Don’t use without physician’s help | ||
| Echinacea | Not recommended for autoimmune disease | |||||
| Eleuthero |
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See ginseng | ||||
| Evening primrose oil |
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For RA; see GLA | ||
| Fish oil |
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For RA, Raynaud’s |
| Flaxseed |
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For RA, possibly lupus nephritis, constipation | ||
| Gin-soaked raisins | Not recommended | |||||
| Ginger |
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For RA, OA; relieves nausea | |||
| Ginko | May improve circulation in Raynaud’s | |||||
| Ginseng |
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| GLA |
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For RA | ||
| Glucosamine |
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For OA | |||
| Green tea |
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Cancer protector; no human studies for arthritis | |||
| Guaifenesin | Touted for fibromyalgia; not recommended | |||||
| Kava kava |
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Relaxant; don’t use with alcohol or depression drugs | |||
| Magnesium |
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For fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue | |||
| Melatonin | Enhances sleep; not recommended for autoimmune diseases | |||||
| MSM |
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No human studies | |||
| SAM |
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For OA, depression, fibromyalgia | ||
| St. John’s wort |
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Not for serious depression | ||||
| Selenium |
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For RA | ||
| Stinging nettle |
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For RA, OA; enhances NSAID effectiveness | ||
| Thunder god vine |
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For RA, autoimmune diseases; not enough evidence | |||
| Turmeric |
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For RA, OA; often used in combinations | ||
| Valerian | Enhances sleep; don’t use with alcohol or depression drugs | |||||
| Vitamins | See page 231 | |||||
| Wild yam | Not recomended | |||||
| Zinc sulfate |
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For RA, psoriasis | ||