Rheumatism describes any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or connective tissues, and specifically these herbs are those which will have an action on reducing and/or resolving symptoms of musculoskeletal disease.
How Anti-rheumatics Work
Most antirheumatic herbs are also largely considered to be Anti-inflammatories & Alteratives, in that they will alter the body’s processes of metabolism so that tissues (such as muscles & joints) can best deal with a range of functions including the elimination of wastes while modifying various inflammatory & immune mediators of the dis-ease. They are mostly employed in cases of chronic inflammatory or degenerative diseases such as arthritis & fibromyalgia to support and encourage the cleansing work of the body.
Other herbal actions that can be considered to have an anti-rheumatic effect include Rubefacients (when used topically) and Andoynes.
Some identified plant constituents have been shown to have an anti-rheumatic effects, including resin, iridoid glycosides, saponins and salicylates, however the overall action of these plants is much more than any one chemical!
Herbal Examples:Â
Harpagophytumprocumbens (Devil’s Claw)
Dioscoreavillosa (Wild Yam)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Centellaasiatica (Gotu kola)Â
Petroselinumcrispum (Celery seed)
Arnica montana (Arnica)