Cayenne capsules, and/or cayenne
oil are powerful arthritis
pain relievers

There is much written in the popular literature, on the net and in books that suggests that plants of the nightshade family, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant can cause arthritis flareups.

The culprit seems to be a phytochemical solamine that acts as a defense mechanism in plants, and is toxic in very high doses. Solamine is what is responsible for turning potatoes green when exposed to sunlight. Which is why it is unwise to eat green-tinted potatoes. While study evidence is scant for the avoiding nightshade plants, personal testimonies and folklore are compelling enough to make me want to consume these plants in smaller quantities, especially potatoes. White potatoes are really just big lumps of starch waiting to turn into sugar, and my body does not need that kind of starch calories anyway. However I will not give up the occasional peppers in stirfrys, or tomatoes when in season for my salads. The capsicum contained in peppers in such a powerful anti-inflammatory that is is counter intuitive to me to eliminate them from my diet.

There is more scientific links between the consumption of red meat and arthritis, (along with heart disease etc.). I have been eating a semi-vegatarian diet for a week now,(still eat cheese, eggs and a little milk) and feel better for it. I am also cutting way, way down on table sugar, and do not consume "junk", processed foods that have a lot of trans fats , chemicals, preservatives and such in them. This approach covers more bases for me - weight loss, general health, and less arthritis pain.

The link between diet and arthritis is a complex one. Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder, and what makes my immune system go haywire may not be the same thing as what triggers yours. The key here is awareness, awareness of what you are putting in your body and what your body is telling you about how it affects you.

Herbs Used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Apple * Ashwagandha * Balm of Gilead * Barberry, Common * Benzoin * Black Cohosh * Black Mustard * Black Pepper * Black Seed Oil * Bladderwrack * Blue Cohosh * Bogbean * Borage * Boswellia * Bupleurum * Cajeput * Calamus * Camphor * Cat's Claw * Cayenne Pepper * Celery * Centaury * Chaparral * Devil's Claw * Eucalyptus * Evening Primrose * Fennel * Feverfew * Flax * Ginger * Hops * Horseradish * Juniper * Lavender * Mate * Meadowsweet * Nettle * Oregano * Parsley * Pine * Pineapple * Poke Root * Rehmannia * Rosemary * Rue * Sarsaparilla * Soapwort * Spikenard * St. John's Wort * Tamanu Oil * Thuja * Turmeric * Vervain * White Willow * Wild Yam * Wintergreen * Wormwood * Yarrow * Yucca *

Balm of Gilead For: Arthritis pain oil
Profile	The resin of popular buds contains salicin, the same painkiller and anti-inflammatory as aspirin. When infused in oil, they have a light, pleasing scent and are very soothing to arthritis pain Steven Foster and Yue chongxi, Herbal Emissaries (1992)

Black Cohosh For: Arthritis pain, Antitussives - cough suppressants
Profile	Black Cohosh , though more famous for it's use today as a woman's botanical, has some additional uses according to older herbalists. According to M. Grieve, "In the paroxysm of consumption, it gives relief by allaying the cough, reducing the rapidity of the pulse and inducing perspiration. In whooping-cough, it proves very effective." Add the tincture to your cough remedy, or drink black cohosh tea to quiet a nighttime cough. Black cohosh also has a pain relieving and anti-inflammatory action that makes it useful for arthritis. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Black Cumin Seed Oil For: Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Blood Pressure
Profile	Much of the biological activity of the seeds has been shown to be due to thymoquinone, the major component of the essential oil, but which is also present in the fixed oil. In animal studies the oil has shown significant activity against liver disease, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritits. The seeds/oil have antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial and antineoplastic activity. Ali BH, Blunden G.. Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa. (2003-04-17), www.umm.edu

Black Pepper For: Rheumatoid arthritis
Profile	Black pepper oil is hot, warming, very yang. Externally it is rubefacient and gently analgesic, and stimulant, successful in cases of rheumatoid arthritis Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Bladderwrack For: Rheumatism
Profile	Sea-pod liniment, is the expressed juice and decoction of fresh seaweed (bladderwrack) as dispensed by sea-side chemists for rheumatism Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Bladderwrack For: Arthritis inflammation
Profile	The main herbal use of bladderwrack is to remineralize the body. External compresses and plasters are used to reduce the inflammation and pain of arthritis Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Blue Cohosh For: Arthritis anti-inflammatory
Profile	The Iroquois used it to treat arthritis- research also suggests the plant possesses some anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic properties. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Blue cohosh For: Rheumatism
Profile	Blue cohosh eases the cramping pain of dysmenorrhoea. It has also been used to treat arthritis and ease stomach cramps. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Bogbean For: Arthritis, skin disease
Profile	An extract is made from the leaves, which possesses strong tonic properties, and which renders great service in rheumatism, scurvy, and skin diseases. Tonic, cathartic, deobstruent and febrifuge. An extract is made from the leaves, which possesses strong tonic properties, and which renders great service in rheumatism, scurvy, and skin diseases. An infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried leaves to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses, frequently repeated. It has also been recommended as an external application for dissolving glandular swellings. Finely powdered Buckbean leaves have been employed as a remedy for ague, being said to effect a cure when other means fail. In large doses, the powder is also purgative. It is used also as a herb tobacco. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Borage For: Arthritis,anti-inflammatory
Profile	Borage seed oil is used as an anti-inflammatory for chronic conditions, notably arthritis. Borage seeds are a good source of (GLA), the omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to make an inflammation fighting, auto-immune-prostaglandins. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Boswellia serrata For: Osteoarthritis
Profile	In a recent 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study osteoarthritis (OA) patients taking Boswellia serrata extract showed significant improvements in pain score and functional ability as early as 7 days after the start of treatment. Boswellia serrata extract exhibits potential anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme reduces pain and improves physical functioning significantly in OA patients; and it is safe for human consumption. Doses ranged from 100 mg to 250 mg daily of Boswellia serrata extract enriched with 30% 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA). . . (July 2008), Arthritis Research & Therapy, Volume 10,Issue 4

Boswellia serrata For: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Profile	Clinical studies using boswellia have yielded good results in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, finding that boswellia is a potent anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and pain reliever without any appreciable side effects. Boswellic acids, active components in boswellia, deactivate the hormonal triggers for inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis. These acids effectively shrink inflamed tissue by stimulating the growth of cartilage, increase blood supply to inflamed joints, and enhance the repair of local blood vessels damaged by inflammation. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Bupleurum For: Arthritis, allergies, eye care
Profile	This herb seems to exert a tonic effect on the heart and the lungs, making it useful for improving respiration and circulation. Bupleurum stops the effects of allergies by blocking serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT). It has also been reported to prevent bleeding from tiny capillaries within the eyes that can lead to macular degeneration. Bupleurum deactivates herpes simplex and measles viruses, and relieves pain of peptic ulcers. Bupleurum also increases the effectiveness of glucocorticoid drugs such as prednisone (Deltasone), used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Burdock For: Gout and Rheumatism
Profile	Burdock roots and leaves can also be used to treat rheumatism and gout because they encourage the elimination of uric acid via the kidneys. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Cajeput Oil For: Chronic laryngitis, rheumatism, psoriasis
Profile	Used as a stimulating expectorant in chronic laryngitis and bronchitis, as an antiseptic in cystisis and as an anthelmintic for round worms, also used in chronic rheumatism. Applied externally, it is stimulant and mildly counter-irritant and is usually applied diluted with 2 parts of olive oil or turpentine ointment. Used externally for psoriasis and other skin affections. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Cats Claw For: Arthritis, anti-inflammatory
Profile	The traditional application of cat's claw has been to treat rheumatoid arthritis.Cat's claw contains quinovic acid glycodides that cool inflammation throughout the body. . James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Cayenne For: Rheumatoid arthritis
Profile	Clinical studies have demonstrated its value in alleviating pain and discomfort from rheumatoid arthritis. Salicylates (like those in aspirin) add to its pain-preventing power. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Centaury For: Rheumatism
Profile	Research confirms the plant's potential for treating rheumatism and gout, for the alkaloid gentianine has exhibited strongly anti-inflammatory properties. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Chickory For: Gout and Rheumatism
Profile	Like dandelion, it also has diuretic properties and can be used for treating rheumatism and gout, because it eliminates uric acid from the body. Research has shown that an alcoholic extract of the whole plant has an anti-inflammatory activity Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Chinese goldthread, barbe For: Arthritis
Profile	The berberine contained in barberry is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, reducing the inflammation of arthritis. Thomas M. Newmark, Beyond Aspirin (2000)

Devils claw For: Joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
Profile	Devil's claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the tubers contain a group of chemicals called iridoids that have anti-inflammatory activity. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Elder flowers For: Arthritis
Profile	Elderflowers have a mild laxative action and in Europe have a reputation for treating rheumatism and gout. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Eucalyptus oil For: Aching joints and rheumatism
Profile	Eucalyptus oil is an excellent topical remedy for aching joints and rheumatism. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Evening Primrose Oil For: Rheumatoid arthritis, GLA
Profile	The seed oil of evening primrose may significantly help arthritis pain, and reduce inflammation especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, due to it's GLA content Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Evening Primrose oil For: Eczema, pms, GLA
Profile	Research shows that GLA content of Evening Primrose is helpful against arthritis, eczema and premenstrual tension, among other conditions. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Fennel oil For: Muscle pain
Profile	Oil of fennel relieves muscular or rheumatic pains and is especially effective in massage blends.

Feverfew For: Arthritis Inflammation
Profile	Feverfew calms inflammation by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme process. Thomas M. Newmark, Beyond Aspirin (2000)

Feverfew For: Migraine
Profile	Sesquiterpene lactones in feverfew may inhibit prostaglandins and histamine released during the inflammatory process, so preventing spasms of blood vessels in the head that trigger migraine attacks..also important in the inflammation and pain of arthritis, promoting restful sleep, improving digestion, and relieving asthma attacks. Feverfew users involved in clinical studies reported that feverfew helped their depression. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Feverfew For: Lupus
Profile	Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory studies have shown that feverfew stops white blood cells from absorbing the amino acid thymidine. This in turn reduces the rate at which they can produce inflammatory chemicals known as leukotrienes. This alteration of the cellular chemistry also reduces the production of fatty acid products known as eicosanoids, which are essential to the production of inflammatory chemicals. While clinical studies report mixed results, many people find that taking feverfew for two to three months reduces the severity and frequency of arthritic pain. The advantage of feverfew over many other forms of treatment is that it does not cause stomach upset, but acts in a manner like that of a class of pain relievers known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex) Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Flaxseed oil For: Arthritis inflammation
Profile	The linoleic acid found in flaxseed oil may be beneficial for arthritis because it alters how the body breaks down prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Ginger For: Arthritis
Profile	Ginger combines well with turmeric, which is also anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, and inhibits the COX-2 enzyme Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Holy Basil For: Anti-inflammatory- Arthritis and Cancer preventive
Profile	Ocimum sanctum, holy basil, contains the phytonutrient ursolic acid which is specifically recognized for its COX-2 inhibitory effects. A Dartmouth Medical School study confirmed that derivatives of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid possessed potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventing activity related to their inhibition of COX-2. We believe this herb must be included in everyone's program of preventive medicine. Thomas M. Newmark, Beyond Aspirin (2000)

Hops For: Arthritic joints, low bone density
Profile	A hops bitter, humulone demonstrates significant COX-2 inhibiting effects and also slows the body's re-absorption of bone, significant for people with low bone density and damaged arthritic joints. Thomas M. Newmark, Beyond Aspirin (2000)

Horse Chestnut For: Vein Health, Fevers, rheumatism and neuralgia
Profile	The bark has tonic, narcotic and febrifuge properties and is used in intermittent fevers, given in an infusion of 1 OZ. to the pint, in tablespoonful doses, three or four times daily. As an external application to ulcers, this infusion has also been used with success. The fruits have been employed in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia, and also in rectal complaints and for haemorrhoids. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Juniper Berry For: Arthritis and gout
Profile	The diuretic and depurative actions of juniper make it an excellent remedy for arthritis and gout. It may be used externally, suitably diluted in a fatty oil, as a mild analgesic rubefacient to relieve rheumatic pain. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Lavender For: Arthritis, circulation
Profile	A fomentation of lavender as external application relieves stiffness of the joints. For arthritic aches and pains, apply compresses, or massage with a lavender oil blend. Oil of lavender is sometimes effective in bringing back circulation to feet that have lost feeling. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Mustard seeds For: Coughs
Profile	Black mustard seeds make an excellent stimulating poultice (mixed with a soothing substance such as slippery elm powder) for stubborn coughs and arthritis joints. Mustard foot baths are good for poor circulation, chilblains, and upper respiratory mucus. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Oil of benzoin For: Gout,rheumatoid arthritis.
Profile	Oil of benzoin is warming and soporific - very good as a fixative element in blends for cold conditions of the joints such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Oregano For: COX-2
Profile	Oregano has 31 know anti-inflammatories, 28 antioxidants and 4 known potent COX-2 inhibitors, including rosemarinic acid. Thomas M. Newmark, Beyond Aspirin (2000)

Parsley For: Arthritis, Bone Health
Profile	Parsley has a longstanding folklore reputation for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica. It's high concentration of boron and fluoride might help against bone thinning and osteoporosis. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Pine For: Bladder, Kidney
Profile	A valuable remedy in bladder, kidney, and rheumatic affections and diseases of the mucous membrane and respiratory complaints; externally in the form of liniment plasters and inhalants. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Pine essential oil For: Arthritis, rheumatism and gout
Profile	Compounds in pine are similar to cortisone. Therapeutically, pine essential oil is very effective in relieving the pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and gout and promotes circulation.

Pinnapple (bromelain) For: Anti-inflammatory
Profile	Research demonstrates bromelain helps the body eliminate substances related to arthritis and triggers the release of a prostaglandin that tamps down inflammation. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Pleurisy Root For: Chest Congestion, rheumatism
Profile	It possesses a specific action on the lungs, assisting exporation, subduing inflammation and exerting a general mild tonic effect, making it valuable in all chest complains. It has also been used with great advantage in diarrhaea, dysentery and acute and chronic rheumatism, in low typhoid states and in eczema. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Rehmannia For: Arthritis Pain
Profile	Root extract used against arthritis pain and asthma. Encourages fluid excretion, relaxes blood vessels and stimulates the adrenal glands. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Sassafrass For: chronic rheumatism, syphilis, and skin diseases
Profile	Aromatic, stimulant, diaphoretic, alterative. It is rarely given alone, but is often combined with guaiacum or sarsaparilla in chronic rheumatism, syphilis, and skin diseases. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Soapwort For: Gout and Rheumatism
Profile	Soapworts use for gout and rheumatism is probably effective because of the anti-inflammatory property of its saponins Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

St. John's wort oil For: Rheumatism and gout
Profile	The original uses of this versatile plant, before it became popular as a natural anti-depressant however, were treating rheumatism and gout. Herbal oils infused with fresh St. John's wort are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Stinging nettle For: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis and bursitis
Profile	The anti-inflammatory substances join with the rich concentration of the minerals boron and silicon to help ease the pain of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis and bursitis. The leaves can be used raw and applied directly to the rheumatic pain area, they increase circulation and draw out pain.

Stinging Nettle For: Acute arthritis, osteo, rheumatoid
Profile	In a scientific study of patients with acute arthritis, stewed stinging nettle leaves enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) . Stinging Nettle. (2007-12-13), www.umm.edu

Tamanu oil For: Gout, arthritis
Profile	Fiji natives use Tamanu oil for joint pains, and arthritis. It’s also effective on gout.

Tamanu oil For: Sciatica, shingles, neuralgia, rheumatism
Profile	Traditionally oil of tamanu has enjoyed topical use in Fiji for relieving the pain of sciatica, shingles, neuralgia, rheumatism and leprous neuritis, for which it is effective.

Thuja For: Rheumatism, coughs
Profile	Aromatic, astringent, diuretic.. The decoction has been used in intermittent fevers, rheumatism, dropsy, coughs, scurvy, and as an emmenagogue. The leaves, made into an ointment with fat, are a helpful local application in rheumatism.. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Turmeric For: Arthritis, COX-2 inhibitor
Profile	The curcumin and curcuminoids in turmeric are first-rate arthritis-alleviating anti-inflammatories and fight inflammation much like COX-2 inhibitors. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Turmeric For: Arthritis pain
Profile	It's active ingredient, curmumin, inhibits the production of prostaglandins. Turmeric can be taken in food, or applied topically to the joint as a poultice to relieve pain Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

White willow bark For: Chronic joint pain
Profile	Willow bark is the original source of aspirin and many other medications for arthritis and rheumatism.Unlike aspirin, the salicylates in willow bark do not increase the risk of bleeding making willow bark useful for people who have chronic joint pain but cannot take NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors.

Wild lettuce For: Induce sleep
Profile	Wild lettuce teas and tinctures are used to induce sleep and is included in some herbal mixtures used to treat arthritic pain. . Learn wild lettuce. (), Moutain Rose Herbs

Wild yam For: Rheumatoid arthritis
Profile	Wild yam is anti-inflammatory ( because of its steroidal saponins) and herbalists prescribe it for the inflammatory stage of rheumatoid arthritis. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Wormwood, Rue For: Arthritis
Profile	Combined with rue, wormwood is a powerful antirheumatic treatment. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Yarrow For: Rheumatism
Profile	Yarrow also has anti-inflammatory properties, it's constituents cyanidin and azulene are anti-inflammatory, as is salicylic acid. This may account for the folk use of yarrow in treating rheumatism. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Yerba mate For: Arthitis, gout
Profile	Mate has a folklore reputation for treating arthritis, gout and other inflammatory conditions and contains many healthy antioxidants.

Yucca For: Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
Profile	Used to treat both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis The steroidal saponins in yucca work with the natural immune functions of the body, and assist the body in using and producing its steroid related hormones.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Information

• Gout :
  Gout, one of the most painful forms of arthritis, is found primarily in men. While we can't cure it, we do have several highly effective treatments to control it.
• Fibromyalgia :
  

  Fibromyalgia A herbal approach to treatment will include herbs that address adrenal gland support, stress management, and pain relief, as well as emotional needs.

• Lupus :
  Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.
• Osteoarthritis :
  Herbal treatments to prevent bone deterioration and improve bone and cartilage repair.
• Aromatherapy :
  Because aromatherapy oils are so easy to use, they are a great way to explore the use of natural plant based health. It is as simple as you want it to be.