Herbal Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study has found that a traditional herbal remedy used by the Chinese for centuries called "thunder god vine" reduces inflammation for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This is an extract of a medicinal plant called Trypterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF).

According to the study, 65 percent of those taking the herb showed at least a 20 percent improvement in their joints. This compared with only 33 percent for those taking sulfasalazine, a prescription anti-inflammatory drug.

However, the results should be taken with a grain of salt, since the sample size was small. The prescription drug used in the study is a fairly mild drug that is not used that often anymore, so the comparison is not really fair. Methotrexate is the drug most commonly used today and is more powerful.

In addition, several of the participants taking TwHF dropped out of the study due to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms and nausea. Just because herbal products are natural does not mean they are necessarily safe. If you want to try an herbal supplement, consult your doctor first.