Are there any “natural” supplements that can treat rheumatoid arthritis?
People who are frustrated with conventional medications for RA may be attarcted to herbs, supplements and other natural remedies. While natural treatments are appealing, it’s important to note that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Some people think that supplements – especially herbs – are safe because they are natural alternatives to the chemicals in prescription drugs. But herbs, too, are chemicals. And anything strong enough to help also may be strong enough to hurt. That said, there are some extracts and supplements that have been useful in treating various types of arthritis. For example, research shows that taken in large quantities, the omega-3 fatty acids found in oils from certain fish modify inflammation associated with RA. Other research has shown that oil extracted from the borage plant has properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without the gastrointestinal side effects. However, researchers have not yet determined the effective dosages and lon
