Natural Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in today’s world.  Osteoarthritis is a painful condition in which the tissue over and between joints wears down and synovial fluid decreases.  As tissue between joints wears down, joints become inflamed and painful.  While the traditional treatment for osteoarthritis, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause side effects, a new study lends more support for enriched frankincense as an alternative treatment option for this painful condition. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis most commonly effects weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, and feet, but it can also effect the hands, elbows, and any other joints in the body.  The symptoms of OA include inflammation, pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.  Sometimes, individuals with OA also hear their joints cracking when they are being used or touched. 

While many individuals with OA are treated with NSAID pain relievers, these drugs are known to cause stomach problems, such as peptic ulcers, upset stomach, cramping, and diarrhea.  In a new study, “Indian enriched” frankincense was found to be helpful for treating OA without negative side effects.

New Findings to Support Herbal Treatment for Osteoarthritis

This study was conducted at the University of California, Davis with 70 patients.  This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled research study where some participants were given “Indian enriched” frankincense (boswellia serrata) and other participants received a placebo.  The boswellia serrata was enriched with 30% AKBA, which is 3-0-acetyl-11-keto-bata-boswellic acid, which is thought to be the most active ingredient in the boswellia serrata plant, according to the researchers.

Results

The participants who took the enriched Frankincense reported significant improvement within seven days of beginning to take it.  Further, the herbal treatment did not cause any significant adverse side effects. 

The study’s leader, Siba Raychaudhuri, who is a faculty member at the University of California, Davis asserted in a press release, “AKBA has anti-inflammatory properties and we have shown that boswellia serrata enriched with AKBA can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee.” 

The researchers assert this herbal remedy is safe to take over long periods of time.  The results of this research study were published in the July 29, 2008 issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy. 

It appears that this herbal remedy has treatment possibilities for individuals who suffer from OA. 

Sources:

Forbes:Frankincense Provides Relief for Osteoarthritis

Wikipedia: Osteoarthritis

Learn about other natural arthritis treatments:

Herbs for Relieving Arthritis Symptoms

More Herbs for Arthritis

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