Supplement | Amount | Why |
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Borage Oil | 1.1 to 2.8 grams of GLA daily | [3 stars] Oils containing the omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, such as borage oil, have been reported to be effective in treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Fish Oil | 3 grams daily of EPA plus DHA | [3 stars] Fish oil has anti-inflammatory effect and may help reduce pain. Many trials have proven that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil partially relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Tripterygium wilfordii | 360 to 570 mg daily | [3 stars] In one trial, an extract of this Chinese herbal remedy improved symptoms and laboratory tests in eight of nine patients with rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Vitamin E | 1,200 to 1,800 IU daily | [3 stars] Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, protecting joints against oxidative damage. Supplementing with vitamin E can help ease symptoms, including pain. |
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Boswellia | 400 to 800 mg of gum resin extract three times daily | [2 stars] Boswellia, an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis, has reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in most reports. |
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Cat’s Claw | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] Cat’s claw has been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Cetyl Myristoleate | 540 mg daily for 30 days | [2 stars] Cetyl myristoleate may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by acting as a joint “lubricant” and anti-inflammatory agent. |
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Chili Peppers | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas | [2 stars] A cream containing capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, may help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints. |
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Devil’s Claw | 4.5 to 10 grams daily of powdered herb or 800 mg of a standardized extract three times daily | [2 stars] Devil’s claw has anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions and is a traditional herbal remedy for people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
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DMSO | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] When applied to the skin, DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates pain, apparently by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves. |
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Evening Primrose Oil | 540 to 1,100 mg daily of GLA | [2 stars] Evening primrose oil appears to be an effective treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It contains gamma linolenic acid, which is converted in part to an anti-inflammatory substance. |
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Green-Lipped Mussel | 1,050 to 2,100 mg daily of freeze-dried powder or 210 mg daily of lipid extract | [2 stars] Supplementing with New Zealand green-lipped mussel may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including joint tenderness and morning stiffness. |
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Pantothenic Acid | 2,000 mg daily | [2 stars] People with rheumatoid arthritis may be partially deficient in pantothenic acid. In one trial, taking pantothenic acid resulted in less morning stiffness, disability, and pain. |
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Selenium | 200 mcg daily | [2 stars] People with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have lower selenium levels than healthy people. Supplementing with selenium may reduce pain and joint inflammation. |
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Turmeric (Curcumin) | 400 mg of curcumin three times daily | [2 stars] Turmeric’s active constituent, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that protects the body against free radical damage. |
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Zinc | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Deficient zinc levels have been reported in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some trials have found that supplementing with zinc reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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Betaine Hydrochloride | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] When stomach acid is low, supplementing with betaine HCl can reduce food-allergy reactions and help some people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Boron | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Boron supplementation may be beneficial, particularly in treating people with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Bromelain | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Bromelain has significant anti-inflammatory activity and may help reduce joint swelling and improve joint mobility. |
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Burdock | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Burdock root has been used historically both internally and externally to treat painful joints. |
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Cajeput Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Topically applied cajeput oil has been historically used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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Camphor Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Topically applied camphor oil has been historically used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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Chaparral | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Chaparral has anti-inflammatory effects and has a long history of use in treating joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Copper | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to be deficient in copper, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent needed to activate an enzyme that protects joints from inflammation. |
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Eucalyptus Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Eucalyptus oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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Fir Needle Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Fir needle oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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Ginger | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Ginger is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat people with arthritis. Taking fresh or powdered ginger may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Glucosamine | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Taking glucosamine hydrochloride improved pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis in one study.
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Meadowsweet | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Meadowsweet has been used historically for a wide variety of conditions, including treating rheumatic complaints of the joints and muscles. |
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Nettle | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Nettle has been used historically as a treatment for arthritis. It is applied topically, with the intent of causing stings to relieve arthritis pain. |
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Phenylalanine | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] D-phenylalanine has been used with mixed results to treat chronic pain, including pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Picrorhiza | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Studies conducted in India with the herb picrorhiza show a benefit for people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Pine Needle Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Pine needle oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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Rosemary Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Rosemary oil has been used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Applied to painful joints, it may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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White Willow | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Willow appears to be a long-lasting though slow-acting pain reliever. One trial found that willow bark combined with other herbs effectively relieved pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. |
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Yucca | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Yucca, a traditional remedy, is a desert plant that contains soap-like components known as saponins. Yucca tea is often drunk for relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. |
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