And, at the very least, adding them to your recipes will liven up your meals.

Always consult with your doctor before starting on any supplement, as some can pose harmful interactions with medications.

What follows are 14 herbs and spices worth considering if you haverheumatoid arthritis.

ginger root

Discover 7 herbs and spices that could help reduce inflammation for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Results of this research suggested that ginger may improve RA symptoms by affecting the expression of certain genes.

Find one near you with thedirectoryof the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

So dont go overboard with it.

ginger root

Want to try turmeric?

Add it to soups, stews, and curry dishes.

Helpful hint: Combiningturmeric with black pepperhelps your body absorb the yellow spice even better, according toresearch.

8 Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Side Effects

If youre taking it as a supplement, theArthritis Foundationrecommends 500 mg of curcumin extract capsules twice a day.

For optimal absorption, it is best taken with food.

Remember to consult with your doctor before starting on turmeric.

Thyme

Youll do your health, and perhaps your joints, a world of good.

Related:Can Drinking Tea Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Cinnamon

A delicious spice,cinnamonhas powerful antioxidant properties that help inhibit cell damage from free radicals.

turmeric in a spoon

Cinnamon sticks can be added to teas or ciders for an extra flavor infusion.

Just dont overdo it, Roofener cautions.

Large doses of the spice also could interfere with blood clotting and blood thinner medication.

green tea in cups

Its true.Researchhas found that black pepper has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and gastro-protective effects.

Otherresearchhas found that piperine administration relieved inflammation, pain, and other symptoms of arthritis in animals.

Many ointments and creams containing capsaicin (the main ingredient in cayenne) are available to relieve arthritis pain.

Cinnamon

you’ve got the option to add cayenne pepper to sauces, marinades, and rubs.

Or simply sprinkle dried cayenne onto your favorite dish.

But beware: This spice can be hot and may irritate the digestive tract.

Garlic

If you cant take the heat, cayenne also comes in a capsule form.

Cayenne may interact with different medicines, so be sure to talk to your doctor before trying this supplement.

It also may help prevent cartilage loss.

black pepper kernels

However, thunder god vine should never be used as a substitute for standardRA treatments.

According to Roofener, it also has strong emetic properties, which means it could cause vomiting.

The dosage will depend on the jot down you take.

cayenne

Alschuler says ashwagandha is generally safe for people with RA.

Additionally, pregnant women should talk to their providers before taking ashwagandha.

After all, some herbal supplements can cause unpleasant side effects or interact with medication you may be taking.

Willow Bark

Additional reporting byJulie Marks,Madeline Vann, MPH,andStacey Colino.

Dr. Biggee also works as a healthcare wellness consultant forSynergy Wellness Centerin Hudson, Massachusetts.

Dr. Biggee brings a human-centered approach to wellness rather than focusing solely on diseases.

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She was preceptor for the Lawrence General Hospital Family Medicine Residency.

Chris Iliades, MD, is a full-time freelance writer based in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Iliades also writes a regular blog for The Pulse, a website for fetal health and pregnancy.

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Iliades is board-certified in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery.

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Ashwagandha

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