Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition of the joints in
which the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones gradually loses its
elasticity and wears down. Without the protective cartilage, the bones begin to
rub against each other, causing stiffness, inflammation, and loss of movement.
Osteoarthritis treatment therapies with current conventional medicine generally
focus on reducing pain and controlling inflammation; however, these approaches
have no effect on the natural course of the disease.
Ayurveda offers many herbal treatments for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These herbs have documented anti-inflammatory properties without the side effects of commonly prescribed medications. For example, the American College of Rheumatology, a study was presented which showed that Ayurvedic herbal therapy was as effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee as a commonly prescribed drug (Celebrex) and glucosamine - and with fewer side effects. The American College of Rheumatology has stated that Ayurveda offers “safe and effective treatment alternatives” for osteoarthritis.
The
herbs boswellia, turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, triphala, guggulu, and shatavari
have been shown to decrease inflammation by interfering with the production of
inflammatory chemicals in the body.