Ten Natural Arthritis Supplements –
Relief Without Drugs

Tired of drugs? Natural arthritis supplements may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Many people are discouraged that drug treatments do not work better. They’re worried about drug side effects from long-term use and the harm they may cause their health.

There’s no cure for most arthritis types. Persistent swelling, stiffness and chronic pain are often lifelong symptoms requiring a lifetime of medication to combat.

And for many, as symptoms progress, so does the strength of prescriptions. At first, doctors recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If results are not satisfactory, stronger prescription medications follow. When results still lack, more potent drugs are prescribed—and so on. You get the picture. At what cost is such long term drug treatment to your health? Arthritis drugs do not supply nutrients to improve your health; they simply attempt to mask pain and symptoms. But at what risk? Side effects are no laughing matter.

Herbs and plant-based formulations have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Herbal pain relief was just one of the uses of the plant world. In the written record, the study of herbs dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who described well-established medicinal uses for such plants as laurel, caraway, and thyme.

The United States has a much shorter history of medicinal herbal use. Native American Indians and early European settlers certainly used plants and glands as herbal pain relief and medicines, but not to the extent of the Asian settlers.

By the twentieth century in America, however, the pre-eminent position of herbs in medical practice began to fade. This began with the professionalism of the physician, followed by chemical drugs (like arsenic, copper, sulfate, iron, mercury and sulfur).

Over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of pharmaceuticals. During this period, most Americans shied away from herbal preparations when synthetic ones were available. However, compared to natural arthritis supplements, synthetic drugs carry greater side effect risk, a troubling fact that has not been lost on the rest of the world.

According to the World Health Organization, 70-95% of people today worldwide continue to rely on herbal supplements and medicinal herbs for some aspect of their primary healthcare. In Germany, up to 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by approximately 70% of German physicians.

Arthritis-Relief-Naturally explores plant-based clinically-proven alternatives for pain relief that safely shut the door on harmful side effects from pharmaceutical drugs. The arthritis relief information on this site is based on science—concrete scientific evidence gleaned from hundreds of clinical studies—and not just personal opinion.

Ten safe and natural arthritis supplements

Because there's no cure for arthritis, it's a mute point to suggest there are “arthritis supplements”. However, it's a scientific fact that by fortifying the body's natural defenses, certain symptoms associated with arthritis can be mitigated, and some dietary supplements do effectively control arthritis pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation.

Here's ten ingredients found in dietary supplements from the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S. that reduce pain and promote well being:

  1. vegetarian glucosamine
  2. fish oil
  3. alfalfa
  4. boswellia
  5. GLA
  6. safflower
  7. vitamin C
  8. vitamin D3
  9. vitamin E
  10. B-vitamin complex

Three arthritis supplements offer an alternative to painkilling drugs

In 2003, the company we entrust for nutritional supplements for our overall health, introduced a science-based pain management program consisting of three separate products that work together synergistically. For the product information page on these muscle and joint pain solutions, click on The Pain Trio.

My husband and I have had wonderful results with these natural arthritis supplements for relief of pain and management of arthritis stiffness and swelling. My husband's knee osteoarthritis pain symptoms have been reduced to very mild for both knees, which are in the best shape they’ve been in for over ten years. He now plays tennis three times a week. My neck arthritis symptoms are completely under control. What a difference--neither of us takes painkiller drugs anymore of any kind!

I have a sensitive digestive tract and cannot “stomach” pain killers, whether prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). I am also chemically-sensitive and susceptible to experiencing drug side effects. Finding natural alternatives was a necessity and a better choice, in my opinion.

Background info on ten arthritis supplements

Here are thumbnails on ten arthritis supplements that are beneficial for people with arthritis. Of those, the vegetarian glucosamine, herbals alfalfa/boswellia/GLA/safflower and fish oil supplements have reduced arthritis symptoms for my husband and I, and many other people; the vitamin supplements C, D3, E and B-Complex have improved overall health and helped us feel better:

(The following bold links for the ten arthritis supplements will take you to the product pages of the industry leader we use and are featuring. This company is internationally-known for the science behind their products).

  2. Glucosamine

    Clinical studies indicate that glucosamine hydrochloride is most effective when arthritis symptoms are moderate to severe. Glucosamine hydrochloride may actually rebuild the cartilage between the joints. With these natural arthritis supplements, you’re not just treating the symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness, you’re regenerating cartilage, regaining joint health. Glucosamine is widely available as a nutritional supplement in different formulations. The market is saturated with glucosamine products. There are many brand names, many claims, many testimonies and a lot of hype. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. Know what you’re getting. A complex for joint health is the glucosamine product we use, combined with boswellia for fast-acting relief. And here's a video link on results of a 2011 clinical study comparing the leading competitive brand. Click on this link for more information on glucosamine arthritis supplements.

  3. Fish oil-omega-3-fatty acids

    Omega Guard is the supplement we use. It's available in 60 or 180 softgel sizes. Included among arthritis supplements is fish oil. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of omega-3’s (EPA in particular) which helps the body tip the balance towards an anti-inflammatory state. To consume omega-3’s in the amounts used in studies, you’d have to eat three servings of fish daily. Fatty acids must be consumed as the body cannot make them for itself. Top notch fish oil supplements, free of impurities, helps your cells stop inflammation—a root cause of rheumatoid arthritis and, to a lesser degree, osteoarthritis. If you’re on blood-thinners, including aspirin, you should always check first with your doctor before starting a supplement program. Click this link to see why it's the best fish oil supplement.

  4. Alfalfa

    A complex of alfalfa is the supplement we use. It's available in 330 or 700 tablet sizes. Any list of arthritis supplements should include this herb. Alfalfa aids in pain and stiff joints from swollen knees and swelling of ankles and feet. Alfalfa is a natural diuretic and helps regulate the body’s acid/alkaline balance. Recognized for centuries for its healing properties, alfalfa contains eight digestive enzymes, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, chlorophyll, bioflavonoids, trace minerals and vitamins. The alfalfa plant is also popularly used as an alternative natural source in homeopathic medicines worldwide. Click this 'best alfalfa' link to learn what to look for in a premium organic alfalfa supplement.

  5. Boswellia and
  6. Safflower Oil

    A herbal complex for pain is the supplement we use as a natural substitute for pharmaceutical painkillers. Used in combination, boswellia herb and oil from the safflower creates potent arthritis supplements for pain relief without gastrointestinal side effects. In studies, these two ingredients together are more effective when combined, than they are separately. The safflower extract contains a potent ingredient that is a very selective Cox 2 inhibitor. The boswellia extract is a very potent 5 Lox inhibitor. With optimized extraction procedures to get the most potent formulations of the inhibitors, you have a product that’s effective against both the 5 Lox and the Cox 2 pain pathways—both of the major pathways—which is the only product on the market of its kind. Its formulation and synergy is so unique that there is a patent pending on this arthritis supplement. Click on this link for more on boswellia. Click this for more on safflower.

  7. GLA (Borage Oil)

    A borage oil complex of GLA is the supplement we use. GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) from borage seed oil is an effective natural supplement for reducing inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with few side effects, several studies show. The human body produces its own GLA from linoleic acid, but production diminishes with aging, disease states, and specific dietary deficiencies. Good news for arthritis sufferers, the body uses GLA to form prostaglandins—potent, hormone-like substances that help regulate bodily processes such as metabolic rate, pain, inflammation and circulation. Persistent pain is a warning. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid. When taken orally, GLA promotes improvements related to joint pain and stiffness and strength of grip. Click this link for more on GLA.

  8. Vitamin C

    A sustained release vitamin C is the supplement we use. It's 500 mg per tablet in 180 count size. It's also available as a chewable at 100 mg per tablet. A sustained release Vitamin C supplement is very important in building collagen, which is an important component of cartilage. Vitamin C is needed to help with the cartilage rebuilding process. Vitamin C is also important for building the matrix upon which the bone is laid down. It is also an essential anti-oxidant, which sweeps the body of destructive free radicals, which are destructive to joint health. The clinically proven delivery system used in the all natural sustained release 500 mg vitamin C supplement my husband and I use has been shown to maintain vitamin C levels for 12 hours. The Framingham osteoarthritis study found that people whose diets routinely included high amounts of vitamin C had significantly less risk of their arthritis progressing. Click on the above Framingham link for additional information on Vitamin C and arthritis.

  9. Vitamin D3

    Vitamin-D3 is the supplement we use. Who knew a vitamin D3 supplement had so many arthritis benefits or that 80% of Americans may have insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood? Recent research shows low vitamin D levels may contribute to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and a variety of other degenerative conditions.

    Taking a vitamin D supplement may soon become a standard treatment method for arthritis sufferers in the future. However the jury of conclusive evidence is still out on this subject. Many researchers believe that the “sunshine vitamin” may one day play a key role in preventing the development and progression of arthritis and numerous clinical studies have been performed, containing mixed results. Much of this literature can be found on the Vitamin D Council website, where publications looking at the effect of vitamin D on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are listed. For additional information on the connection between vitamin D and arthritis, click on this vitamin D link.

  10. Vitamin E

    A complex of vitamin E is the supplement we use. Vitamin E is an antioxidant (like Vitamin C) that protects the body and its joints from free radicals. There are no conclusive studies showing that Vitamin E is markedly effective protection against arthritis. However, its properties indicate that it can help prevent or slow joints from becoming progressively worse. It is known to slow the aging process at the cell level, ease arthritic pain, reduces muscle soreness and damage after activity and has anti inflammatory properties.

    When choosing a top quality Vitamin E supplement with 400 I.U, be sure it has d-alpha tocopherol concentrate and mixed tocopherols concentrate. Look for it in combination with at least 65 mcg of selenium and 38 mg of grapeseed extract as these three components combined deliver potent antioxidant protection from free radical cell damage. Also look for natural Vitamin E as it is more biologically active than the synthetic form and is better retained by the body for more effective antioxidant protection. Several human clinical studies have examined the effect of vitamin E on both symptoms and structural changes in osteoarthritis patients and found therapeutic benefits of alpha-tocopherol in the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis over a short term. Details on these studies can be found on this Natural Vitamins link.

  11. B-Vitamins

    A complex of vitamin B is the supplement we use. Vitamin B6 and folate (folic acid) are the two B-vitamins most likely to be lacking in people with arthritis. These two cousin chemicals from the B-vitamin family are lacking in the population at large—for example, one study found 90 percent of women don’t get enough B6 in their diets. There’s also evidence that the inflammation process in people with rheumatoid arthritis rapidly uses up these B vitamins. This is not good news for arthritis sufferers as these B vitamins are active in a variety of bodily functions, including the manufacturing of protein, the building block for tissues such as cartilage. While B-vitamins are available separately (such as vitamin B-12), a preferred way is to take a complex of vitamin B supplement that contains all of the B-vitamins in balance (the same as B's are found in nature). Biotin and folate should be at least 100% of the Daily Value, the remaining B's higher, but none higher than 1350% DV.

    Another way to take B-vitamins in natural supplements is to choose a balanced whole food multivitamin. Stay away from high-dosage, single nutrient B supplements that may pose nerve damage risks. B-vitamins taken within the formulation of a multivitamin should be well balanced. It's available with or without vitamin K and iron. When choosing B-vitamin supplements, do so in a multivitamin that provides 100% of the RDA of 2 mg for B6 and 400 mcg (0.4mg) for folate. Look also for Vitamin B12 at 6 mcg (100%) which works in tandem with folate. Click on this link for more information on multivitamin multimineral supplements Click on this link for the ultimate multivitamin multimineral supplement made anywhere in America and this next link for a ”Why You Should Supplement” Video.

    Here's a bonus list of two more arthritis supplements:



    • Calcium

      A Calcium complex is the supplement we use. It's available in 120 and 360 tablet sizes. Everyone has heard about the benefits of calcium for bone health. But did you know that 44 million Americans are at risk for osteoporosis, including half of women over the age of 50. Also, 78% of women over age 20 get less than their 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium. The U.S. has one of the highest rates of dairy consumption and calcium intake, yet has one of the highest rates of osteoporosis. Regarding arthritis, think of calcium as the bricks to building strong and healthy bones. Bricks can only be strong and stable when combined with mortar. In the case of calcium, the mortar consists of vitamin D, magnesium, boron, vitamin K, zinc, copper and manganese. The calcium supplement my husband and I use is the comprehensive, clinically proven, easy to swallow formulation described above, which is beneficial for everyone, but especially those with arthritis.

    • Lecithin

      Lecithin contains important fatty acids. The supplement we use for lecithin is sourced from organic non-genetically modified soybeans. Lecithin is sometimes referred to as nature’s natural emulsifier. Lecithin provides an excellent source of choline, which is essential for every living cell and is one of the main components of cell membranes. Choline is also an important component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in the transmission of messages throughout the brain and nervous system. Lecithin also helps to absorb fat-soluble nutrients in our diet, like beta carotene and the Vitamins A, D, E and K, so having lecithin in your intestinal tract will help you to protect your bones, because both vitamin D and vitamin K are bone builders.

    Not all arthritis supplements or natural supplements are good. Here’s nine ingredients to avoid according toArthritis Today magazine

    A recent article from the magazine Arthritis Today listed a total of nine supplement ingredients that you should avoid in natural arthritis supplements for the reasons quoted from the article:

    • Arnica (Arnica Montana). Claim: Relieves aches; an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer. Why you should avoid it: can cause miscarriages, allergic reactions, paralysis, heart palpitations, death.

    • Aconite (Aconitum napellus). Claim: Eases joint inflammation, gout, rheumatoid arthritis. Why you should avoid it: Is a fast-acting poison that affects the heart.

    • Adrenal, spleen, thymus extracts. Claim: Helps fatigue and relieves stress and inflammation. Why you should avoid it: Derived from animal organs. FDA warns organs could possibly be contaminated.

    • Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) Claim: Lessens gout attacks and eases general arthritis. Why you should avoid it: Is a potential poison. Should be taken only as a prescription drug (colchicine), under a doctor’s supervision.

    • 5-HTP (5-hydroxytrytophan). Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and depression. Why you should avoid it: Associated with esosinophilia myalgia, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.

    • GBL (Gamma-butyrolactone). Claim: Helps fibromyalgia, sleep problems, depression, claims to “improve sexual and athletic performance and health” Why should you avoid it: Has been linked to death, coma and seizures.

    • L-tryptophan. Claim:  Eases sleep disorders and depression Why you should avoid it: Is illegal in the United States. Associated with esosinophilia myalgia,, a serious illness that causes severe rashes, acute pain and other symptoms.

    • Chaparral. Claim: Reduces inflammation. Why you should avoid it: Is poisonous and may cause hepatitis, kidney and liver damage.

    • Kombucha tea. Claim: Helps “rheumatism” and eases pain. Why you should avoid it: Has a high risk of contamination with anthrax and other bacteria.

    By the way, the outstanding company featured in the final paragraph has never used any of the above ingredients in any of their nutritional products or arthritis supplements. They publish their ingredient glossary for public transparency.

    How to choose a dietary supplement manufacturer you can trust

    A flood of new manufacturers has invaded the dietary supplement industry, which was regulated but essentially not enforced between 1994 and June, 2010 when the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) (regulations originally announced by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] in 2007) were fully implemented. Even today, however, many companies capitalize on lack of strict enforcement by making all sorts of wild promotional claims about their products effectiveness and safety with absolutely no scientific proof—as such proof is not required by the FDA.

    Lack of safety practices or efficacy within the dietary supplement industry was of great concern to me when I first began exploring use of alternative natural health products.

    My husband and I first began using nutritional supplements for health improvement and prevention of disease. And arthritis supplements later to try to control osteoarthritis symptoms following a lateral neck whiplash.

    That’s when I developed a list of 30 questions concerning standards of excellence to find the best dietary supplement manufacturer.

    Our featured company is a nutritional supplement leader

    The answers led me to the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S., a 'beyond organic' industry leader in quality. It’s the only company that we trust for nutritional supplementation. Their scientists have worked to create the best natural supplements and health products in the world since 1956.

    They’ve invested more than $250 million in clinical testing, research and development and have over 100 published studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals—more than any other nutritional company!

    Only one company has a 20-year landmark study

    When investing in arthritis supplements, consider it first as an investment in your health. You don’t want to waste your money on poorly formulated or synthetic supplements containing artificial colors, sweeteners, binders, fillers, etc. that will not be readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, you’ll want a high quality dietary supplement with ingredient purity, potency, and guaranteed efficacy that your body’s cells will happily absorb.

    There’s only one natural nutrition company that can claim a 20-year clinical landmark study on its consumers that verifies from blood samples that its supplement users retained normal levels of blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and homocysteine and experienced safety issues from the use of natural supplements long term.

    The 2006 study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the U.C. Berkeley School of Public Health comparing one company's supplement users to people who took either no supplements or other brands of multivitamins from different companies.

    For details, go to: www.landmarkstudy.com

    Their products are unconditionally guaranteed to work

    Not only is the performance of their products guaranteed, they also guarantee their unconditional safety. Their scientists search the world to source the finest natural ingredients. They conduct over 350 tests on every single new ingredient for heavy metals, pesticides, or any of hundreds of other harmful contaminants.

    They also conduct over 100,000 quality tests annually to guarantee the purity and safety of each and every product they produce. Click here to see the guarantee in writing.

    Their products have no parabens, triclosan, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), 1,4-dioxane, or propylene glycol. There are no banned substances, no dyes, no trans fats, and no artificial sweeteners or flavors. They do not test on animals.

    Even their packaging is safe and free of toxins bisphenol-A, phthalates, and toxic ink.

    Featured arthritis supplements

    Because of their solid science and safety record, we began to trust the company with a conscience> for arthritis supplements and nutritional needs. If you’re looking for alternative answers specifically for treatment of arthritis or joint health symptoms, I highly recommend their pain relief trio

    Arthritis Supplements Disclaimer: Health statements on the Arthritis Supplements page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.






    Arthritis Products 3 safe natural arthritis supplements scientifically designed to fight pain and reduce dependency on pharmaceutical medicines. Each unique for rapid relief and joint health. Click here for details.

    Natural Vitamins. There may not be arthritis supplements in the truest sense, but here's why four natural vitamins work in slowing arthritis progression, per Framingham osteoarthritis study and other studies on Vitamin C, D, E and B complex for improved joint health. Click for for information.

    Vitamin Supplements There are no vitamins proven to be arthritis supplements to reduce symptoms of arthritis, a debilitating disease. A natural multivitamin can improve overall health and vitality. Click here for recommended multivitamin.

    Herbal Pain Relief. In the last twenty years in the United States, the public has become increasingly dissatisfied with the cost and side effect risks of prescription medications. This, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has....Click here for background on herbal treatments

    Osteoarthritis Relief. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects joints of the knees, hips, fingers, lower spine and neck. Click here for more on osteoarthritis

    Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief. Many of the natural arthritis supplements for osteoarthritis are also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. Click here for RA natural treatment options

    Natural Arthritis Pain Relief. Millions choosing herbal arthritis supplements when conventional treatments are of concern or haven’t provided acceptable results. How to find the best pain relief….Click here for more

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    Health statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Copyright 2008 Arthritis-Relief-Naturally.com Shaklee Authorized Distributor

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