In some cases, supplements can be a great addition to your RA management plan. For example, curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice known as turmeric, has been proven to lessen markers of RA inflammation, according to a review published in August 2018 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. But the reality is that a number of dietary supplements touted for RA relief may actually do more harm than good. According to the Arthritis Foundation, some supplements can interfere with the way your body processes other medications you might be taking. Plus, you can’t always trust the labels on supplements. The bottle may claim each dose contains a certain amount of active ingredient, but there’s no way to know this for sure, as supplements are not regulated the same way conventional food and drugs are by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you do want to give a supplement a try, first check with your doctor — and discuss all of the medications you take for RA, since some supplements contain ingredients that might lessen or even negate their effectiveness.
1. Aconite
Belonging to the buttercup family of flowers, aconite is a plant that, though highly poisonous, has been used in (very diluted) homeopathy form and Chinese medicine. It’s touted as able to improve circulation and, in turn, reduce inflammation. But it can be dangerous, especially when you drink it in tea form. It can cause nausea, vomiting, an irregular heartbeat, and potentially be fatal, according to the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists. In 2019, the FDA issued a warning to companies who produced products labeled as homeopathic that pose significant safety risks — including aconite.
2. Arnica
This perennial plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and continues to be popular for a number of conditions, including osteoarthritis. However, no recent studies have documented its effectiveness as an RA supplement, and arnica is on the FDA’s poisonous plant list. Complementary medicine doctors say it’s only safe to use arnica in highly diluted homeopathic formulations.
3. Cat’s Claw
Though some older studies found positive results, side effects can be an issue. Cat’s claw can cause reactions such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and vomiting, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It’s also dangerous for people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, and for people taking high blood pressure medications, as it can lower blood pressure. The Arthritis Foundation also warns that people with tuberculosis or those who take drugs that suppress the immune system, such as biologic medications for RA, should avoid taking cat’s claw.
4. Chaparral
This remedy is made from the leaves and twigs of a shrub that grows in the American Southwest and Mexico. Available as a tea or in pill form, chaparral has been promoted as a way to reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis pain. The problem is there aren’t studies to support these claims, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. What’s more, chaparral can be toxic to the liver. People who take methotrexate for RA management should definitely avoid chaparral because of the increased risk for liver damage, which is already a concern with the drug. In addition, when chaparral is taken with other commonly prescribed medications, like statins for high cholesterol, the risk of liver damage increases dramatically.
5. Kombucha
This sweet and fizzy brew is popular for a variety of supposed health benefits for a range of conditions, from cancer to osteoarthritis. Kombucha is made by fermenting black tea with a mix of yeast and bacteria. Proponents claim that it boosts the immune system and can improve the body’s ability to detox. But research doesn’t back this up. In fact, when consumed in high amounts, a number of adverse reactions have been reported: liver damage, nausea, and vomiting. Because of how it’s brewed, kombucha can easily become contaminated by bacteria. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. The tea is highly acidic and could also decrease the effectiveness of medications that depend on pH balance in the stomach for absorption.
Alternatives to Supplements
When looking into supplements, if your goal is to relieve RA pain, keep in mind that effective alternatives are available — such as getting physically active, says Dennis Cardone, DO, the division chief of primary care sports medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City. “There’s a lack of evidence that supplements provide pain relief,” he says. Other natural remedies to try instead for RA relief include yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and sleep.
