When it comes to treating arthritis, “I believe tea can be beneficial,” says Mahsa Tehrani, MD, a rheumatologist in Vienna, Virginia. “Some teas have fantastic anti-inflammatory properties, which can theoretically help with the underlying inflammation,” she says. The key word is theoretically, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved teas, or other supplements, as medicine to treat health conditions or illnesses. Nonetheless, teas have long been linked to assorted health outcomes. Teas, whether enjoyed hot or cold, are water-based, so they don’t have added calories, sodium, preservatives, sweeteners, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats when made at home. When you steep tea leaves in hot water, you’re getting the essence of the plant’s benefits, which include polyphenols, or antioxidants. In addition to helping soothe rheumatoid arthritis, tea may also perk you up with its caffeine content, protect against heart disease and possibly cancer, lower cholesterol, and lower diabetes risk. Check with your doctor before trying any complementary treatments to make sure they won’t interact with your prescription medications or other products that you take, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Like all supplements, teas as medications are not regulated by the FDA, and products may contain ingredients that aren’t listed on the label, or provide irregular doses. In some cases tea could up your risk of medication side effects. Discuss specifics with your doctor. Once you get the go-ahead, teatime may become your favorite time of day!
1. Ginger Tea
It’s not just for upset stomachs. An Italian study published in Natural Product Research in 2016 evaluated the effect of ginger supplementation on inflammation and chronic knee pain in people with arthritis. Test subjects took 25 milligrams (mg) of ginger for 30 days — along with 5 grams (g) of echinacea — and reported significant improvements on a quality-of-life pain scale. Ginger root is readily found at grocery and health food stores; simply slice it thinly and steep in hot water for about 10 minutes. A note of caution: Ginger can affect blood clotting, according to Michigan Medicine, so you may want to skip it if you’re on blood-thinning medications. RELATED: 8 Teas to Drink for a Healthier Body and Mind RELATED: All About Green Tea
3. Rose Hip Tea
The orange-red fruit that appears on rose plants after they flower is a concentrated source of vitamin C, and it’s long been used as an herbal remedy. But research published in Australian Family Physician found that one of its phytochemicals, a kind of galactolipid, has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit those with both osteoarthritis and RA. This meta-analysis found that rose hip powder “consistently reduced pain scores, and that patients allocated to rose hip powder were twice as likely to respond to rose hip compared to placebo.” Rose hips make a tart and fruity tea that’s often blended with hibiscus; check a health food store or specialty tea shop to find it. Be mindful: avoid rose hip if you have sickle cell disease, diabetes, anemia or an iron deficiency, notes Michigan Medicine. And talk to your doctor if you are pregnant before you try rose hip tea.
4. Black Tea
The standard-bearer of tea bags, black tea is rich in quercetin, a bioflavonoid that has anti-inflammatory effects. A study published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics found that quercetin reduced inflammation and increased antioxidant defense in animal test subjects. But be warned: Black tea can be high in caffeine, depending on how it’s brewed, and this may impact the effectiveness of certain medications, according to MedlinePlus. If it makes you feel jittery, try decaf instead. RELATED: Drinking More Tea May Help You Live Longer, Research Suggests
5. Willow Bark Tea
An ancient herbal pain relief remedy, willow bark is chemically similar to aspirin, per Mount Sinai, and there are a handful of medical studies that support the use of willow bark in joint pain and osteoarthritis. A review of research published in Phytotherapy Research found that willow bark extract has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that stem from the polyphenols and flavonoids it contains. But for people on many medications, this will not be a good treatment option. People who take methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, blood-thinning medication, those who are pregnant, and anyone under 16 should not take willow bark.
6. Nettle Leaf Tea
The stinging nettle plant has been used for hundreds of years, especially in Europe, to treat muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and gout. A study published in the journal Molecules found that the antioxidant activity in nettle leaf extract inhibits one of the key enzymes that affect the inflammation process. You can buy nettle in most health food stores, but it is not recommended for pregnant women or those with kidney or bladder issues. Nettle leaf, as Mount Sinai notes, is also used as a topical skin treatment for joint pain. Additional reporting by Debbie Strong and Cheryl Alkon.
