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Treatments > Supplement Guide > Find the Supplement for Your Condition
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Supplements for Your Condition

Use the list below to find dietary supplements and other substances that might be useful for specific types of arthritis and related conditions.

Ankylosing spondylitis

DHEA, Melatonin

Fibromyalgia

SAM-e, St. John’s wort, Valerian

Gout

Devil’s claw, Stinging nettle

Lupus 

DHEA, Fish oil, Flax, Thunder god vine

Osteoarthritis (OA)

ASU, Bromelain, Cat’s claw, Chondroitin, Devil’s claw, DMSO, Ginger, Glucosamine, Indian frankincense, MSM, SAM-e, Stinging nettle, Turmeric

Psoriasis

Fish oil

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Evening primrose, Flax, Ginger, Ginkgo, GLA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Black currant oil (or seed), Borage oil (or seed), Bromelain, DMSO, Evening primrose, Fish oil, Flax, Ginger, GLA, Indian frankincense / boswellia, Thunder god vine, Turmeric

Scleroderma

DMSO

Sjögren’s Syndrome

GLA

Bonnie
25 Jan 2012, 07:23
Hello, I'm 58 years old and starting to feel pain in the joints of my fingers and elbow. I was told by a doctor it is arthritis. Can you tell me what are the best natural preventatives for this? Thank you
vicki
22 Jan 2012, 06:42
I have learned more about RA from the comments from the patients, their experiences and compassion for others in this situation . I am 63 and have dealt with heart failure, copd , but this really kicked my butt. This site is great. Don't ever take it down.
Thanks
vicki
22 Jan 2012, 06:29
Diagnosed a year ago with RA. On methotrexate and infusion Remicade. Have just had my third infusion last week and my pain has been getting steadily woorse. Pain killers blunt it somewhat. Areas affected are hips, knees, and ankles. Feels like I have a scalding iron on my legs all the time. Labs confirm RA. This pain is excruciating. Muscle involvement also, so I suspect Fibromyalgia may be there too. Anyone with similar symptoms feel free to share as I feel extremely alone and clueless . Thanks!
M Harold
01 Jan 2012, 08:05
I'm well over 70 and have had arthritis in mh knees since 1989. Years ago I met a 73 yr old who had arthritis and told me that, 2 years before, he had been in a wheel chair and couldn't feed himself. He moved to a trailer villiage outside of Brownsville, TX, where they grew their own aloe vera and where began drinking one quart a day. We were at a concert, 2nd floor walk-up balcony, and he was he was doing great. When my arthritis started croping out on my knukles and elbows, I started drinking aloe, 6 oz every morning...buy it at Walmat. It took about 6 weeks before I was pain free. I have continued to run and workout.
Kate
02 Nov 2011, 07:10
Is it safe to take Condroitin and Glucosamine with Indian Frankinsense together or should I try one of these remedies first
JANICE
02 Aug 2011, 20:01
I WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH LYMPHOMA. WHAT ARE SOME GOOD SUPPLEMENTS TO USE NOW. IT IS LOW GRADE, SLOW GROWING.
Brandy
08 Jun 2011, 09:04
Is it safe to take several of these daily or should I just pick one and stick with it?
Rafael Sanchez-Aballi
03 May 2011, 09:54
I have arthristis and I would like to know what I can do to help my situation, the problem is that is have Atrial Fibrillation and for this reason I'm taking blood thinner and because of this I can not take any thing that contain aspirin. What can I do for this. Thank you for your help. Rafael
nola
22 Apr 2011, 20:42
i was diagnosed with O A13 years ago . I tried teraphy, osteo biflex glucosamine&chondrotin diclofenac tabs & gel nothing works HELP
Norene
15 Mar 2011, 18:50
I have inflammatory polyarthritis (Psoriatic Arthritis) in multiple joints. I love the methotrexate and am slowing building the dose up (heading for 25mg weekly (on lots of other stuff as well). I use PawPaw ointment for any dry scaly patches - works brilliantly. Very slow moving in the morning, feet can be very sore; if I overdo it then knees, hips, shoulders, back will all react. Hard to learn to rest between activities and am still not sure of the level or type of activity that would help me keep motion and fitness. Impossible to lose extra weight while on some of the drugs but I am trying.
Myndi
15 Mar 2011, 16:56
My18yr old son has Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic since age 3. My daughter also has AS. She is almost 12 and was diagnosed at 5. They tried most of the drugs (NSAIDs, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Prednisone, Plaquenil, cream, etc) Nothing worked very well. They have been taking a supplement called MonaVie for a little over 2 yrs now and are in remission with no medications. They drink the Active version of MonaVie. It's the best thing that's ever happened to us. No more arthritis pain, no more Psoriasis, no more migraines...wonderful!
Sarah
15 Mar 2011, 13:13
did you mean psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?
char
15 Mar 2011, 12:26
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article1967382.ece
Dolores Basile
15 Mar 2011, 12:05
My son Larry Basile has had back problems with a slippped disc. Now he has severe pain in his both knees. He works in maintenance where he does do heavy lifting and he is overweight.doctors do not find the cause of the knee pain and give him pain medicine which he cannot take because of getting sleepy. Any kind of help would be appreciated
Michelle
15 Mar 2011, 11:43
Carole,
I also use hot wax therapy. You can purchase a unit at Walmart for around $30.00 Hot wax is wonderful. I take 7-2.5 mg of methotrexate on Sunday evening. I also take an Enbrel injection on Mondays. I love them both. Some people get infused with the methotrexate. Also the topical gel Voltaren is great. There is also a pill form as well. The pill gave me severe stomach pain so I only use the gel. I hope this helps everyone.
Cate
15 Mar 2011, 10:47
Nothing for Still's? I am disappointed.
Vera Gropper
10 Feb 2011, 09:33
Do you have information on Vitamin B-6 therapy for carpel tunnel, Charlie horses, tennis elbow, etc. I have learned of the work of Dr. John Ellis about 40 years ago and would appreciate knowing if your subscribers have had success with it.

Vera
Nicole
17 Nov 2010, 13:43
I was diagnosed with RA a few years ago but didn't really believe that I had it. The dr. didn't want to even discuss other possibilities so I did my own research. 3 weeks ago I started myself on a gluten free diet. I have not had any aching in my hands at all since day 4 of the diet. I still have pain in the fingers that are already damaged but not the usual daily aching that I had before. Being gluten sensitive or intolerant can cause symptoms that look like arthritis, among other things. Do some of your own research and talk to your doctor about this being a possibility!
ellen
29 Oct 2010, 18:47
Fibromyalgia diagnosed. have been under Dr. care for 6 yrs. incl. rheumatologist(s) etc. Joint & muscle pain, stiffness, cramping, spasms in finger joints, mod. (when lucky) to severe pain 24/7. Dr.s cannot nail down type of arthritis/auto-immune disease. Where can I go for help. How do I know what doses of natural supplements will help me. I am getting to the end of my rope and there are no more knots to grab onto.
All and any help will be appreciated. I have been on a walker for two years now and cannot use the stairs at all.
david walmsley
14 Oct 2010, 14:27
arturius in both knees painful joggging can u help plse
carole
09 Aug 2010, 16:34
I was just diagnoised with borderline lupus and ra. i tried steroids for 30 days didnt work. starting Methotrexate tomorrow, does anyone know if it works? i go to the salon to get treatments on my hands in the hot wax. i am using dr.franks pain and joint spray doesnt work yet. i have it bad in my wrists and fingers, then in my feet especially when i am laying in bed, the mornings getting up are horrible. i have to get under the water to releive the swelling. email me and give me advice
Loraine Johnston
31 Jul 2010, 13:53
I have RA and am on placquenil and advil. my dr. wants me on the biologics but i refuse to take them due to possible side effects. i am a nurse and started taking cats claw 2 per day and bowellia 2 per day and that seems to be keeping the inflammation down. need to have more drs. into herbs. TRY IT.
Jerri Harma
25 Jul 2010, 19:00
I was just diagnosied with OA in my hands. I was given 800mg of Ibuprophen for pain. It doesn't seem to help. I started taking suppliments and they aren't helping. My joints in fingers sometimes burn and feel swollen a lot. Is there anything else I can take for this or any sollutions to curb the pain.
Lanie
25 Jul 2010, 18:44
I have had OA for 30 years, and I was diagnosed with seriopositive, nondestructive RA 1-1/2 years ago. I've been lucky with my OA, and seldom need anything for the pain. However, I did need help with my RA pain, swelling, and general unwellness. I now take one Hydroxychloriquine and one Folic Acid pill daily AND eight tiny Methotrexate pills once a week. It also was discovered that I have Osteopena for which I take Foxamax once weekly. I feel great & like my spry old self at age 62.
T Bacon
18 May 2010, 12:04
I have not only OA, but also spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis, I would like to know what types of supplements and treatments are useful for these debilitating types of arthritis. Thank you so much for any info you can give me on these conditions. T
Laura
16 May 2010, 15:15
Jessica,

I have suffered from psoriatic arthritis since my early 20's but was misdiagnosed for years (I am now 42). Happily, I was able to give birth to three very healthy children. Yes, you will need to go off your meds (Embrel) to conceive, but I assure you, once you become pregnant, the symptoms go into remission and you will feel great. If you wish to breast feed, as I did for all three (9 months for my first two and 16 months for my last), you will also need to stay off your meds. Although since the symptoms resurface after 3-5 months post delivery, and sometimes with a vengeance, you may need to cut the nursing shorter (that explains the 9 months of nursing the first two times versus the 3rd time). Or, as with my last baby, I was prescribed prednisone for that period, which my doctor reassured me did not get into my breast milk. My 3rd child is healthy and very bright.

Regarding the medication that works for both the arthritic symptoms and psoriasis, I have been lucky to have found Remicade and I have no trace of psoriasis (for me it was also mostly on my scalp) and my arthritis is undetectable. I am active and feel very "normal." I also couple my Remicade with methotrexate (and folic acid). I certainly hate the amount of toxins that need to be in my body for me to enjoy this quality of life, but if I did not take them, I would be bed bound, severely depressed and in terrible pain. People do not know that I have this chronic condition and it does not get in my way of doing anything. I encourage you to ask your doctor about it and I also encourage you to have children. You will truly relish the remission and the children even more! Good luck to you.
Allan Hansen
10 May 2010, 09:57
There is a good remedie for Rheumatoid Arthritis that seems to work for alot of people. it is for external use so it does not interfere with any other medication.
One of my friends are using it and you can get more information on it by e-mailing: orders@earthshieldonline.com

A good remedie for Psoriasis is taking a bath with Dead Sea salts and Pink Himalayan salts in high concentration. these work alot better then Epson salt as they are very rich in minerals.

Also for flaking skin you can try natural lotions made without chemicals or perfumes as these can make it worse.

I hope this can help you.
JESSICA
05 May 2010, 12:00
Hi, Im 25 years old. I have had RA for 17 years now, I was diagnoised when i was 8 with JRA... I started Enbrel when i was 14.. took it for 6 yrs, worked great.. came off due to insurance. got back onit after 2 years of no meds. It has recently stopped workin as well... I also have psorsias (*sp) and the Enbrel doesnt help it at all...Is there anyone out there who has an effictive treatment for the Psorasis... I lay in the tannin bed every other day or so to keep it under control but that hs almost stopped workin to... My scalp is the worst. I constantly have flakes fall everywhere..and constant itch... anyone with any helpful info, please email me...i also rub dovonex on it very night, no luck there... i have tried many "home remedies" like oil and epson salt...and if there is anyone who has RA and has had a bay, i could use some advice.. i want a child but my doc tells me there are no meds i can take while pg...
Joan
29 Apr 2010, 18:15
Does anyone know what the recommended dosage is for Boswellia? All I have been able to find out is to take it 3 X/day with meals.
Can you help me?
Georgine Snyder
21 Apr 2010, 19:22
Alice,
Have you tried Methotrexate. That is my next step. I coud not tolerate Hydroxychloroquine.
Jane
09 Apr 2010, 11:10
I was born with congenital hip dysplasia and have very painful hips. I also have premature ovarian failure, prob related to radiation/xrays. I'm 35yrs old, have osteopenia, and take Actonel once a month. There are so many products on the market, what suppliments are best?
Ginny
17 Mar 2010, 14:55
BEE VENOM THERAPY, or apitherapy has worked for me and I was diagnosed only 6 months ago with RA. Boswellia works great too. The bee venom therapy is painful, like getting stung, but strangely you want the swelling it causes and it works on the COX2 like some drugs do, and also has an immune system effect. It took me a while to find a naturopathic doctor that administers it, but now i'm set up with a good treatment. Remember that if you are one of those people that want the easy way out by just taking a bunch of pills blindly then, it will be hard for you to deal with it. I feared it at first, but now respect it's power. I'll let you know down the road if it keeps away the pain and swelling, but so far the joints that have been treated, feel great! Look into it, it's worth it!
carole
18 Feb 2010, 17:10
everything I read from all is similar. I recommend conquering rheumatoid arthritis by Thomas f lee, ph.d. He suffers from ra himself. This book covers almost all autoimmune diseases ra and osteo and almost all medications. I have ra and it started with lyme diease, I have it in almost every joint. Was over medicated, after i read the book and did research on natural supplements and cut back on to high prednisone i am doing much better. still a little crippled but at least feel alive again. :)
lisa m.
29 Dec 2009, 12:48
I'm 28 and have been battling what the drs have now tagged as RA, vasculitis and an IgA immunodeficiency. They have me on predisone due to having BOOP (pneumonitis) and pericarditis. I also have had severe inflammation in all joints minus spine. That is coming down, but I have just started Remicade. I would love to try something a bit more natural, but I have no idea where to start with so many complications. I live in Spain and anything besides drugs is unheard of. Any suggestions? thank you!
CAZ
28 Dec 2009, 17:37
I have been off with Fibromyalgia on LTD (1st time I was off 9 mths, 2nd time for 2 yrs now). I barely recall most of the past 2 years due to my medications and their nasty side effects. Introduced to and started MAX GXL little over 3 months ago. I am amazed at the results! I was hesitant so I started 1/3 dosage & worked up to full dosage a few weeks ago. I have lost 8.5 inches of inflammation in the past 3.5 mths, along with most if not all of the pain and 9 lb's to boot! I have energy and haven't needed a nap in over a month now! Rainy/snowy days still hurt but are tolerable. I am now off 90% of my meds & their nasty sideeffects are dissappearing too! I look forward to life again thanks to Max GXL! Check it out @ www.caz.max4u.com or email me czuber@sympatico.ca for my testimonial and more info.
Nathan Trout
16 Nov 2009, 11:23
I tried Flexcin w/ CM8 after reading many articles about the effectiveness of CM8. I was very doubtful and really didn't expect it to work, but they claimed a full 100% satisfaction guarantee, so I figured, "what the heck"?.

Well, I should have paid attention and been more open minded and tried it a long time ago. I still get a very minor ache when we have several days of rain in a row, but I would say my pain is 95% gone, many days even 100% gone, and I forget about it completely.

If I was smarter I'd have been taking it years ago.
sandra w
03 Nov 2009, 17:48
Dear Grace I understand your concern for your Grandmother She should be able to take aleve, or ibuprophen. for the stiffness and swelling. It is over the counter but works , also elevate her leg several times a day by putting a few pillows under her leg or legs. that will help too! you can also and put a cold pack right on it. wrap a towel in a ice pack or a baggie with ice in it. You will see a huge difference. ELEvate for 20 minuts,10 minuts for Ice, meds. Hope this helps. If she has some trouble getting her feet warmed after the ice go ahead and wrap in a warm towel. BEEN THERE DONE THAT!
Keith
03 Nov 2009, 09:57
Is there any one out there that has had shoulder replacment surgery. My doctore wants to do what they call a cap on my left shoulder I have sever arthrites in my left shoulder. I work out lift weights can you still do this after the operation and rehab?
lorena
07 Oct 2009, 02:28
I'm been having problems with my right knee for a long time, I had surgery to repair the meniscus 3 months ago and the doctor told me I have a lot of arthitis and he scraped the cartilage I started going to the gym and exercise. My knee feels a litle better but I started to have problems with my other knee. it gets swollen and I have pain> I also have pain on my right shoulder and getting therapy. Sometimes I can't sleep because of the pain. I have to take vicodin every night to be able to fall asleep. Can you Help me please?
Freddie
25 Sep 2009, 20:28
I have severe arthritis pain in both knees although it is most severe in my right knee. I have tried every product I can think of and am taking Celebrex and Ultracet with no relief from the pain. Isn't there anything new to try? HELP!
Jeff Burns
06 Sep 2009, 00:30
I have arthitis in my right ankle. I've heard of a natural medicen healing for this. Or is there a supplement i can take for this. I actually broke my foot and healed it on its own. Please help.
Debbi Allred
03 Sep 2009, 19:43
I have OA in the hip. For several years I've had very bad aching in my hip and groin/upper leg every day and then in the last 3 months I experienced severe stabbing leg pains. I started taking ginger and bromelain supplements for an unrelated condition and within 4 days the stabbing pain stopped. Three weeks later I started boswellia and tumeric and within a week the aching had diminished significantly. I also follow a noninflammatory diet (almost no processed food) and take fish body oil supplements as well. I feel as though this is a miracle.
Grace
19 Aug 2009, 15:27
My grandmother has osteroarthritis in her knee one is painful and swollen. She takes medication (not insulin) for diabetis and medication for high blood pressure which is controlled. What can we give her for the pain she is 96 and was walking on her own washing and dressing herself she fell three weeks ago. Her doctor said he can't do anything about it gave her some medication for the pain. What can we give her that will help atleast to keep her mobile and help with the swelling and the pain. Thanks for your response.
al
04 Aug 2009, 19:47
i have alot of knee and joint pain.RA runs in my family.i stand on my feet for 8 hours at work.with 2 ten min breaks.after i do get a chance to sit down my whole body is so stiff and hard to get going again.i bought some glucosamine hydrochloride 1,000mg.or should i have bought glucosamine condrotion and what is the difference with the two?or is their anything else that might help.
Tammy
14 Jul 2009, 18:20
I have taken the glucosamine and chondrotin and it does nothing but cause me severe pain. It takes about a week or two to get really bad and then when I go off of it it takes about 3 weeks to get out of my system. Can someone please tell me why?
hidayat khan
29 Jun 2009, 04:16
this is my second time that I feel severe pain during my knee is swell and i can't fold my whole leg.at Ist pain I was prescribed by the Dr. He recommmend me some medicines but after one year the same situation happened. the medicine were Neproxen, Aigmentin.
Dee
17 Jun 2009, 10:28
I have an Autoimmune Disease and Osteoarthritis. I am also a transplant patient. I have tried Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the past with no success.
Is there another supplement that is safe for me to take?
Shirley
03 Jun 2009, 18:42
even with Arthrotec tablets and Citracal calcium citrate plus vitamin d and multi-mineral Supplement along Osteo Bi-Flex i'm still seeing my hands go out of shape can't really pick up my almost two-month granddaughter and most msn medications cause me stomach problems so what can i take that i wont need something for my stomach?
rajiv
17 May 2009, 06:51
my wife face arthatic rematid problem & she's lungs artatic rematid problem & body pain regularly please direct me for life time end this problem
Francy Lamendola
07 May 2009, 11:01
After years of hevy manufact. duties, hevy sissors, hevy irons, my rigth hand fingers, have a irreversable join damage, but naw, my left hand fingers are very sweling, painful and stiff, i used stopain cream, and ice. please help, your informations is very valuable to me. this happened to worsening after do a hard gardening work.
very truly yours, FRANCY
Carmen
06 Apr 2009, 19:36
I've suffered with a psoriatic condition on the hands, feet, elbows and knees for the past 45 years. Though it isn't full blown psoriasis, I was stricken with psoriatic arthritis in my hands several years ago. Delay in seeking tx led to months of severe pain and some irreversable joint damage. I was subsequently treated by a rheumatologist who put me on mtx and etoldalac. these medications got me through my crises, but had long term risks that I wasn't willing to be subjected to and caused me to gain weight. I tried a number of approaches to alternative tx. Losing 40 lbs was extremely helpful. I tried a variety of supplements before I found a combination that provided a measure of relief. I take Cynatine FLX, krill oil, boswellia and tumeric herbs morning and evening. I'm not cured, but I'm functioning a lot better and experience only minor pain.
Marie Jean Cardone
01 Apr 2009, 22:37
I was told that I have artritis in my foot , what can I do.? I had droped something on my big toe a couple of years ago ever since then I have problems with it. It seems that I can'tbend it and if I bend down on my knees I can't use my foot to get up because of that big toe. should I try bending it to keep it moving? At my daughters wedding I had to take off my shoes they were a low heel. Thank you for your help.
Peter
01 Apr 2009, 08:42
I notice the notes on Blackcurrent seed oil states 'Black currant oil may increase immune response in elderly.'. Is this a problem as my understanding of the disease is that it is the body's immune system that is attacking the production of fluids to the joints, therefore are we not risking assisting the immune system in doing this? Thank you very very much in advance for your help. Best Regards, Peter
ALICE
30 Mar 2009, 13:18
Why is there nothing for polymyalgia rheumatica? I am on prednisone 10 mg. I also have hashamoto thyroditis and am taking Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice a day. I have a knee replacement and osteoarthritis. My maternal grandmother had rhematoid arthritis. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at one time. But my rheumatologist, the one I have now, now says I don't have that since the predisone helped to bring down my sed rate. Can you help me?

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