Can Tea Aid in the Relief of Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Certain teas may help relieve pain and other RA symptoms, according to some research.

If pain and stiffness are interfering with your life, a cup of tea may be a simple and gentle way to feel better. An observational study published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy in August 2021 discovered that those who drank more than two cups of tea per day were less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than non-tea drinkers or those who did not drink tea on a regular basis.

Tea can be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. "Some teas have fantastic anti-inflammatory properties, which can theoretically help with the underlying inflammation,

The key word here is theoretically, because the FDA has not approved teas or other supplements as medicine to treat health conditions or illnesses. Nonetheless, tea has long been linked to a variety of health benefits. Teas are water-based, so there are no added calories, sodium, preservatives, sweeteners, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats when made at home. When you steep tea leaves in hot water, you extract the essence of the plant's benefits, such as polyphenols, or antioxidants. In addition to soothing rheumatoid arthritis, tea's caffeine content may perk you up, protect against heart disease and possibly cancer, lower cholesterol, and lower diabetes risk.

Ginger Tea

It is useful for more than just upset stomachs. An Italian study published in the journal Natural Product Research in 2016 looked at the effect of ginger supplementation on inflammation and chronic knee pain in arthritis patients. Test subjects reported significant improvements on a quality-of-life pain scale after taking 25 milligrams (mg) of ginger and 5 grams (g) of echinacea for 30 days. Ginger root is widely available in supermarkets and health food stores; simply slice it thinly and steep in hot water for about 10 minutes. A word of caution: Ginger can interfere with blood clotting, so if you're on blood-thinning medication, you should avoid it.

Green Tea

This antioxidant powerhouse may help reduce joint pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis in addition to being a heart-health protector and brain booster. An animal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology in February 2016 discovered that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a phytochemical found in green tea, may block the effects of RA without affecting other cellular functions. Despite the fact that the study was done on animals, the researchers believe EGCG could be a future alternative to prescription medications. Green tea may interact with acetaminophen (Tylenol), codeine, and other drugs.

Rose Hip Tea

The orange-red fruit that appears on rose plants after they flower contains a high concentration of vitamin C and has long been used as a herbal remedy. However, according to a study published in Australian Family Physician, one of its phytochemicals, a type of galactolipid, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help people with both osteoarthritis and RA. According to the findings of this meta-analysis, rose hip powder "consistently reduced pain scores, and patients assigned 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; look for it in a health food store or specialty tea shop. Avoid rose hip if you have sickle cell disease, diabetes, anaemia, or an iron deficiency, Also, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor before consuming rose hip tea.

Black Tea

Black tea, the industry standard, is high in quercetin, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin reduced inflammation and increased antioxidant defence in animal test subjects, according to a study published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. However, depending on how it's brewed, black tea can be high in caffeine, which may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications, according to MedlinePlus. If it makes you jittery, switch to decaf.

Willow Bark Tea

Willow bark, an ancient herbal pain reliever, is chemically similar to aspirin, according to Mount Sinai, and there are a few medical studies that support its use in joint pain and osteoarthritis. According to a review of research published in Phytotherapy Research, willow bark extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects due to the polyphenols and flavonoids it contains. However, for people who are taking multiple medications, this is not a viable treatment option. Willow bark should not be taken by anyone who is taking methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, blood-thinning medication, pregnant women, or anyone under the age of 16.

Nettle Leaf Tea

For hundreds of years, especially in Europe, the stinging nettle plant has been used to treat muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and gout. According to a study published in the journal Molecules, the antioxidant activity of nettle leaf extract inhibits one of the key enzymes involved in the inflammation process.

Nettle can be found in most health food stores, but it is not advised for pregnant women or those with kidney or bladder problems. According to Mount Sinai, nettle leaf is also used as a topical skin treatment for joint pain.