What Are the Benefits of Rose-Hip for Arthritis?

There are a number of benefits for patients who use rose-hip for arthritis. This herbal supplement is mild and has few side effects. In many patients, it has been shown to decrease the need for pain medication and may promote the healing of damaged joints. Rose-hip is also known for its high concentration of anti-oxidants and carotenoids, which are both needed by the body to maintain good health.

A reduction in the severity of arthritis pain is one of the benefits for patients who use rose-hip for arthritis. Rose-hip is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the amount of swelling and, subsequently, the amount of pain in a patient's joints. For many people, the pain caused by osteoarthritis can be severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities. Using rose-hip for arthritis can, in some patients, eliminate enough of the pain that the patient can return to a normal lifestyle.

Another benefit of using rose-hip for arthritis is that it can reduce a patient's need for anti-inflammatory pain medications. Many patients use drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen in order to control the pain of arthritis. While these drugs can often effectively relieve pain, over time, they can damage some of the patient's internal organs, especially the digestive system. Rose-hip does not adversely affect a patient's gastrointestinal system and can help protect it if a patient is able to decrease his or her dependence on other types of medication.

Preliminary research has also indicated that people who use rose-hip for arthritis may be able to reverse some of the damage caused by this condition. Osteoarthritis is caused by the loss of cartilage in the joints, especially in the knees and hips, and rose-hip may be able to foster the growth of this material. It may also increase the production of collagen, another material needed in the joints. Using rose-hip for arthritis for an extended period of time may treat the cause of the arthritis rather than just the symptoms of pain and swelling.

Additionally, rose-hip may be able to help suppress an overactive immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when a patient's immune system attacks the material in the joints, causing loss of cartilage, inflammation, and swelling. Toning down this overactive response can prevent the immune system from doing any further damage to the joints. Patients who use rose-hip for arthritis may also benefit from the antioxidants found in this herbal supplement, which promotes good health and a healthy immune system.