Claire Evans
How effective is Herbal Medicine in the treatment of Osteoarthritis? A review of the literature and it's relevance to the medical herbalist; including an in-depth study of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)
Abstract
This paper aims to find the effectiveness of herbal medicine in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). It will be in three sections; a systematic literature review of herbal treatment of OA, to ascertain what herbs are commonly used, and their effectiveness; a protocol for a case series of patients in one practitioner’s practice; and a detailed systematic literature review of Urtica dioica. The aim of this study is to find how effective herbal medicine can be in the treatment of OA.
There are many herbs that can be used in the treatment of arthritis; some have been researched in more depth than others. Most trials have been randomised controlled trials on standardised extracts, the results of which show they may have an important role to play in treating OA. A small number of trials have used herbal formulas, either standardised, or with some degree of individualisation, these more accurately replicate how herbs are prescribed by medical herbalists. In order to explore this line of research further a case series is proposed, to be carried out in the author’s practice in the future; the duration of study will be three months and the SF-36v2 questionnaire will be used to measure outcomes. Treatment will be as is standard for the author’s clinic, i.e. the use of individualised prescriptions. Therapeutic strategies include elimination of toxins, improving circulation, improving nutritional status, pain relief and improving mobility, reducing inflammation and regulating hormone imbalances. The most appropriate treatment will be decided according to the patients’ presentation, constitution and case history.
Finally there will be a systemic literature review of Urtica dioica. This herb’s threefold action; as an internal medicine, an external medicine, and as a food will be investigated. The research reviewed shows that it helps reduce the symptoms of OA as an internal and external remedy. It has a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and boron, which are essential for healthy bone development.
