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Natural & Complementary Therapies

You should always talk to your GP or pharmacist before taking natural or complementary therapies or supplements, as they may have side effects or interact with pre-existing conditions or current medications.

Clinical evidence for complementary therapies:

Osteoarthritis:

•    Acupuncture - some evidence that it works for Osteoarthritis of the knee

•    Glucosamine - some evidence that it works for Osteoarthritis of the knee

•    Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) -some evidence that it works to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Ginger extract - some evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Capsaicin - some evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Green lipped mussel - some evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Chondroitin - inconclusive evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Willow bark - inconclusive evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Tipi tree - inconclusive evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Green tea - inconclusive evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Selenium - no evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

•    Vitamins A, C & E - no evidence that it relieves osteoarthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

•    Gamma linolenic acid - some evidence that it relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

•    Green lipped muscles - inconclusive evidence that it relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

•    Acupuncture - inconclusive evidence that it relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

•    Selenium - no evidence that it relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

•    Vitamins A, C, & E - no evidence that it relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

It is important to gain an education on any treatment. If one of these treatments works for you just keep in mind that research into the impact of these complementary therapies has not fully investigated.