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Arthritis is a common condition that afflicts people from all backgrounds. Although it’s often thought of as an older person’s affliction, arthritis can strike even the very young. Most treatment options consist of drug therapies aimed at reducing the symptoms of joint stiffness, pain and swelling. However, many of these drugs can often have undesired side effects. This is why many people suffering from arthritis joint pain turn to natural herbal supplements and botanical drugs. But do these natural alternatives do what they promise? Can you find relief from arthritis join pain using herbal supplements?

The stark truth is that there simply isn’t enough sufficient research to conclusively prove the effectiveness of many herbal supplements and botanical-based drugs. Therefore, before you try any herbal supplement, it’s important to discuss its use with your doctor. Don’t let the falacy fool you: many people falsely believe that because they’re taking an herbal supplement or botanical-based drug therapy (in other words, a natural substance), there will be no side effects. The truth is that herbal supplements can be quite powerful and can also have strong side effects.

One herb that has shown some promise in helping treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is thunder god vine.

Thunder god vine supplements are derived from a perennial vine native to Asia, including areas of China, Korea, and Japan. The root is skinned to make this herbal supplement and has traditionally been used to treat autoimmune illnesses and inflammatory conditions. Research has determined that thunder god vine does indeed contain anti-inflammatory properties, and some immune-boosting properties. One clinical trial conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that roughly 80 per cent of those patients who were given a high dose of the plant supplement found that their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improved significantly. However, health researchers warn that this and other studies are too small to prove the true efficacy of this plant-derived supplement.

Moreover, currently there are no quality thunder god vine supplements produced in the United States. Those who aggressively seek out the herb in the United States may be able to find several preparations, most of which have been prepared in China. However, these cannot be guaranteed for their safety or effectiveness.

Most experts agree that thunder god vine supplements should be avoided until safer, more reliable formulas are available to consumers in the United States. Herbal specialists also warn that part of this plant is poisonous, so great care must be taken before ingesting any thunder god vine supplement. Also, according to at least one study, thunder god vine has been linked to loss of bone mineral, which may precipitate the development of osteoporosis in some patients.