Rose Hips, A Weapon against Arthritis

Numerous clinical studies have shown that rose hips significantly reduce the pain associated with arthritis of the hips, hands, and knees. In a randomized, double-blind trial, a Danish study found that rose hips reduced pain significantly in 82 percent of patients with  osteoarthritis. A clinical study conducted at the U.K.'s Sheffield Hallam University found taking standardized rose hip powder not only reduced inflammation and pain in people with arthritis, but 90 percent of them also experienced improvements in movement. One study, published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, reviewed the records of over 300 patients who were given different pain-relieving medications for three months to ease their arthritis pain. Surprisingly, the researchers found that rose hip powder was almost three times more effective at relieving pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol). In addition, patients didn’t have the usual side effects associated with common pain medications, such as drowsiness and constipation. Available in herbal teas, rose hips can also be bought as a supplement in capsules.