This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting. We do not share any your subscription information with third parties. It is used solely to send you notifications about site content occasionally.

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Dear Pharmacist,

I am 60 years old, and now I'm told I have osteoarthritis. My doctor said that there is no known "cure" for this. I need to know the best natural treatments.

--O.W. Melbourne, FL

Answer:There isn't a quick magical fix for osteoarthritis, you have to treat the cause and it's not always easy to figure that out. Osteoarthritis has always been considered a "wear and tear" disease. But tick bites can cause painful, swollen joints (Lyme disease) and that is actually how Lyme was discovered; kids with joint pain were popping up all over Lyme connecticut.

There are many prescription drugs that ease pain, such as Celebrex or Relafen. They are not always tolerated. For the most severe cases, physical therapy, injections of cortisone and surgery may be options. These of course, have their own risks. Let's talk about simple things!

Capsaicin- Let's hear it for peppers. Commercial capsaicin products are sold nationwide in patch form, gel, cream and roll-on. You apply it externally, and with repeated applications, it helps block pain signals. Wash your hands after applications (or use gloves). The last thing you want to do is apply capsaicin, then get it on yourself in the bathroom. Talk about a hot tamale!

Astaxanthin- This protective antioxidant is best known for vision health, however, it suppresses COX 2 enzyme, prostaglandins, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). Simply put, astaxanthin helps painful situations that end in "itis" like arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, etc. You may need 6 to 12mg daily.

Glucosamine sulfate- You make this if you have healthy cartilage, but you can also supplement. I think it's well tolerated, even though the studies are mixed. Glucosamine may be helpful, but only if combined with other substances.

Ginger- A natural spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, also sold as a supplement. I eat this with sushi all the time, but you can buy it as a powdered spice, or fresh root in the produce section, and turn it into a tea. It reduces pain by blocking prostaglandins (that's what ibuprofen does too). Ginger is selective, it only blocks the 'bad' prostaglandins, not the ones that benefit your body.

DMSO- This is used on race horses, externally. Many Internet sites sell it, and health food stores. People use it all the time for joint pain, including myself but because it is technically for horses, unless you're a horse, I can't really tell you anything more.

Methylsulfonylmethane (or you can just say MSM, phew!) is a natural sulfur compound related to DMSO (see above), and it's been shown to improve pain symptoms, and although it is present in trace amounts in a variety of food, it is much more efficient to take a supplement.

I can send you a longer, detailed version with more remedies and treatment options. Sign up for my newsletter at www.DearPharmacist.com to get it.

Suzy Cohen

Suzy Cohen, is known as America’s Pharmacist. She has been a licensed pharmacist for 24 years and is a Functional Medicine practitioner. She’s the author of 6 books, including her most recent Amazon #1 best-seller, “Thyroid Healthy: Lose Weight, Look Beautiful and Live the Life You Imagine.”

She was the host of The Thyroid Summit which broadcast worldwide in June 2014. Suzy has been a syndicated columnist for 19 years reaching 20 million in circulation each week. She is a Huffington Post writer, and also hosts her own syndicated medical minute on TV. Suzy has been featured on The Dr OZ Show 6 times, and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America Health, The Doctors and hundreds of other networks. She is a member of The Institute of Functional Medicine, also the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The American Pharmacists Association and ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. You can read free articles and receive your free newsletter by visiting her website, SuzyCohen.com

Books authored by Suzy Cohen include:

  • Thyroid Healthy
  • Headache Free
  • Drug Muggers
  • Diabetes Without Drugs
  • The 24-Hour Pharmacist
  • Eczema: Itchin’ for a Cure (kindle only)
  • Understanding Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer (kindle only)