http://nccam.nih.gov/health/RA/getthefacts.

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A system of healing that originated in India and involves using individually prescribed combinations of herbs, found that classic, individualized Ayurvedic approaches, methotrexate (a conventional medication frequently used to treat RA), or a combination of both were equally effective in reducing symptoms of RA. Because this was a small, preliminary study, its results, although promising, are insufficient to show definitively that Ayurvedic medicine is helpful for RA.

http://www.charaka.org/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
AYURVEDA MANAGEMENT

In Ayurveda following are the lines of treatment in Amavata(Rheumatoid arthritis): Langhanam (Fasting) Sodhana chikitsa (Purification of the body) Shamana chikitsa (Treatment for subsiding the symptoms) Langhana (fasting) It is done by means of complete absence of food, or by giving green gram / rice / barley soups. Shodhana It is done through Panchakarma therapy. Snehapaana (Ingestion of unctuous substances -: various oils specially prepared with Rasna, Dashmoola, Nirgundi are used for this purpose. Especially castor oil is considered as the best oil to be used in the treatment of amavata. Swedana (fomentation) is very useful mode of treatment in amavata. Specially in the form of Ruksha (dry) sweda, Dry fomentation-using sand or medicated powders, Upanaha (local application) of non-unctuous substances are very effective in relieving the pain. Virechana (Purgatives) with castor oil is very useful in treating Amavata. Basti (medicated enema) various medicated enemas like Vaitaran Basti, Dashmoola Kwath Basti, Kshar Basti, Erandmoola Yapan Basti etc. Shaman Chikitsa It is done by using very effective and time tested Ayurveda formulations like kashaya, asavarista. Choorna, vati, taila, Rasoushadi etc.

Apart from these three, strict diet regimen and life style changes are advocated.

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/rheumatoid-arthritis
Homeopathy Recent trials evaluating homeopathy to treat RA found that the remedies were no better than placebo in reducing symptoms. These studies contradict an older trial that showed positive effects with homeopathic treatment. Despite the lack of definitive evidence, professional homeopaths might recommend one of the following treatments for RA based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account an individual's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual. Potential remedies include:

A topical homeopathic gel containing comfrey (Symphytum officinale), poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron), and marsh-tea (Ledum palustre) A combination homeopathic preparation containing R. toxicodendron, Arnica montana (arnica), Solanum dulcamara (climbing nightshade), Sanguinarra canadensis (bloodroot), and Sulphur A liquid homeopathic preparation containing R. toxicodendron, Causticum (potassium hydrate), and Lac vaccinum (cow's milk)

Source: Rheumatoid arthritis | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/rheumatoid-

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Herbs You can use herbs in the form of dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. Herbs may be a helpful addition to conventional treatment for RA, but you should never use them alone to treat RA. Herbs do not halt joint damage and progression of the disease, as some conventional medications can.

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), 400 mg - 800 mg three times daily -- Boswellia has been used traditionally to treat arthritis in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies using it to treat RA have been mixed. Some found that it relieved pain and swelling, but others found it was no better than placebo. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), up to 2 g per day in divided doses, may reduce joint inflammation and pain. One study found that ginger extract blocked COX-2, a chemical in the body that causes pain. Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), or aspirin. Green tea (Camelia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily -- Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, and test tube studies found that it may block inflammatory chemicals that are involved in RA. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg three times a day -- may help reduce inflammation. One study found that people with RA who took cat's claw experienced a modest reduction in pain and swelling. Cat's claw may stimulate the immune system, which could cause problems in a disease like RA where the immune system is already overactive. For that reason, do not take cat's claw except under the supervision of your doctor. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, 400 mg three times a day -- may help reduce pain and inflammation. It is sometimes combined with bromelain, because it makes the effects of bromelain stronger. Turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood-thinners or NSAIDs. Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) standardized extract, 100 - 200 mg one to two times daily -- may reduce inflammation. One study found that people with RA who took devil's claw reduced pain and improved their mobility. But not all studies have found that devil's claw was effective for RA; evidence is mixed. People with heart disease, diabetes, gallstones, or stomach ulcers should not take devil's claw without talking to their doctor. Theoretically, devil's claw may interact with several medications processed by the liver. Capsaicin (Capsicum frutescens) cream, applied to the skin (topically) -- Capsaicin is the main component in hot chili peppers (also known as cayenne). Applied to the skin, it is believed to temporarily reduce amounts of "substance P," a chemical that contributes to inflammation and pain in arthritis. Pain reduction generally starts 3 - 7 days after applying the capsaicin cream to the skin. Wash hands well with vinegar after use and avoid touching the eyes.

Source: Rheumatoid arthritis | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/rheumatoidarthritis#ixzz2hzkFjiSR University of Maryland Medical Center Follow us: @UMMC on Twitter | MedCenter on Facebook

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3157120/