1. Devil’s claw – this is a herb, again found to be a very good anti-inflammatory. Contraindicated with Warfarin and Digoxin.

2. Essential Fatty Acids Omega 3 eg fish oil (this is also available on prescription), Omega 6 eg sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, Omega 9 eg olive oil. Flax seed either as a seed crushed or as the oil contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 and is probably the cheapest option. If one can also increase the amount of essential fatty acids in the diet by taking lots of oily fish eg mackerel, salmon, herring and also the oils as mentioned which include also oils from nuts and even lentils and pulses all help towards the essential fatty acid content in the diet. Contraindicated with Warfarin.

3. Glucosamine (1000mg a day) – this comes in either the sulphate or the Chondroitin form. Glucosamine sulphate is cheaper and may take as long as three months to get into your system. One should also remember that only 40% of people who take Glucosamine find it actually beneficial as a pure entity but it is useful and important as an overall strategy in this general approach to anti-inflammation. Glucosamine sulphate is also available on prescription. Try to find the vegetarian form, preferably without Chondroitin but if with as shark cartilage rather than bovine. Chondroitin is contraindicated with Warfarin and Digoxin.

4. Celadrin Made by Solgar, this award winning supplement maintains flexibility, helps maintain joint wear and tear, promotes joint health and provides lubrication for the joints. Contraindicated with Warfarin.

5. Pineapple, either the fruit or the juice, preferably fresh. Bromalin is the active ingredient which can be taken as a supplement.

6. Rose hip – this can be in the extract form as a tablet or as a tincture form.

7. Soya products eg the milk or yoghurt or potentially the solid form eg Tofu. However, due to some recent research about the method that they use to extract the soya, it might be wise to have the occasional glass of soya. The solid form does work well alongside brightly coloured veg for antioxidant input eg stir fry.

8. Turmeric – works best as a food supplement. It helps protect the joint lining, lowers histamine and promotes cortisone (not to be taken in pregnancy).

9. Quercetin/B5 Complex – This complex has various areas, where quercetin is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic anti-oxidant, anti-viral and glycaemic disorders. B5 helps release energy, distress, helps memory and anti-arthritis.

10. Serrapeptase – Studies have shown powerful anti-inflammatory properties, without the inhibitory effects on prostaglandins exhibited by pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs. It also helps reduce pain. (Supplier – Nature’s Aid).

11. Ester C with Copper – Both these help in collagen degeneration which is part of arthritis, the general aging process and collagen degenerative conditions.

12. Ginger – Is a useful anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, digestive tonic, cardio tonic (anti-platelet, cholesterol lowering and blood pressure lowering effect), anti-biotic – Dose – 400mg – 600 mg/day. Contraindicated where peptic ulcers or gallstones are present. Also not to take with Warfarin or Aspirin.

13. Boswellia Resin – Is a useful, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and lowers cholesterol. Dosage 200 – 400 mg 1 – 3 times per day. Not to be taken in pregnancy or lactation.

The idea behind the above is to take potentially all of them in small amounts or chop and change, or you may have a favourite few which you find easier to take or easier to get hold of and also seem to work well for you, it will vary from person to person.

You may have to alter and change around to make a better recipe which seems to work best for you but they all have their own beneficial effects in many ways.