1. Mint Ginger Iced Tea
Ginger is not just for upset stomachs. Research has found that ginger and its active components have strong antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation. Safety note: Ginger may affect blood clotting, so anyone on blood-thinning medication should take special care to consult with their doctor before consuming it.
Recipe for Mint Ginger Iced Tea
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat.
- Add 6 ounces (oz) smashed, peeled fresh ginger and 4 mint tea bags. Steep for 8 minutes and strain.
- Add honey to taste.
- Let cool to room temperature and serve over ice.
2. Blueberry Green Iced Tea
A heart-health aid and brain booster, blueberries are antioxidant superstars that may also help reduce the joint pain and swelling caused by RA. A study of more than 60 adults ages 45 to 79 found that daily blueberry consumption helped people with knee osteoarthritis reduce their pain and stiffness and helped them walk more easily; it may help those with RA as well. And research has found that the phytochemical in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), can reduce the symptoms of autoimmune arthritis. Safety note: Green tea may interact with Tylenol (acetaminophen), codeine, and other drugs.
Recipe for Blueberry Green Iced Tea
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat.
- Add 4 green tea bags and steep for 3 minutes.
- Pour the tea into a blender and add 1 cup (fresh or frozen) blueberries.
- Blend, strain, and let cool to room temperature.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon.
3. Strawberry Nettle Iced Tea
The stinging nettle plant has been used for hundreds of years, especially in Europe, to treat muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and gout. One study found that the antioxidant activity in nettle leaf extract inhibits one of the key enzymes that affect the inflammation process. You can buy nettle in most health food stores, but note that it may interact with any diuretics and blood pressure drugs you may be taking.
Recipe for Strawberry Nettle Iced Tea
- In a large pot, combine 6 cups water, 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries, and ¼ teaspoon (tsp) vanilla extract.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons (tbsp) dried nettle leaf; steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain, let cool to room temperature, and serve over ice.
4. Rose Hip Iced Tea
The fruit of the rose plant, the orange-red ball that forms on the stem of the plant, is a concentrated source of vitamin C, and rose hip has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to several compounds — including phenolics, terpenoids, galactolipids, carotenoids, fruit acids, and fatty oils — that can benefit osteoarthritis (and may benefit those with RA, too).
Recipe for Rose Hip Iced Tea
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat.
- Add 4 rose hip tea bags and steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves.
5. Lemon Iced Black Tea
The standard for traditional teatime, black tea, is rich in quercetin, a bioflavonoid that has anti-inflammatory effects. A study of 50 women with RA found that eight weeks of quercetin supplementation reduced morning pain, early-morning stiffness, and post-activity pain. But be careful: Depending on brewing method, black tea can be high in caffeine, a stimulant. Does it make you feel jittery? Try decaf instead.
Recipe for Lemon Iced Black Tea
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil.
- Pour the water over 2 black tea bags into a heatproof pitcher.
- Steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags, add 2 oz lemon juice, and sweeten to taste.
- Serve over ice.
The Takeaway
- Different teas have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and when consumed regularly, they may help reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Check with your doctor before making tea a daily habit to make sure it won’t interact with any medications you may be taking or any other conditions you may have.
- While tea can be a helpful complementary tool, it should never replace the medical treatments for RA prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Additional reporting by Cheryl Alkon.
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