What Are The Natural Alternatives to Prednisone?

Meds that belong to a category known as corticosteroids help treat allergic conditions like swelling or inflammation. These drugs inhibit the normal working of your immunity system, if administered during the incidence of an allergy. Prednisone is one of the widely prescribed steroidal meds, and its use is recommended for joint pains, skin-related allergies, immunity-system linked conditions, etc. But, are there natural alternatives to prednisone? It is a good thing to know more in this regard.

Drugs that fall under a class called corticosteroids exert control on your immunity. Key ingredients of such meds help modify the signals and thus alleviate allergic reactions; commonly suppressed reactions include itchy skin, formation of rashes, inflammation, discomforts such as pains, etc. When immune cells are not under control – during the onset of allergies – you may witness several, severe discomforts.

What is prednisone?

Prednisone belongs to a group of medications known as corticosteroids. This drug is administered to change the way your immunity function works. A suppressed immune cell can lead to less-acute / non-severe manifests of itchiness as well as swelling i.e., discomforts caused by allergens. As an extended use, prednisone is administered to treat swelling of joints – caused by arthritis; it may also treat eye-related conditions like discoloration or infections in the eye, respiratory problems such as wheezing for breath or gasping.

It is not a good practice to discontinue the intake of this drug without telling your treating physician. The last dosages of prednisone are tapered to eliminate possible risks of withdrawal symptoms. Those who stopped the doses – all of a sudden – noticed severe episodes of headache, overall weakness and tiredness, abdominal problems like vomiting, indigestion coupled with nausea. Upon noticing any of these discomforts, seek clinical support from a professional healthcare setting.

What are the natural alternatives to prednisone?

The good thing about natural substitutes of prednisone is: the extent of side effects is minimal as compared to drugs. There is a wide range of natural alternatives you can choose from.

1- Turmeric:

This is a popular spice, used in cuisines of south eastern Asia. This spice has an ingredient known as curcumin; this is a yellow-colored substance which lends flavor as well as color. Standard dose hovers in the range of 500 milligrams (mg) per day. This dose is taken along with food. But, if you are taking drugs like aspirin (or other forms of NSAIDs), you are advised to take needful precautions.

2- Zinc:

This element plays an active role in healing of wounds. It is known to have antioxidant properties; you may witness a reduction of oxidative-stresses – especially those caused by free-radicals. The standard dose is ~ 10 mg for men and 7 mg among women. People who take zinc in excessive level may experience toxicity owing to an overdose.

3- Green tea:

It contains a substance called catechin. It reduces degradation of collagen and also inhibit the release of proteoglycans – which are linked to damage of cartilage. A safe dose of green tea is 3 cups within a day. As this tea has caffeine in it, it may trigger allergic reactions in people who have prior allergies to such chemicals. Thankfully, decaffeinated forms of green teas are available; these do go well with people with such allergies.

4- Capsaicin:

This is a lead-substance that lend a hot-taste to chilli peppers. This substance is known for its painkilling capabilities (a natural analgesic). Its intake must be moderated; an overuse may lead to irritation in the gastric tract as well as increased levels of acidity.

There are a few other safer substitutes of prednisone such as cat’s claw, frankincense, etc. Of these, cat’s claw may also be taken as a tea; safe dosage is about 750 mg per 6 ounces of water. Last but not least, it is a good practice to talk to your dietitian prior to using any of these natural alternatives to prednisone.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Amanda Collins

Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.