6 natural alternatives for prednisone

In this article:

• Tumeric
• Bioavailable curcuma
• Ginger
• Quercetin
• Glucosamine
• Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
• Natural alternatives
• When to see a doctor

In this article

• Tumeric
• Bioavailable curcuma
• Ginger
• Quercetin
• Glucosamine
• Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
• Natural alternatives
• When to see a doctor

Prednisone is a glucocorticoid, often called a steroid. It is a prescription medication that manages conditions that need to suppress inflammation. It treats a wide variety of conditions, including asthma, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, eye or vision problems, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, hormone disorders, skin diseases, soft tissue diseases, blood disorders, cancer, and other medical conditions. 

However, prednisone can cause negative side effects, such as stomach pain, unwanted hair growth, fluid retention, headaches, and more, as well as serious side effects , such as high blood pressure, steroid psychosis, and muscle damage. Considering these adverse side effects, some patients may prefer a less pharmacologic approach, especially if they need a solution for long-term use. Thankfully, several options are available. Curcumin, ginger, and palmitoylethanolamide are just a few examples of prednisone alternatives that experts recommend. Be sure to discuss this decision with your healthcare provider, as there are conditions that only a prescription-strength glucocorticoid can effectively treat. 

6 natural alternatives to prednisone 

First and foremost, it’s important to note that prednisone users shouldn’t stop prednisone and switch to an alternative without prior consultation with a healthcare provider. Patients who have been taking prednisone for more than two weeks need a gentle taper off the medicine, or the body may experience symptoms of cortisol deficiency. 

Users may even want to work with professionals when deciding which prednisone alternative will work best for them. “Natural supplements are most effective when prescribed at the right dose and the right duration, with the right product,” says Katherine Maslen, ND, a clinical naturopath, nutritionist, and founder of The Shift Clinic. “Seeing a qualified naturopathic physician or integrative doctor trained on using natural alternatives may give you better results than trying to self-prescribe.”

When it comes to picking a natural product, the “big thing to keep in mind is that the main mechanism of action of prednisone is by decreasing the inflammation, both locally and systemically, in the body,” says Dr. Yash Mehta, DO, an interventional spine and sports medicine doctor at Virginia Spine Institute. So, he recommends adding herbs and supplements that fight chronic inflammation.

Maslen and Dr. Mehta share six natural alternatives available at local pharmacies.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a well-trusted go-to supplement, as it’s been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory for thousands of years. It can help with arthritis, other joint disorders, exercise-induced inflammation, muscle soreness, allergies, and colitis, according to Dr. Mehta. “Turmeric works by regulating inflammatory-signaling pathways and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, which helps to boost the immune system,” he says, noting patients can take as much as 1200 mg daily. “Also, it neutralizes free radicals and has detoxification abilities.” A study in Trials found it relieves pain symptoms and has fewer side effects.

2. Bioavailable curcuma

Dr. Mehta also recommends curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, and a yellow pigment in Curcuma longa L. rhizome, which has been used for thousands of years. Maslen mentions bioavailable curcuma. The “bioavailable” part refers to how easily the body can absorb the nutrients. Technology has allowed it to become that way, Maslen explains, because the curcuminoids in turmeric aren’t very easily absorbed. Maslen believes it’s the stronger option. “The bioavailable curcumins we have on the market these days are up to 45 times more absorbable than regular turmeric and, therefore, are powerful agents for reducing inflammation,” she says. “Curcuma is probably the closest natural agent to prednisone because it covers more inflammatory pathways than any other herb.”

Curcumin works by reducing inflammation and is useful to help decrease eczema, dermatitis, and chronic pain from osteoarthritis, autoimmune conditions, and migraines. It also has fewer side effects, if any. Maslen continues that it is also compatible with most medications. “Curcuma is generally regarded as safe, although always check with your physician if taking other medications.” The dosage depends on various factors—another reason to check with a healthcare professional—but usually, Maslen says, one to two doses a day is enough. It’s “best taken in divided doses to keep levels high.”

3. Ginger

According to Dr. Mehta, ginger is a general immune booster and helps with joint and bone health issues (such as osteoarthritis). Research backs up its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer potential, and ability to relieve nausea. Dr. Mehta says adults can take as much as 1000 mg of ginger a day.

4. Quercetin

This antioxidant is another immune booster. “Quercetin is well-researched for its impact on the immune system,” Maslen says, noting it reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. She continues to say that it can also be used to treat eczema and allergies and may also be helpful for pain, hay fever, sinus issues, asthma, and other immune issues with concurrent inflammation. A study in Pharmaceuticals mentions its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, saying they’ve been extensively studied. More specifically, the research says quercetin can help prevent chronic disease, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve endothelial function, making it promising for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.

5. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is another chemical the body naturally produces, but people can take it as a supplement for joint health. “Natural glucosamine, or taking a supplement, can help with osteoarthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions,” Dr. Mehta says. The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) was a comprehensive, long-term study that found that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin helped a small subgroup of people with moderate-to-severe knee pain. More recent studies have found even more encouraging, consistent results. “It is believed that this is done by overall reduction of inflammation, although the mechanism is not quite understood,” Dr. Mehta explains. He says as much as 1500 mg a day is okay to take.

6. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is another natural option found in the human body. Maslen says it’s “safe to use short-term and is well-tolerated by patients” and “can also be used alongside most drugs.” It’s also found in small amounts in some foods, such as egg yolks and peanuts. Maslen adds that PEA has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can effectively treat chronic pain and allergic rhinitis or hay fever. 

A study in Nutrients affirms the former, finding “PEA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for chronic pain.”If a person decides to take this and it’s okay with their doctor, Maslen has a few suggestions. “PEA works best by starting with a loading dose and then tapering off once a result has been achieved,” she says. “It is also helpful to take a break from time to time, as a tolerance can be built up.” While users can build a tolerance to it, Maslen adds, and it works on the same pathways as cannabis, it doesn’t have the same potential side effects, such as dependence. 

In addition to these natural products, people looking for a more holistic approach can turn to natural remedies such as drinking more water, adopting a Mediterranean diet, opting for moderate exercise with frequent breaks instead of long endurance exercises, and engaging in stress-busting activities.

When to see your healthcare provider

With all of that said, at what point should people stop natural alternatives and seek medical treatment? “If symptoms are becoming worse or unmanageable, it is time to check in with a healthcare provider,” Maslen recommends.

Dr. Mehta agrees, saying medical advice is also warranted if symptoms don’t improve. 

When using (or considering using) natural substitutes for prednisone, remember they aren’t helpful to the same extent. “It is important to know that while these are nowhere near as powerful as drugs like prednisone, they do have a place in the therapeutic toolkit when it comes to managing pain, inflammation, and immune disorders,” Maslen says.

If and when a healthcare provider says taking prednisone (over a natural substitute) is a safe option, patients can buy it at a discounted rate using a SingleCare prescription discount card.