Joint pain is typically caused by inflammation and can be severely debilitating. Here are some herbs that you can use to reduce painful joint and improve mobility.
Joint inflammation can occur as a result of having a fever, gout, suffering from fatigue, having an injury or in more severe cases if you are suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are several herbs which can be used to treat inflammation of the joints effectively in addition to cleansing the blood and generally improving strength.
Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is a result of an over active immune system and can be extremely disabling in chronic cases and often patients who follow mainstream medical treatments find little relief.
Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is a result of an over active immune system and can be extremely disabling in chronic cases and often patients who follow mainstream medical treatments find little relief.
One of the important ways that herbs heal our bodies is by removing metabolic waste products and toxins from within our bodies. Herbs boost the cleansing abilities of our large intestines and kidneys as well as helping in lymph drainage and increasing blood flow within our organs. If these toxins are allowed to build up and circulate they can be a major cause of inflammation leading to a range of health issues of which joint pain is a major one.
Here are some natural herbs and remedies that can relieve joint pain and stiffness:
1. TURMERIC
Turmeric (also known as curcuma) is a super herb and has many health boosting properties(i) and is very effective in reducing inflammation of all kinds throughout your body. It is also a good source of pain relief.
Curcumin is believed to be the main active pharmacological agent in turmeric. In many studies, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are unsurprisingly associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity in our bodies.
Additionally turmeric is recommended to people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, and cataracts.
Curcumin is believed to be the main active pharmacological agent in turmeric. In many studies, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are unsurprisingly associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity in our bodies.
Additionally turmeric is recommended to people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, and cataracts.
2. GINGER
Ginger is another potent anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agent commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies have shown that it actually blocks the activation of inflammatory agents within the body and surpreses the important inflammatory prostaglandin E2 pathway (ii).
Other research has shown ginger can have a significant effect on reducing symptoms of osteo arthritis of the knee (iii).
(Turmeric and ginger can have a thinning effect on the blood so patients taking blood thinning medicine should first check with their health practitioners).
Other research has shown ginger can have a significant effect on reducing symptoms of osteo arthritis of the knee (iii).
(Turmeric and ginger can have a thinning effect on the blood so patients taking blood thinning medicine should first check with their health practitioners).
3. FLAX
Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 and is suitable for vegans. This is important as people with arthritis can suffer increased inflammation by eating certain animal fats. Flaxseed also boosts the immune system in turn fighting inflammation.
Do not heat or cook the seeds or the oil, as this will damage the Omega-3 and reduce it’s effectiveness. Try adding 2 tablespoons of flax seeds to your diet daily.
(Patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome should only use the flaxseed oil, and not the seeds themselves).
Do not heat or cook the seeds or the oil, as this will damage the Omega-3 and reduce it’s effectiveness. Try adding 2 tablespoons of flax seeds to your diet daily.
(Patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome should only use the flaxseed oil, and not the seeds themselves).
4. LICORICE
Licorice mimics your body’s own natural corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation.Glycyrrhizin is the active compound which inhibits any inflammation. Research has shown that glycyrrhizin supports the body’s natural release of cortisol, which in turn suppresses the immune system and eases pain and frequency of arthritis flare-ups (iv).
It can be taken effectively in supplement form or as a tea or tincture. Licorice is not recommended for people with high blood pressure however.
It can be taken effectively in supplement form or as a tea or tincture. Licorice is not recommended for people with high blood pressure however.
5. BURDOCK ROOT
Essential fatty acids are a great way of relieving joint pain. Burdock root is a rich source of a range of fatty oils making it an efficient anti-inflammatory treatment. Studies have shown its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent (v).
It can be taken as a pill based supplement, made into a tea or tincture.
It can be taken as a pill based supplement, made into a tea or tincture.
6. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS
Many common foods can be effective in the reduction swelling and joint inflammation. Regular consumption of omega-3 rich foods such as nuts and fatty fish, such as salmon, can significantly help reduce symptoms. Additional anti-inflammatory foods are onions, garlic, kelp, parsley, mustard, horseradish, blueberries, watercress, celery and lemons.
Many essential oils can also be used to reduce joint pain and inflammation and careful low impact excercise can help also.
via naturalcuresnotmedicine
