Alternative Answer: Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

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Alternative Answer: Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

 

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used

in herbal medicine as treatments for inflammation. Below you will

find a list of some of the most accessable and most reliable.

 

 

Arnica usually refers to Arnica montana, a mountain plant used for

relief of bruises, stiffness, and muscle soreness in herbal medicine.

Arnica is widely used as a salve for bruises and sprains for the same

anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving purposes. In homeopathy it has a

wider use and is taken internally.

 

 

Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the

conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by

many for inflammatory conditions. Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term

use of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the

stomach.

 

 

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single

substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in

pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. Local swelling

is the releasing of histamines in a localized area causes the

vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain

has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for

fibromyalgia. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three

times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or

three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching

or rash.

 

 

Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin) A cream containing small amounts of

Capsaicin can help relieve pain when rubbed onto muscle pain and

arthritic joints, according to the results of a double blind study.

It does this by depleting the nerves of a pain-mediating

neurotransmitter known as substance P. Although application of

capsaicin cream may initially cause a burning feeling, the burning

will lessen with each application and soon disappear for most people.

A cream containing 0.025–0.075% of capsaicin can be applied to the

affected joints three to five times a day.

 

 

Devils Claw: An analgesic and anti-inflammatory. also called grapple

plant, wood spider and most commonly Devil's Claw, is a plant of the

sesame family, native to South Africa. It got its name from the

peculiar appearance of its hooked fruit. The plant's large tuberous

roots are used medicinally to reduce pain and fever, and to stimulate

digestion. European colonists brought Devil's Claw home where it was

used to treat arthritis. Dosage: one to two grams, three times daily.

 

 

Ginger: An anti-inflammatory. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and

Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6–50 grams of fresh

or powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful.

Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily. Ginger Tea:

Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Take

two times daily.

 

 

Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from sea shells,

contains a building block needed for the repair of joint cartilage.

GS has significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. All

published clinical investigations on the effects of GS in people with

osteoarthritis report statistically significant improvement. Most

research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day. Benefits

from GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of

treatment. Avoid if you have any allergic reactions to shell fish.

Glucosamine stimulates the production of the specific elements of

cartilage and protects them. It helps your body repair worn

cartilage, reduce pain and improve function. Chondroitin attracts

fluids into proteoglycans, the molecules dispersed through out the

cartilage that give the tissue its shock-absorber quality, and

protects the cartilage against breakdown. These are substances the

body already produces for itself in small amounts. Glucosamine is

found in almost all tissue; it has a role in the repair and

maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a major

component of cartilage and is thought to inhibit the enzymes that

contribute to the breakdown of cartilage.

 

 

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-

relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the

health of joints.SAM-e is derived from methionine, an essential amino

acid; it may promote cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfate are usually sold together. In clinical studies,

the supplements had to be taken for several weeks before providing

any pain relief. Don't forget the truly natural and proven methods

for battling osteoarthritis, lose excess weight and exercise.

 

 

Licorice root: An anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood

pressure and increase potassium loss. Dosage: one-eighth to one-

quarter teaspoon of a 5: 1 solid extract up to three times daily.

 

 

Turmeric: An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times

daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of

bromelain

 

 

White Willow Bark: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

White Willow bark has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Extracts providing 60–120 mg salicin per day are approved for people

with rheumatoid arthritis. Although the analgesic actions of willow

are typically slow-acting, they last longer than aspirin.

 

 

Essential Oils for Inflammation

 

Basil: contains several antioxidants in its volatile oils that act just like

some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and Celebrex. When

isolated at high enough concentrations these oils worked as well as ibuprofen,

naproxen, and aspirin in research trials.

 

Camphor is a white transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong penetrating

pungent aromatic odor. As an antimicrobial substance, camphor is readily

absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of

menthol and acts as slight local anesthetic. In larger quantities, it is

poisonous when ingested and can cause seizures, confusion, irritability, and

neuromuscular hyperactivity. Found in our Muscular/Pain Remedy Blend.

 

Clove: this intense oil, most commonly used to relieve dental pain and

infection, is also used to dissolve the eggs deposited by intestinal worms. It

is delicious but overwhelming in both smell and taste. It is an antiseptic,

carminative, warming, and very aromatic oil.

 

Eucalyptus: reduces pain, spasms and inflammation, and stimulates local blood

circulation and the removal of waste products and toxins from the tissues. It is

used to treat muscular aches and pains, strains, sprains, and other traumatic

injuries of the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It also helps to reduce nerve

inflammation and pain and is useful for the treatment of the various kinds of

neuralgia such as sciatica. Eucalyptus reduces pain and inflammation due to

chronic arthritic conditions. It also has a mild clearing and stimulating effect

on the mind which helps to reduce fatigue.

 

Ginger: This rich, spicy oil so often used for nausea also helps normalize blood

pressure either by raises blood pressure by restricting external blood flow, or

lowers it by dilating surface blood vessels. This oil is warming and an

antiseptic.

 

Menthol is actually a compound obtained from peppermint oil or other mint oils

or made synthetically. Menthol has local anesthetic and counterirritant

qualities. It is contained in nonprescription products for short-term relief of

minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat irritation. Menthol is also

contained in combination products used for relief of muscle aches, sprains, and

similar conditions. Menthol is often used with other ingredients such as camphor

and eucalyptus for pain relief. Menthol is considered an antidote for many

homeopathic remedies and should be avoided by people taking them. Found in our

Muscular/Pain Remedy Blend.

 

Peppermint: acts as a muscle relaxant, particularly in the digestive tract, and

it can also reduce the inflammation of nasal passages and relieve muscle pains.

When massaged into the skin, peppermint oil plays an innocuous trick on the

nerves: It stimulates those that produce a cool, soothing sensation and

desensitizes those that pick up pain messages.

 

Rosemary: Studies show that this oil improves general circulation.

 

Tea Tree: has a wide range of topical applications and is commonly used to treat

skin and respiratory infections. Surprisingly, the oil is active against all

three categories of infectious organisms: bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree

oil is an effective treatment for many skin conditions, such as cold sores, the

blisters of shingles and chicken pox, verrucae, warts, acne, large inflamed

spots and nappy rash. It is also effective against fungal infections, such as

ringworm, athlete's foot and thrush, as well as dandruff--a mild form of

seborrheic dermatitis.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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