Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

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Good Morning!

 

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 accessible and most reliable.

 

Arnica Suave is a rich blend of quartz silica, amber resin and the

pain-relieving power of arnica in a special massage-in suave designed by Andrew

for his practice and is a part of his new " Crystal Inspirations " product line.

 

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

Rheumatoid Arthritis. 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. 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

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Andrew, for this information. I forwarded this to my

mother-in-law.

 

Irene C