Joint pain is more common than you may think. Physicians state that patients as young as twenty-five years old come in complaining of joint pain and arthritis symptoms. More often joint pain is not about old-age but instead, inflammation and overuse. Though it is a very common pain, joint pain can be excruciating and also debilitating. It can stop you from doing many of the activities you enjoy, such as, gardening, crafts, and cooking. So besides prescription and over-the-counter pain medication, what can we do to soothe the discomfort?
We offer you a few herbal remedies that may help to calm the pain in your joints and make you more active:
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw is a tropical vine that helps to reduce the inflammation in our joints. The ancient Inca civilizations used Cat’s Claw for joint pain and other forms of pain that are caused by inflammation. If Cat’s Claw is going to be your herb of choice, be aware that using too much of this herb can have reverse effects. Always do your research before taking herbs, and make certain that you check with a physician, especially those who are on other medications.
Eucalyptus
Most of us are familiar with the eucalyptus plant. It is often used for clearing the sinuses and other mild breathing issues. Since eucalyptus can come in many forms, the best way to use it for joint pain is as a topical cream. The leaves of the eucalyptus plant contain tannins, like that which appears on wine grapes, and helps to reduce swelling in the joints and puffiness in the hands, fingers, and feet. Applying heat to the painful areas along with the topical cream may be a bit more effective.
Turmeric
One of the basic ingredients in many varieties of curry powder, turmeric can also act as an anti-inflammatory natural medicine for joint pain and arthritis symptoms. You can begin by using turmeric in your cooking, but research suggests taking a turmeric capsule instead. Turmeric appears to be more effective when consumed as a supplement. It certainly won’t hurt to try the supplement while also incorporating turmeric into your weekly recipes.
Aloe Vera
We hear so much about aloe vera, it may seem like some kind of wonder drug. Though this plant can be used to treat many mild illnesses, cuts, abrasions, sunburn; in liquid gel form it has proven itself to be a natural elixir for joint pain. Nowadays you can find aloe vera in liquid gel form in just about any local heath food and herbal store. You can apply this gel topically, directly onto the painful areas.
Nettles
Nettles may be a lesser-known herb than the others on this list, but it is widely known in the world of herbal medicine. Herbalist Susun Weed says if you have no other herb but Nettles, you’ll be fine. Besides containing an extensive list of vitamins, Nettles is an anti-inflammatory that works well to fight against joint and arthritis pain. A cup or two of nettles tea a day may help reduce water weight, plus swelling of the joints. With every herbal suggestion on this list, we advise you to always consult your physician.
Flax
The flax seed is full of those great Omega-3s that are wonderful for your overall health. While fighting off inflammation, flax seed is also a great anti-inflammatory vegan food that helps to soothe the pain of inflamed joints and other arthritis symptoms. You can now find flax seed at any good supermarket in small packs or at your health food store or herb store. You can use flax as an oil and drink a teaspoon daily and/or place some flax seeds on your breakfast cereal each day.
Though there are plenty plants and seeds out there provided by mother nature that are proven effective, it is wise not to try to treat joint pain as if it is a common cold. Take the same precautions as you would with improving your overall health. Eat a healthy diet, and all fats, alcohol, and others sugars, in moderation. Remember to exercise daily because even a short walk for 15 or 20 minutes will help your entire body become healthier and more able to fight off disease.
Sources: 9 Herbs to fight arthritis pain, 5 Herbs for arthritis and joint pain. Photo by Fotolia