Inflammation is the immune system's response to illness or injury. It is characterized by swelling, redness and pain and may be either chronic or temporary depending on the cause. When it affects the muscles and joints, inflammation may lead to decreased mobility, flu-like aches, stiffness and pain in the affected area. Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are often used to treat inflammation, but may cause side effects like stomach irritation and bleeding. There are a variety of herbs for muscle and joint inflammation, many of which are comparable in effects to anti-inflammatory medications.
Boswellia
Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia is an excellent remedy for muscle and joint inflammation. It contains boswellic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, boswellia inhibits the inflammation-causing enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and, unlike many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), does not cause stomach ulcers in animals. Other benefits include improved flexibility and reduced pain in arthritic joints.
The average dose of boswellia extract for treating inflammation is 300 mg. one to three times daily. Side effects may include allergic reaction, nausea, itching and diarrhea.
Turmeric
A colorful spice used in Indian dishes like curry, turmeric is a powerful herbal treatment for muscle and joint inflammation. Its active compound, curcumin, has blood-thinning and inflammation-reducing properties that make it useful for a number of conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric may be an effective remedy for symptoms of osteoarthritis--a common cause of joint and muscle inflammation.
Because it can thin the blood, turmeric may increase the risk for bleeding when taken with other blood thinning medications like Coumadin (warfarin). The usual dose for treating muscle and joint inflammation is 400 to 600 mg turmeric powder three times daily. It may be added to foods, herbal teas or taken in supplement form for its healing effects.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper, a zesty spice used in many South American and Cajun dishes, can be an effective remedy for muscle and joint inflammation. It contains a compound called capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in many topical pain relief ointments. According to the National Institutes of Health, cayenne inhibits an inflammatory chemical known as substance P, providing relief from pain, inflammation and stiffness in up to 80 percent of arthritis patients.
To make a topical cream with cayenne, add 3 tbsp. ground cayenne powder to one-third cup cocoa butter or moisturizer, mix well and apply to painful joints for fast relief. Side effects of topical cayenne use include local irritation, redness and itching. Cayenne may also be added to foods for its painkilling and anti-inflammatory effects.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- National Institutes of Health: Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- National Institutes of Health: Treatment of arthritis with topical capsaicin: a double-blind trial.
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