Pain is a distressing sensation in the body's joints. It may be caused by a number of factors, the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury and overuse. Inflammation is usually involved in most types of joint pain and may be characterized by redness, swelling and warmth around the affected joint. There are a variety of herbs for joint pain, many of which are as effective as pharmaceutical painkillers with a lower risk of side effects.
Cherry
A fruit valued for its tart and sweet flavor, cherry is an excellent remedy for joint pain and inflammation. It is useful for a number of joint-affecting conditions, such as gout and other forms of arthritis. According to "Science Daily," cherries cause significant changes in the amounts of markers that signal inflammation, including nitric oxide and C-reactive protein.
Cherries may be eaten whole or taken in supplement form for their anti-inflammatory effects. Up to 25 whole Bing cherries are needed for minimal pain relief, while the average dose of cherry extract for joint pain is 400 mg. twice daily.
Turmeric
Turmeric--famous for its bright yellow color--is a powerful remedy for joint pain and swelling. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, inhibits COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes that trigger production of the inflammatory chemical prostaglandin. According to "Arthritis Today," turmeric helps treat bursitis and reduces pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It may also modify the immune response that is involved in triggering inflammation.
Turmeric can thin the blood and should not be taken in large doses with other blood-thinning agents like Coumadin, ibuprofen or aspirin. It can be added to foods, taken in supplement form or brewed into tea for its painkilling effects. The usual dose for treating joint pain is 1 to 3 g turmeric powder daily.
Ginger
Like turmeric, ginger is a painkilling powerhouse. It works by suppressing the production of inflammation-causing enzymes including COX-1 and COX-2, which are also affected by anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen. According to the National Institutes of Health, ginger inhibits a variety of inflammatory chemicals in the body, including leukotrienes, cytokines, 5-LOX and chemokines, giving it an advantage over Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs that only inhibit COX-1 and -2 enzymes.
Ginger is effective in its whole and powdered forms and can be brewed into tea for its healing effects. To make a tea from ginger, add 3 tbsp. ginger powder to one cup hot water, mix thoroughly and drink. Because it thins the blood, ginger should not be taken with other blood-thinning herbs or medications.
