Joint pain is often chronic and progressive, as the cushioning cartilage between the bones wears away. But with treatment, osteoarthritis, the most common cause of joint pain, can be minimized or even reversed. By reducing inflammation and swelling, you can reduce damage caused by joint use, and therefore allow the joint to heal. There are a number of herbal options that can help you to perform your daily activities pain-free.
Cayenne
Cayenne can be used as part of an interesting approach to reducing joint pain called "counter-irritation." By applying cayenne externally to the joint, you can minimize internal pain. At first, the cayenne irritates the skin, but a study published in the July 1998 issue of the American Journal of Medicine found that as the body becomes insensitive to the persistent irritation of the cayenne, it also became insensitive to the joint pain beneath. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer suggests mixing cornstarch, cayenne and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the painful joint. Cover with gauze and a hot pack. Leave the paste on for 20 minutes, checking occasionally to be sure that the cayenne isn't damaging the skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. A study published in 2006 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that turmeric was effective at reducing inflammation and pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" explains that the proper dose is one-and-a-half to three g of turmeric a day, split into two to three doses taken after meals. Stomach pain can result after extended use or taking too large a dose.
White Willow Bark
In "Healing Without Medication," Dr. Robert Rister offers white willow bark as a natural alternative to aspirin. White willow bark contains salicin, which is very similar to salicylic acid, or aspirin. The benefit of white willow bark is that although salicin isn't as potent a pain reliever, it doesn't cause the damage to the stomach that aspirin does, and is more bioavailable. Use one teaspoon of white willow bark to make a tea and drink as desired.
Devil's Claw
Dr. Rister also suggests Devil's claw, but as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Only take Devil's claw if you aren't taking an NSAID, including white willow bark. Dr. Rister warns that you must take the herb in an enteric-coated capsule that will protect the analgesic compounds from being digested by the stomach. Take 500 mg up to eight times daily. Do not take Devil's claw if you suffer from ulcers.
References
- "American Journal of Medicine"; Non-NSAID Pharmacologic Treatment Options for the Management of Chronic Pain; T.J. Schnitzer; July 1998
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Herbs for Curbing Inflammation; E. Yarnell; 2006
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
- "Healing Without Medication"; Robert S. Rister; 2003
