NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are conventional medications for pain, fever and inflammation. As a group, NSAIDs differ from other painkillers and anti-inflammatories because they do not contain narcotics or steroids. Many NSAIDs are available over the counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Some people cannot take NSAIDs because of possible unpleasant side effects, like nausea, vomiting, headache and ulcers.Herbs that treat fever, pain and inflammation offer an alternative to NSAIDs. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Willow
The white and black willow, or Salix alba and S. nigra, are deciduous trees native to Europe. They have a long history of use treating fever, arthritis pain and inflammatory disorders. The bark contains salicin, which is metabolized to salicylic acid when ingested and has an effect similar to aspirin, known chemically as acetylsalicylic acid. Willow bark also contains flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols. A study published in the May 2010 issue of Phytomedicine tested a standardized extract of willow bark containing polyphenols and a small amount of salicin. The study found that the extract was an effective anti-inflammatory. It inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines and induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which is necessary to control inflammation. Aspirin and diclofenac were also effective, but only at higher doses. Further studies and clinical trials will determine if willow bark’s effects can be replicated in humans.
Triphala
Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic formula for treating a range of diseases, including gastrointestinal problems, heart disorders, poor liver function and high cholesterol. It is made from an equal combination of the fruits of three trees: black myrobalan, or Terminalia chebula; belleric myrobalan, or Terminalia belarica; and Indian gooseberry, or Emblica officinalis. Triphala is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant activity, and contains anti-inflammatory chemicals like ellagic acid, gallic acid and beta-sitosterol. A study published in the 2007 issue of the Research Journal of Medicinal Plant tested a powdered extract of triphala against indomethacin, an NSAID. The study found that triphala reduced pain, but was slightly less effective than indomethacin, and triphala and indomethacin were equally effective in reducing fever. The main difference between the two was that triphala did not produce any negative effects on the gastric mucosa, whereas indomethacin produced ulcers in the test animals. If triphala can demonstrate in clinical trials that it has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions on humans without causing ulcers, it may be an effective alternative to NSAIDs.
Borage
Borage, or Borago officinalis, is a hairy-leafed plant with purple flowers native to the Mediterranean. The seeds produce an oil, also known as starflower oil, which contains the highest known content of gamma-linolenic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory. A study published in the 2008 issue of the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine tested borage oil on two groups of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease usually treated with NSAIDs. The study’s goal was to see if using borage oil could reduce the need for NSAIDs. After 36 weeks, the subjects taking borage oil had less pain and reduced their use of NSAIDs by 39 percent compared with the placebo group. Further clinical trials may refine the dosage and duration requirements for borage oil to be an effective alternative to NSAIDs.
References
- Phytomedicine; Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Willow Bark Extract STW 33-I (Proaktiv((R))) in LPS-Activated Human Monocytes and Differentiated Macrophages; G.A. Bonaterra, E.U. Heinrich, O. Kelber, D. Weiser, J. Metz, R. Kinscherf; May 2010
- Research Journal of Medicinal Plant; Analgesic, Antipyretic and Ulcerogenic Effects of Indian Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation Tiphala; E.P. Sabina and M. Rasool; 2007
- Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine; The Effects of Borage Oil Supplementation on Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Requirements in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis; Pradeep Kumar, et al; 2008
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