Herbs offer a wealth of healing options to help with the pain, inflammation and tissue repair of tendonitis. Herbs can be used in cases where over-the-counter or prescription medications cannot be tolerated due to complicating side effects or simply as a matter of personal preference. Tendonitis can be effectively managed in this conservative manner, together with rest, ice, compression and elevation to alleviate inflammation and speed healing. As with any form of therapy, consult a qualified health care practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Turmeric
Turmeric, long used in traditional Indian medicine, has received considerable attention in recent years, for its anti-inflammatory properties, among other notable healing attributes. Its active component, curcumin is typically taken in doses of 400-600 mg three times a day. Complications of high therapeutic doses include irritation to the stomach and intestinal linings. Turmeric should not be taken by those with gallstones, ulcers or obstruction of the bile duct, as these conditions can be worsened, according to the website Natural Cures Guide.
Ginger
Ginger inhibits inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and also has antioxidant and pain relieving properties. Typical dosage is one-half to one teaspoon of the powdered root or 1/3 ounce of fresh ginger per day. In capsule form, up to eight 500 mg capsules per day is considered an effective dose for tendonitis. The website Herb Wisdom credits ginger with the ability to thin the blood and improve circulation, both helpful for carrying inflammation and cellular waste products away from an area of cellular damage, such as in cases of tendonitis. As with any ingested or topically applied substance, allergic or adverse reactions are possible. Seek medical care if these occur.
Cayenne
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper, known as capsaicin, has pain-relieving qualities by virtue of its ability to first activate, and then deaden pain receptors, rendering them unresponsive to pain messages. This effect is most helpful during the acute phases of tendonitis. Cayenne also contains high concentrations of naturally occurring salicylic acid, a compound that is closely related to the active ingredient in aspirin, and it also has antioxidant properties. Capsaicin can be applied topically as a cream or taken in 400 mg to 500 mg capsules, up to three times per day. Contraindications for the use of topically applied capsaicin include heart disease, hypertension and allergies, according to the website emed tv.
Willow
Documented use of willow bark dates back to 400 B.C., according to the website Buzzle. It has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its analgesic effects and is used as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Allergies to this herb are common and symptoms include skin rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing and dizziness, according to Buzzle. Typical dosage for an adult is three 500 mg capsules per day.
Licorice
Licorice has a wide array of purported health benefits, prominent among which is its function in supporting the adrenal system by enhancing the activity of cortisol, the body's natural anti-inflammatory substance, to manage stresses on the body, including tendonitis, according to Herb Wisdom. Licorice also acts as an antioxidant, decreasing cell-damaging free radicals in the area of injury and inhibiting an enzyme that promotes inflammation. Licorice can raise blood pressure and should not be used by people with heart or kidney disease, according to emed tv.
