Tendons are sheaths of tough, fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. When tendons become inflamed and the normal smooth gliding motion is disrupted, tendinitis strikes. Tendinitis causes pain when muscles contract, making normal movements difficult and painful. Tendinitis can affect people of all ages and can be caused by injury or wear and tear related to aging or overuse. There are several herbs that can offer healing support internally and externally. Always consult a licensed naturopathic practitioner when using herbs medicinally to ensure your safety.
Ayurvedic Herbs
Boswellia, ashwagandha and turmeric are herbs that are believed to help reduce inflammation and stress on joints, including relieving the inflammation and pain from tendinitis. Ayurvedic practitioners believe they are very potent and as effective as pharmaceutical hydro-cortisone without any of the side effects. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions in some people and should always be used to caution. If you are not familiar with the properties of a given herb, contact a certified herbalist or holistic practitioner for more information. Always keep herbal medicines out of the reach of pets and children to prevent accidental poisoning.
Arnica Montana
Arnica, or arnica montana, is a healing herb used by holistic practitioners in relation to tendon and muscle injury. Arnica is believed to help speed healing and prevent long-term disability related to tendinitis. The healing effects of arnica are available in cream, salve and homeopathic tablet form. Other than homeopathic tablet form, never take Arnica internally due to its toxic nature when ingested.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the chemical that gives hot peppers their heat. Because of its heating capacity, capsaicin can cause burning, redness and inflammation, especially to the eyes and mouth; some people may be too sensitive to use capsaicin safely on their skin. Capsaicin improves circulation and speeds healing to tendons by increasing blood flow to an otherwise slow-circulating area. If you use capsaicin, use pain relievers other than aspirin because this herb reduces the effectiveness of aspirin to relieve pain, which can lead to accidental overdose.
Willow Bark
Willow bark offers natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties to tendon injuries. Willow bark can be found in salve form at health food stores or you can make your own salve at home. Cook 1/2 cup dried willow bark with 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil over low heat for 30 minutes or soak overnight. Strain pulp. Replace mixture over low heat and add 15 drops of arnica essential oil, 10 drops of St. Johns wort tincture and 1/2 cup of beeswax. Pour into a jar and allow to cool to room temperature. Tightly screw on a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to six months. Apply to injured tendon three times a day. People with aspirin sensitivity should avoid anti-inflammatory herbs that contain salicin such as meadowsweet, white willow bark, red willow bark, black willow bark, woodruff, balm of gilead and wintergreen.
RICE
In addition to offering your injured tendon adequate rest and support, the word "RICE" can help to remind you of other valuable tips for tendon injuries: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. The application of a cold compress and elevating the body part reduces the blood flow to the area. White oil is also helpful for inflammation reduction and can be found at health food pharmacies. If tendon pain is persistent or recurring, contact your doctor to rule out serious damage and get proper medical support. Taking care of an injury before permanent damage sets in is your best route to wellness.
References
- "Health & Wellness"; The SouthWesternCompany; 1997
- "Homeopathic Self Care"; Robert and Judyth Ullman, N.D.; 1997
- "Organic Body Care Recipes"; Stephanie Tourles; 2007
- "Healing With Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition"; Paul Pitchford; 2002
