The Best Herbs for SI Joint Pain

The Best Herbs for SI Joint Pain
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Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your sacroiliac, or SI, joint pain. According to the Spine Health website, your SI joint is a paired joint located at the base of your spine, below your lumbar vertebra and above your tailbone. Your SI joints connect your sacrum with your pelvis. Before taking herbs to help treat your SI joint pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

White Willow

White willow is an herb that may be helpful in treating your SI joint pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, white willow, also known as Salix alba or willow bark, is derived from several species of deciduous trees and shrubs native to Europe, Asia and certain parts of North America. White willow has a bitter, astringent taste. The bark of the tree is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, especially musculoskeletal conditions such as SI joint pain. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that white willow is both an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic, or a substance that helps relieve pain, including SI joint-related pain. The principle active ingredient in white willow is salicin, an aspirin-like compound. Before taking white willow to help treat your SI joint pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your SI joint pain. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, has been used to treat numerous health problems, including muscle pain, joint pain, inflammation, poor appetite, generalized aches and pain and certain gastrointestinal disorders. Devil's claw, a member of the Pedaliaceae family, has a bitter taste. The secondary storage roots of the plant are used medicinally. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," devil's claw is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-rheumatic, or a substance that relieves joint pain. Devil's claw is specific for lower back pain, including SI joint pain. Before taking devil's claw to help treat your SI joint pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is an herb that may be effective in treating your SI joint pain. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, is a member of the buttercup family and is native to North America. Black cohosh has a bitter, sharp, acrid and spicy taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Tilgner states that black cohosh is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, analgesic and antispasmodic. Tilgner notes that black cohosh may be used to treat numerous health problems, including joint pain and inflammation, menstrual cramps and aching muscles. If you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, you should avoid using this herb. Large doses of this herb can slow your heart, causing decreased heart rate and low blood pressure. Before taking black cohosh to help treat your SI joint pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

References

Article reviewed by Brad Walters Last updated on: Nov 14, 2010

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