Numerous herbs may be helpful for treating your polymyalgia rheumatica. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders, polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder characterized by significant musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and hips. Caucasian women over 50 years of age have the greatest likelihood of developing this condition. Before taking herbs to help treat your polymyalgia rheumatica, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Comfrey
Comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinalis, is an herb that may help treat polymyalgia rheumatica. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, comfrey, a member of the borage family, is a perennial shrub native to Europe and the temperate parts of Asia. Comfrey thrives in moist soil, has a nutritious, mucilaginous taste, and possesses cooling and moistening tendencies. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that comfrey is used externally to help treat numerous musculoskeletal problems, including contusions, sprains, wounds, arthritis and inflammatory conditions, such as polymyalgia rheumatica. Meet with your doctor to discuss appropriate dosage, potential drug interactions and possible side effects before taking comfrey to help treat your polymyalgia rheumatica.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw is an herbal remedy that may benefit symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including general pain, muscle pain, osteoarthritis and inflammation. Devil's claw, a member of the pedaliaceae family, has a bitter taste. The plant's secondary storage roots are used medicinally. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," devil's claw is an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and analgesic. Tilgner notes that devil's claw has been used to help treat generalized muscle aches and pain, arthritis, bursitis, gout, nerve pain and headaches. Consult your physician about proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking devil's claw to help treat polymyalgia rheumatica.
Valerian
Valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is an herbal remedy that may effectively treat polymyalgia rheumatica. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia, although it now grows throughout North America. Valerian, a member of the valerianaceae family, has a sweet, spicy and aromatic taste and slightly warming tendencies. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that valerian is a nervine, sedative and antispasmodic. Mitchell states that valerian may be used topically on sore muscles to help reduce pain and discomfort. Before taking valerian to help treat polymyalgia rheumatica, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
