Certain supplements may be helpful in treating your leg and hip pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, leg and hip pain can be caused by numerous factors, including overuse injuries, traumatic injuries and certain medical conditions. Before taking natural supplements to relieve your leg and hip pain, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, a member of the Pedaliaceae family, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your leg and hip pain. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, has been used to help treat numerous health problems, including inflammation, muscle pain and osteoarthritis -- adegenerative joint disease. Devil's claw is a shrub native to southern Africa that has a bitter taste. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," devil's claw is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic -- a substance that helps relieve pain -- including musculoskeletal pain. Devil's claw is used to help treat arthritis, bursitis, neuralgia and other generalized aches and pains. If you have peptic ulcers or are pregnant, you should avoid taking natural supplements containing devil's claw.
Willow Bark
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that willow bark is an astringent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic that contains salicin, a substance whose chemical structure and action are similar to aspirin. Tilgner notes that willow bark is most effective in treating chronic musculoskeletal problems, including long-term leg and hip pain. Willow bark may be effective at reducing the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. White willow, also known as Salix alba, is a tree that belongs to the willow family. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the bark of the tree medicinally to help treat musculoskeletal problems. Willow bark has a bitter taste and cooling and drying tendencies. If you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, you should avoid taking this herb.
Comfrey
Comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinalis, is a perennial shrub native to Europe and the temperate parts of Asia. Comfrey is a member of the borage family, thrives in moist soil, has a thick, hairy stem and grows to a maximum height of 5 feet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the roots and leaves of the plant contain a substance called allantoin that helps reduce inflammation and heal muscle strains, ligament sprains and osteoarthritis. Comfrey possesses cooling and moistening tendencies. Comfrey is used topically as a poultice or paste to help treat many musculoskeletal problems, including leg and hip pain. Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that herbal supplements containing comfrey are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, vitamin E and calcium.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Leg Pain
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Devil's Claw
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Comfrey
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
