Joint pain is one of the most common health complaints in the United States. MayoClinic.com reports that joint pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the specific cause of your joint pain or discomfort. Joint pain may also be known as arthritis or arthralgia. Schedule an appointment with your doctor before taking herbs for your joint pain to review the risks and benefits associated with herbal remedies.
Joint Pain
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that one of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. Among the types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and gouty arthritis. Characteristic signs and symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, redness, swelling and heat, as well as joint stiffness and an inability to move your body segments through a pain-free range of motion.
Herbal Approach
Although chronic joint pain and arthritis can affect your quality of life, there are therapeutic approaches that may help you feel better and regain lost function. Herbal remedies for joint pain target both joint inflammation and pain in or around your joints. Ed Smith, a Portland, Oregon-based herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that many herbs may help reduce your joint pain, including angelica, arnica, burdock, cat's claw, celery, dandelion, devil's claw, devil's club, echinacea, feverfew, juniper, nettle, prickly ash and reishi. Discuss your choice of herb with your doctor before you start taking it.
Most Effective Herbal Remedy
One of the most powerful herbal remedies to help combat joint pain is devil's claw. Devil's claw is purported to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-arthritic properties and may help treat symptoms associated with arthritis, bursitis, gout and neuralgia. Devil's claw, notes MedlinePlus, may be especially beneficial in treating osteoarthritis-related joint pain and lower back pain or discomfort. MedlinePlus states that devil's claw contains active constituents that may reduce the pain associated with swelling and inflammation. Ask your doctor if it is OK to take devil's claw for your joint pain.
Precautions
You should take proper precautions before using herbal remedies to help treat your joint pain. Visit your physician to discuss risks, alternatives and the best ways to use herbal medicine. Some herbs can have powerful and long-lasting effects on your body and can cause serious side effects if taken inappropriately. A health-care professional with extensive training in botanical or herbal medicine may offer the most detailed guidance and information about herbal remedies.
References
- MayoClinic.com:Joint Pain
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Living With Arthritis
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- MedlinePlus: Devil's Claw
