Herbal Remedies For Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Muscular Ache And Joint Pains

Various herbal remedies may relieve the pain, stiffness and inflammation caused by muskuloskeletal conditions affecting the joints, tendons and muscles in the body. Conventional medicines are limited in the type of relief they offer and can produce serious, unacceptable side effects. Many people are opting for more natural treatments for fibromyalgia and joint pain, preferring herbs and homeopathic remedies. Herbs too can produce side effects, so it's important to consult your health practitioner before using any herb that is unfamiliar.

Disease Characteristics

All forms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and muscle aches have certain features in common, making them similar in several ways. Each of these conditions is characterized to some degree by inflammation, swelling, irritation, redness, stiffness and of course -- pain. In addition, there may be concomitant symptoms that are also similar, such as cognitive dysfunction, moodiness, depression and anger issues. Most herbal and natural remedies are non-specific when it comes to disease names; rather, they affect the body in certain broad characteristics. For example, there are groups of herbs that are known for being able to reduce inflammation and stiffness. Other groups of herbs may be helpful in reducing swelling to tissues and ridding the body of excess fluid retention, and others may affect both physical inflammation and the mental state that ensues from suffering from a chronic disease. Regardless of the name of the ailment, the muskuloskeletal disorders all respond in a similar manner to each herbal treatment.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an ancient spice used in India and China for centuries. It is widely accepted for its medicinal properties, in particular, its ability to reduce inflammation in joint and muscle tissue. It reduces stiffness, swelling, redness and pain in the majority of muskuloskeletal ailments and specifically was found to relieve cases of rheumatoid arthritis, noted SeniorJournal.com. Turmeric can thin the blood, so if you take blood thinners or aspirin, talk to your health practitioner before using turmeric.

Green Tea

Green tea has been found to relieve numerous ailments due to its high levels of polyphenols, an antioxidant that fights pain from damage caused by free radicals, according to "Herbs for Health and Healing." Certain anecdotal evidence indicates the promise of green tea in reducing inflammation resulting from fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal conditions, notes Science Daily.

Green tea comes in several forms and most are caffeinated. Caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability and insomnia. If you are sensitive to caffeine, choose a brand of green tea that contains no caffeine. Always buy the freshest tea you can find to benefit from the active chemical properties of the tea.

Aswhaganda

Aswaganda is used by both the Chinese and Indians to treat arthritic conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome and other body aches, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Ashwaganda, or Indian ginseng, contains naturally occurring compounds that are similar to steroids and more effective than hydrocortisone, adds "The Green Pharmacy Handbook." Ashwaganda may offer relief from pain, inflammation, stiffness and muscle aches associated with fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F (TwHF)

A study in 2002 presented by the Autoimmunity Branch of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, in Bethesda, Maryland, reported on the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, or TwHF, in relation to its efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The herb was found to contain various compounds that may reduce symptoms in cases of refractory rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it is possible that due to its anti-inflammatory properties, TwHF may be useful in the treatment of other joint and muscle disorders. More research is necessary. Contact a practitioner of Asian medicine if you are interested in trying this treatment for pain relief.