Herbal traditions offer much in the way of relief of muscle and joint disorders. Many popular herbs and oil extracts have been used reliably over many years by herbal medicine practitioners for their purported ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and speed tissue healing. Recent research has revealed considerable supportive evidence for the use of some herbs and oils in the treatment of various forms of muscle and joint pain. Check with your doctor before using herbs and oils to treat muscle and joint pain.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed alleviates inflammation with diarrhea caused by castor oil, say researchers of a study published in the June 2010 "Inflammopharmacology" journal. Turpentine-induced fluid accumulation in joints and formaldehyde-induced arthritis also responded well to treatment with flaxseed, in the study on laboratory rats. The researchers attribute flaxseed's anti-inflammatory effects to its high content of the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid, which inhibits pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid production and also reduces permeability of blood vessels, which cuts down on inflammation. Inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis may respond well to flaxseed, based on the results of the study, say the authors. Consult with a qualified health professional before using flaxseed oil.
Peppermint and Eucalyptus
Peppermint and eucalyptus oils relieve muscle tension headaches, according to a study published in the June 1994 "Cephalgia" journal. In the study, volunteers rubbed the oils on their forehead and temples. The oil combination relaxed the participants' muscles, as well as their minds, and improved cognitive performance. Also, significant pain-relieving effects and reduced susceptibility to headaches were observed. The researchers concluded that their study supports the traditional use of peppermint and eucalyptus oils for relieving muscle tension. Consult your doctor before using peppermint and eucalyptus to treat muscle tension.
Chamomile
A report in the November 2010 "Molecular Medicine Reports" claims that chamomile, a popular herb used in teas, cosmetics and for medicinal effect, provides anti-inflammatory benefits for a variety of ailments. Chamomile contains antioxidant flavonoids and lipid molecules called terpenoids that are used to form steroid hormones. Muscle spasms, joint pain and other inflammatory conditions respond well to treatment with chamomile, say the authors of the study. Chamomile can be taken internally, as a tea, or chamomile essential oil can also be incorporated into massage oil and applied externally. Ask your doctor before using chamomile.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba combined with coenzyme Q10 reduced pain and improved quality of life for fibromyalgia patients, in a study published in the March 2002 "Journal of Internal Medical Research." Participants took 200 mg of each supplement for 84 days and 64 percent reported significant symptom improvement. Adverse side effects were minor. The results of the study support the popular use of ginkgo biloba among fibromyalgia patients. Check with your health professional about using ginkgo for muscle and joint pain.
References
- "Inflammopharmacology"; Therapeutic Effect of Linum Usitatissimum (Flaxseed/Linseed) Fixed Oil on Acute and Chronic Arthritic Models in Albino Rats; G. Kaithwas, et al.; 2010
- "Cephalgia"; Effect of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oil Preparations on Neurophysiological and Experimental Algesimetric Headache Parameters; H. Göbel, et al.; 1994
- "Molecular Medicine Reports"; Chamomile: An Herbal Medicine of the Past With Bright Future; J.K. Srivastava, et al.; 2011
- "Journal of Internal Medicine Research"; An Open, Pilot Study to Evaluate the Potential Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 Combined With Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Fibromyalgia Syndrome; R. Lister; 2002
