Inflammation occurs when an area of the body has been injured or infected, and the body responds by increasing blood flow to the area. This can result in warmth, redness, stiffness and pain. Chronic inflammation can lead to conditions such as arthritis, gout, tendinitis and bursitis. Medical treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs. Additionally, certain herbs may help reduce swelling and inflammation. Always consult your health care provider before trying herbal remedies.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used in curries and other Eastern dishes. The root is used in both Ayurvedic and herbal medicine, and has undergone extensive scientific study for a variety of purposes. Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is an antioxidant and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2003 study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," researchers noted that repeated clinical trials have demonstrated curcumin's anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, it did not produce any adverse effects in human studies. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed turmeric under botanicals generally recognized as safe, check with your doctor before using it for medicinal purposes.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is used by herbalists to reduce joint swelling, ease muscle pain and treat minor sports injuries. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In a study by The University of Reading in the United Kingdom from 2002, researchers found that bromelain significantly reduced pain levels in adults suffering from mild acute knee pain. Joint stiffness and physical function also improved. In addition, they noted that the participants' overall psychological well-being was significantly enhanced following treatment. Because canning and processing can destroy enzymes, it is best to obtain bromelain naturally by consuming fresh pineapple. Check with a health care practitioner for therapeutic use of this natural remedy.
Grape Seed
Extracts of common grape seeds contain special flavonoids called proanthocyanidins, which are naturally antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Herbalists use grape seed extract to treat swollen joints and edema. Tufts Medical Center cites a few older studies that showed that people who took proanthocyanidins, such as those found in grape seed extract, after experiencing a sports injury, had less swelling and inflammation. As with any herbal remedy, you should consult your health care provider before trying grape seed or supplements containing grape seed extracts.
Willow Bark
The bark of the willow tree contains a chemical called salicin, or salicylic acid. It was originally used to make aspirin, but commercial aspirin today contains a synthetic version of salicin, called acetylsalicylic acid. Herbalists use willow bark as a natural pain reliever and fever reducer. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic, or fever-reducing, effects. Willow bark extract may be used as a natural remedy for headaches, backaches, muscle aches and arthritis. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center cites several studies that showed willow bark to be an effective treatment for back pain and osteoarthritis. However, MSKCC does warn that willow bark should not be taken with other NSAIDs, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your medical doctor about using willow bark for joint pain and inflammation.
Yucca
Yucca is a succulent plant found throughout desert regions of Central and South America. The root of this cactus is used as both food and medicine. When cooked, it is similar in texture to potatoes and other tubers. In folk medicine, yucca is sometimes consumed or yucca extract is used to treat arthritis pain. Like turmeric, it is also generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It contains active ingredients that have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects. In a 2006 study published in the "Journal of Inflammation," researchers explained that yucca root has polyphenols, or antioxidants, which appear to suppress the inflammatory response. Check with a health care professional for proper therapeutic use of yucca.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Inflammation
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Tumeric; N. Wu-Chainani; February 2003
- "Phytomedicine"; Bromelain Reduces Mild Acute Knee Pain and Improves Well-Being in a Dose-Dependent Fashion in an Open Study of Otherwise Healthy Adults; A. Walker et al.; December 2002
- Tufts Medical Center: Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs)
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Willow Bark
- "Journal of Inflammation"; Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Effects of Yucca Schidigera; P. Cheeke, et al.; 2006
