Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease causing muscle stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders and hips, which can particularly affect those over 65. Although the exact cause is unknown, it can have a sudden onset. The symptoms can begin with a low-grade fever and feeling of general fatigue. They then worsen to include aching and tenderness of the muscles in the back, neck, hips and thighs that is worse in the morning. Symptoms can last several years, resulting in decreased ranges of joint motion over time. Conventional therapy includes corticosteroid medication. However, also ask your doctor about the possible use of herbal remedies.
Boswellia
Boswellia caterii is the scientific name of the herb more commonly known as frankincense. Boswellia is derived from the aromatic gummy resin of a tree native to India. Boswellia is an ancient herb whose use dates back to Biblical times. It has strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and may provide some benefit in treating the morning pain and stiffness of polymyalgia rheumatica. According to "Prescription for Herbal Healing," boswellia contains substances termed boswellic acids, which work by blocking the hormones responsible for triggering pain and inflammation.
Willow Bark
The inner bark of the willow tree native to parts of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia is harvested for use in herbal remedies. It has been used for thousands of years to treat pain and inflammation. Willow bark contains a salicin, a substance that is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. It is thought to work by interfering with transmission of pain signals and the inflammatory process and thus can be effective for polymyalgia rheumatica. Willow bark is not as fast acting as aspirin, but its effects last longer, and it has less potential to produce stomach upset.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw grows on a long, woody vine and is native to the Peruvian rainforest. It gets it name from its curved thorns that resemble cat's claws. Cat's claw has a long history of use by the South American native people for a host of ailments. It is used to treat inflammation, wounds, asthma, intestinal disorders, cancer and viral infections. AltMD states its active constituents include phytosterols, alkaloids and proanthocyanidins, which work by reducing inflammation and relieving joint swelling, stiffness and pain. Extracts of cat's claw made with alcohol appear to be more effective than those which are water-based.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a perennial herb native to grown in parts of Europe and the United States. It produces yellow flowering tops which, along with its leaves, are collected for herbal uses. St. John's wort is best known for its use in the treatment of depression, but it also has some mild anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. St. John's wort can be useful for polymyalgia rheumatica in cases where the pain and inflammation from the disorder causes sleep problems and insomnia. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" states while St. John's wort doesn't increase the amount of sleep you get, it does increase the amount of time you are in a deep sleep.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Polymyalgia Rheumatica; December 2010
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Michigan Health System: Willow; December 2009
- AltMD: Cat's Claw
- University of Maryland Medical Center: St. John's Wort; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; February 2009
