Pain and inflammation are among the most common symptoms associated with health problems. These symptoms may occur simultaneously or independently. In many cases, inflammation in your tissues causes pain. The Cleveland Clinic states that inflammation is the process in which your leukocytes, or white blood cells, guard your body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Natural supplements may help treat your pain and inflammation, but you should only use supplements if you are under the care and supervision of a licensed health care professional.
Pain and Inflammation
Pain and inflammation are usually indicative of underlying health problems and are your body's way of telling you to seek help or address your health problems. Inflammation is a natural response caused by injury to your tissues, and your body's inflammatory response -- increased blood flow to your affected area, increased blood vessel permeability and the delivery of proteins and leukocytes to your injury site -- is a mechanism that is intended to protect you from infection or further injury.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
There are many dietary supplements that are well known for their ability to reduce inflammation in your body. Sharol Tilgner, M.D., a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that the following dietary supplements possess anti-inflammatory action: ashwagandha, black cohosh, burdock, calendula, chamomile, devil's claw, echinacea, passionflower, licorice, turmeric, willow and yerba mansa. Some of these natural supplements may have not been subjected to rigorous clinical studies to examine their effectiveness.
Natural Pain Supplements
Natural supplements have long been used in treating pain. Some of the most commonly used supplements in reducing pain, states Ed Smith, an expert herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," include butterbur, wild yam, St. John's wort, California poppy, meadowsweet, arnica and black cohosh. Other supplements that may be helpful in controlling pain include cayenne, hops, kava kava, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, MSM, valerian root, wood betony and wild lettuce.
Disclaimer
Pain and inflammation in any part of your body are indicative of health problems that may require the attention and intervention of a licensed health care professional. If you suffer severe or long-lasting pain or inflammation, report to your primary care provider for a thorough examination and checkup. Natural healing agents, including supplements, should always be used with considerable caution. Some supplements may trigger strong reactions within your body and may cause undesired side effects.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Inflammation: What You Need to Know
- Britannica.com: Inflammation
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
