Water on the knee, also known as knee effusion, refers to excess fluid around your knee joint. Several problems may cause knee effusion, including an injury or trauma to your knee, or an underlying disease, such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, bursitis, infection or tumor. If you have water on the knee, you may experience pain, stiffness and inflammation. Herbs may help relieve these symptoms naturally. Consult your health care provider for a diagnosis of the underlying problem before using herbal medicine.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that treat water on the knee work in different ways. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs may reduce the swelling and relieve pain and are the primary herbs for this condition. Herbs that treat arthritis, rheumatism and gout --- conditions that lead to knee effusion --- can also be helpful. Tonic herbs will help strengthen and support your immune system. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for water on the knee.
Guaiacum
Guaiacum, or Guaiacum officinale, is an evergreen tree native to Central and South America. Herbalists use the heartwood, from the center of the tree, to treat rheumatism, and the resin to treat painful joints and skin disorders. Guaiacum may help relieve the pain and inflammation resulting from water on the knee. If it was caused by arthritis or rheumatism, this herb may help alleviate those chronic conditions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, recommends it for chronic pain and inflammation associated with rheumatic conditions. Do not use this herb if you have gastritis or ulcers.
White Willow
White willow, or Salix alba, is a deciduous tree found throughout Europe and Asia. Traditional healers use the bark to treat flu, fever and joint inflammation. Whether your case of water on the knee is associated with bursitis, gout, arthritis, rheumatism or injury, white willow may relieve the pain and inflammation. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink explain that the principal ingredients, called salicylates, convert to salicylic acid, which inhibits the COX2 enzyme involved in inflammation. They note that this herb does not cause stomach upset. Do not combine white willow with other pain medication.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a tall, leafy herb native to Europe and Asia. The aerial parts are a remedy for a range of problems, including rheumatism, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and enlarged prostate. Hoffmann also calls stinging nettle a spring tonic and detoxifying herb for your whole body. Van Wyk and Wink recommend it for inflammation and pain, and note that, if you combine it with other NSAIDs, you may be able to reduce their dose and prevent or reduce side effects. The fresh leaves may cause skin rash so do not touch them.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
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