1. Learn the Common Symptoms and Causes
There are many possible causes of joint pain. Chronic conditions like arthritis cause joint pain, and so do temporary problems, such as injury or overuse. Sometimes the pain is part of a broader systemic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. A person might have one sore joint or many. Any joint pain might require medical treatment, especially if it accompanies a serious illness or injury. However, many types of joint pain respond to herbal or alternative treatments. Inflammation can be a major contributor to joint pain, and numerous herbal preparations have anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Reduce Inflammation to Reduce Pain
Many plants contain chemicals that act as anti-inflammatories in your body when prepared as teas or packaged dietary supplements. Curcumin, an ingredient in the spice turmeric, is one example. Another popular remedy for inflammatory joint pain is boswellia. Other herbs and plant products known to reduce inflammation are wild yam, liquorice, rosemary, hops and ginger.
3. Take Advantage of Natural Pain Killers
Other plants contain natural analgesics, or pain-killing chemicals. Some of these herbs have a double effect as anti-inflammatories. One example is willow bark, which contains the same chemical that is active in aspirin and has a long history as a natural medicine. The material on the inside of the bark is boiled to make a tea. Other pain-relieving herbs include wintergreen, stinging nettle and cayenne or red pepper. Willow bark and stinging nettle are also anti-inflammatory herbs.
4. Support Joint Health Naturally
Some plants do not remedy joint pain and inflammation directly, but do contain other ingredients that support joint health. Yucca extract helps the body to build cartilage, a major part of joint construction. Sesame seeds contain high levels of essential fatty acids, as do nuts. The herb oregano is high in anti-oxidants, which help the body to dispel cellular waste products. All of these actions are essential to maintaining healthy joints.
5. Regard Your Herbal Remedies as Medicines
Remember that just because something is natural or herbal doesn't mean it can't harm you. Tell your health-care provider what supplements you are using, in case any of them interfere with your regular medications. Follow dosage recommendations; overdoses of herbal supplements can be as dangerous as overdoses with conventional medicines. For professional advice on alternative treatments for joint pain, consult a practitioner of Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, or someone who has studied traditional Chinese medicine.
