Ayurveda is an alternate health science that originated in India and is most well-known for using various plant products for treatment of both severe and mild ailments. According to Dr. Vasant Lad, a practitioner of Ayurveda in the Indian subcontinent, Ayurveda is a discipline that promotes self-healing through science and spirituality. Ayurveda has been found to be especially beneficial for the treatment of sports injuries, bruises and sprains of mild nature. Several remedies in Ayurveda help repair damaged tissues around the joint and relieve inflammation and pain caused due to sprain.
Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices for Sprains
Ayurveda uses naturally found herbs and spices for the treatment of wounds, bruises and inflammation. For a sprain, several different herbs, such as the bone setter herb and turmeric, are used. The leaves, stem and roots of the bone setter herb are brewed into a tea and consumed for instant pain relief. Turmeric reduces inflammation and promotes blood circulation toward the injured joint. Consume turmeric with warm milk to get its full benefits.
Ayurvedic Oils for Sprains
Apart from other plant products, oils produced from plants can also be used to relieve symptoms of a sprain. Comfrey, castor oil and eucalyptus oil can be used to heal broken skin, prevent infection, reduce inflammation and heal the damaged tissues. Simply apply these oils on the sprained body part. For best results, rub the oil into the skin thoroughly with light, gentle strokes, and cover with a plastic sheet. Leave overnight.
Ayurvedic Massage for Sprains
You can use Ayurvedic massage for repairing damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. For a proper massage, apply an ice pack to the sprained joint for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce the inflammation and stop any internal bleeding. After applying the pack, apply some wintergreen oil on the joint and softly massage the joint with slow, circular motions around the joint. Keep massaging the joint until the oil is absorbed into the skin.
Considerations
Ayurveda is known to be a scientific discipline, but it is important to use any Ayurveda remedies only after consultation with an herbalist. The herbalist can tell you the best remedies for your sprain, and the best way to use these remedies. Most treatments would take several days before any improvement is seen, so it is important to keep using the remedy for as long as prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor or herbalist.
References
- "Major Herbs of Ayurveda"; Elizabeth M. Williamson; 2002
- "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: The Most Complete Guide to Natural Healing and Health With Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism"; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Michael Tierra; 2008
- "Herbal Supplements: Efficacy, Toxicity, Interactions With Western Drugs, and Effects on Clinical Laboratory Tests"; Catherine A. Hammett-Stabler; 2011
- "Ayurvedic Massage Therapy"; Subhash Ranade, Rajan Rawat; October 2008
- "Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing : A Practical Guide"; Vasant Lad; 2004
