Swollen joints can result from injury and infection, but they are often caused by some form of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Pain, stiffness, inflammation and redness are some of the symptoms you may experience with swollen joints. Conventional treatment involves drugs like NSAIDs and corticosteroids, but these may have unpleasant side effects. Natural supplements for joint swelling come in the forms of herbal teas, capsules and tinctures. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Natural herbal supplements for swollen joints have several actions. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs act on the chronic inflammation and pain. Diuretic herbs help release metabolic wastes produced by inflammation. Circulatory stimulants help increase blood circulation to the joints and eliminate toxins. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparations of natural supplements to reduce swollen joints.
Yarrow
Yarrow, botanical name Achillea millefolium, is a European perennial with a long history of medicinal use. Herbalists use the aerial parts to treat arthritis, hypertension and pelvic pain. The herb is rich in flavonoids and volatile oil, and has anti-inflammatory and diuretic actions. In his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,” clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends yarrow for patients with arthritic problems. It will reduce the swelling and help your kidneys eliminate the toxins produced by joint inflammation. Do not use yarrow if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
Jamaica Dogwood
Jamaica dogwood, botanical name Piscidia erythrina, is a deciduous tree native to tropical areas. Traditional healers use the stems and root bark to treat neuralgia, migraines and uterine pain. The herb contains isoflavones, rotenoids, organic acids and tannins, and it's a potent sedative and pain killer. Herbalist David Hoffmann suggests using this herb for swollen joints in any part of your body. In their 2000 book “The Herbal Drugstore,” Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster explain that the root bark works by blocking an enzyme that produces prostaglandins, compounds related to inflammation and pain. Do not use during pregnancy or exceed recommended dosage, and don’t combine this herb with any sedative drugs.
Prickly Ash
Prickly ash, botanical name Zanthoxylum americanum, is a North American aromatic shrub. Herbalists use the bark and berries for rheumatism, varicose veins and leg cramps. Herbalist David Hoffmann explains that this herb stimulates circulation and increases blood flow to joints. The circulatory action helps to clear out toxins and reduces joint swelling. You can also apply prickly ash tincture as a liniment topically to aid joints swollen by rheumatism. Do not combine this herb with anticoagulant drugs.
References
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffmann; 2003
- “The Herbal Drugstore”; Linda B. White, M.D. and Steven Foster; 2000
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