Herbal Tendonitis Remedies

According to the Mayo Clinic, tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon or connective tissue attaching muscles to a bone. Tendonitis occurs near a joint, but usually outside of it, and it is often caused by a specific repetitive movement, or a new exercise routine, which is why tendonitis near different joints have names like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and pitcher's shoulder. Unless your tendonitis is so severe that the tendon requires surgery, the Mayo Clinic suggests that you treat it with protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Add herbal remedies to your home treatment plan to relieve pain and speed recovery.

Arnica and Rue

In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments", herbalism expert David Kiefer suggests that a poultice made from crushed arnica flowers and rue oil be applied to the site of tendon pain. These herbs should only be used topically. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicine", arnica has been proven in scientific studies to have wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This means that a topical application of arnica will heal, soothe and numb the area suffering from tendonitis.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is fat extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant. It is traditionally used for inflammation, among several other conditions. According to Dr. Kiefer, you can massage this oil directly into the site of tendonitis pain, or you can soak a washcloth in the oil and hold it to the site by wrapping it with plastic wrap and a bandage. This type of application is useful for treating the area overnight.

Comfrey

A study published in the May 2009 issue of the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" found that while only 37.8 percent of subjects in a placebo group experienced relief from back pain, 95.2 percent of subjects in the comfrey extract group reported improvements of their condition. The scientists were excited enough about the results to conclude that "comfrey root extract showed a remarkably potent and relevant effect in reducing acute back pain. For the first time, also a fast acting effect of the ointment (one hour) has been witnessed." A study on knee pain published in the January 2007 issue of "Phytomedicine" produced similar results. You can purchase comfrey in creams to apply to the area of tendonitis pain.

White Willow Bark

According to the "PDR of Herbal Medicine", white willow bark contains salicin, the phytotherapeutic precursor to acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin. Aspirin has been proven in many studies to reduce pain and inflammation, and white willow bark extract will provide the exact same relief. Dosage will depend on the strength of your extract. You want to consume from 60 to 120 mg salicin a day. Take care when taking white willow bark with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Licorice, Yucca, Meadowsweet and Turmeric

In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments", Dr. David Kiefer suggests that you make a tincture of several herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties when taken orally. A blend of tinctures of licorice, yucca, meadowsweet and turmeric can be consumed in 1/2 tsp. doses three times daily until your tendonitis clears up.