Herbs for joint health

Herbs for Joints

Ancient medicine has relied on the herbs to improve the condition of the body and heal the damaged tissue. For more than 2000 years Eastern medicine is using herbal remedies to ease the joint inflammation and pain. These days, many of the medicine practitioners turn to those ancient remedies, usually because the conventional therapy might be dangerous or painful for the patient.

Most of the herbalists, regardless where they come from, will recommend use of ginger, flax seeds (or flax seed oil) and turmeric to treat joint inflammation and pain. Also, they advise myrrh gum, bromelain, and alfalfa sprouts and leaves to be used in these cases.

Chinese medicine has special mixture for this purpose. The medication is used to treat joints, but also headaches and abdominal pain. It is often called Stop Pain or Yan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Pian.

Ginger

Ginger root is scientifically proved to fight inflammation in the body. The root contains substances known to inhibit the creation of prostaglandins and tromboxan, leading to decrease of inflammation. For joint pain and inflammation it is suggested to use ginger powder and mix it with some honey and form a paste. The paste should be applied to the painful joints and left there for some time and then washed away.

To prevent the joint pain or treat the existing condition you might also use some ginger tea. There are no advised doses of this tea, so it can be used as much as you like.

Also, some herbalists recommend the use of dried ginger. The dose varies from 500 to 1500mg. It is recommended to be used several (maximum three) times a day.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera in gel or liquid form is used to ease the symptoms of joint inflammation and pain. This plant is considered to be a “miracle plant” because it is used to prevent or treat many different illnesses and conditions. Also, there are none side effects associated with the use of this plant.

Aswagandha

This plant is also known as Indian ginseng. Specialists use this herb to treat the inflammation and pain in hip, back and other joints caused by arthritis and rheumatism.

Shallaki

Another Indian plant used in arthritis therapy is shallaki (Boswellia). The herb is known to improve the condition of the joints, production of cartilages and ease the existing pain.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves, seeds and sprouts are used as supplements in joint problems. Studies have proved that alfalfa decrease the swelling of the joints and eases the joint inflammation. However, alfalfa is not recommended in patients suffering from lupus, for it may worsen the condition. This herb might also be prepared as tonic or used as tablet supplement.