Herbs for Joints - (Page in Progress)
INTERNAL USE
* BIRCH (Betula pubescens/alba)
A traditional remedy for arthritis due to its reputed anti-inflammatory effect. Combines well with devil’s claw, meadowsweet, dandelion and red clover.
* CELERY SEED
Reputed to help the excretion of uric acid and also traditionally used for arthritic conditions. Take as a herbal tea or as a fresh plant juice.
* CRAMP BARK (Viburnum opulus)
Traditionally used for spasmodic muscular conditions and muscular rheumatism either as a herbal tea or tincture.
* DEVILS CLAW
An African plant, used by herbalists for its anti-inflammatory action that makes in beneficial in many sorts of joint or muscle inflammation.
* FLAX (Linum Usitatissimum)
Flaxseed is one of the best vegan sources of Omega-3 (ALA), which is so important to a strong immune system and for fighting inflammation. Can be taken as an oil or include 2 tablespoons in your cereal, or smoothies!
* NETTLE
A plant rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial in arthritis, and is used by herbalists to remove toxins. It is especially useful in gout to help the body get rid of excess uric acid. Can be taken as a herbal infusion or fresh plant juice.
* ROSEHIP
Rosehip powder is a potent and effective natural alternative to both glucosamine and anti-inflammatory painkillers in Osteo-Arthritis (OA).
* TURMERIC
Extremely effective anti-inflammatory herb, and thus an effective pain reliever. It contains at least two chemicals (curcumin and curcuminoids) which decrease inflammation (and are very much like the oft-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs). Incidentally, this anti-inflammatory effect is also why turmeric is often recommended for treatment of cancer, cataracts and Alzheimer’s.
* WILLOW BARK (Salix alba) & MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulmaria)
Contain similar compounds to aspirin, (aspirin was originally isolated from willow bark), but do not have the same adverse effects on the digestive system. Herbalists use willow for its anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties. Combines well with birch, devil’s claw, cramp bark and prickly ash to reduce inflammation and discomfort in arthritis.
EXTERNAL USE
* AROMATHERAPY
Can help arthritic conditions and muscular tension. Warming oils are used to increase circulation and remove toxins from joints and muscles, therefore easing inflammation and discomfort.
Essential oils such as black pepper, juniper, lavender, rosemary or sweet marjoram can be massaged onto affected areas diluted in comfrey or arnica base oil.
* ARNICA (Arnica montana) Arnica is great for bruises, sprains, soreness, and swelling and for the relief of arthritis, muscle, and joint pain. It comes as tinctures, creams, salves, ointments, gels and oils, all for topical use.
You can also make arnica compresses to relieve musculoskeletal pain. Mix a tablespoon of arnica tincture with a pint of spring or purified water. Dip a gauze pad or sanitary napkin in the mixture, then put it on the arthritic joint or bruised area.
NOTE: Never apply arnica in any form on broken skin or on an open wound. Arnica is Toxic if it gets inside the body.
* COMFREY
Once known as Knitbone, has a long history of use as a tissue healer and anti- inflammatory for arthritis, broken bones, muscular tears and sprains. It is seldom used internally nowadays and is best used externally as a compress combined with arnica or as a cream.
* BIRCH (Betula pubescens/alba)
A traditional remedy for arthritis due to its reputed anti-inflammatory effect. Combines well with devil’s claw, meadowsweet, dandelion and red clover.
* CELERY SEED
Reputed to help the excretion of uric acid and also traditionally used for arthritic conditions. Take as a herbal tea or as a fresh plant juice.
* CRAMP BARK (Viburnum opulus)
Traditionally used for spasmodic muscular conditions and muscular rheumatism either as a herbal tea or tincture.
* DEVILS CLAW
An African plant, used by herbalists for its anti-inflammatory action that makes in beneficial in many sorts of joint or muscle inflammation.
* FLAX (Linum Usitatissimum)
Flaxseed is one of the best vegan sources of Omega-3 (ALA), which is so important to a strong immune system and for fighting inflammation. Can be taken as an oil or include 2 tablespoons in your cereal, or smoothies!
* NETTLE
A plant rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial in arthritis, and is used by herbalists to remove toxins. It is especially useful in gout to help the body get rid of excess uric acid. Can be taken as a herbal infusion or fresh plant juice.
* ROSEHIP
Rosehip powder is a potent and effective natural alternative to both glucosamine and anti-inflammatory painkillers in Osteo-Arthritis (OA).
* TURMERIC
Extremely effective anti-inflammatory herb, and thus an effective pain reliever. It contains at least two chemicals (curcumin and curcuminoids) which decrease inflammation (and are very much like the oft-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs). Incidentally, this anti-inflammatory effect is also why turmeric is often recommended for treatment of cancer, cataracts and Alzheimer’s.
* WILLOW BARK (Salix alba) & MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulmaria)
Contain similar compounds to aspirin, (aspirin was originally isolated from willow bark), but do not have the same adverse effects on the digestive system. Herbalists use willow for its anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties. Combines well with birch, devil’s claw, cramp bark and prickly ash to reduce inflammation and discomfort in arthritis.
EXTERNAL USE
* AROMATHERAPY
Can help arthritic conditions and muscular tension. Warming oils are used to increase circulation and remove toxins from joints and muscles, therefore easing inflammation and discomfort.
Essential oils such as black pepper, juniper, lavender, rosemary or sweet marjoram can be massaged onto affected areas diluted in comfrey or arnica base oil.
* ARNICA (Arnica montana) Arnica is great for bruises, sprains, soreness, and swelling and for the relief of arthritis, muscle, and joint pain. It comes as tinctures, creams, salves, ointments, gels and oils, all for topical use.
You can also make arnica compresses to relieve musculoskeletal pain. Mix a tablespoon of arnica tincture with a pint of spring or purified water. Dip a gauze pad or sanitary napkin in the mixture, then put it on the arthritic joint or bruised area.
NOTE: Never apply arnica in any form on broken skin or on an open wound. Arnica is Toxic if it gets inside the body.
* COMFREY
Once known as Knitbone, has a long history of use as a tissue healer and anti- inflammatory for arthritis, broken bones, muscular tears and sprains. It is seldom used internally nowadays and is best used externally as a compress combined with arnica or as a cream.