Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

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Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used in

herbal medicine as treatments for inflammation. Below you will find a

list of some of the most accessible and most reliable.

Arnica Suave is a rich blend of quartz silica, amber resin and the

pain-relieving power of arnica in a special massage-in suave designed

by for his practice and is a part of his new "Crystal

Inspirations" product line.

Boswellia has unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the

conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used by

many for inflammatory conditions. Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term use

of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single

substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple

juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. Local swelling is the

releasing of histamines in a localized area causes the vasodilation and

increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain has an

anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for

Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams

three times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or

three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching or

rash.

Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin) A cream containing small amounts of

Capsaicin can help relieve pain when rubbed onto muscle pain and

arthritic joints, according to the results of a double blind study. It

does this by depleting the nerves of a pain-mediating neurotransmitter

known as substance P. Although application of capsaicin cream may

initially cause a burning feeling, the burning will lessen with each

application and soon disappear for most people. A cream containing

0.025â€"0.075% of capsaicin can be applied to the affected joints three

to five times a day.

Devils Claw: An analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Dosage: one to two grams, three times daily.

Ginger: An anti-inflammatory. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and

Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6â€"50 grams of fresh or

powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful.

Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily

Ginger Tea: Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Take two times daily.

Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from sea shells, contains

a building block needed for the repair of joint cartilage. GS has

significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. All published

clinical investigations on the effects of GS in people with

osteoarthritis report statistically significant improvement. Most

research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day. Benefits from

GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of treatment.

Avoid if you have any allergic reactions to shell fish.

Glucosamine stimulates the production of the specific elements of

cartilage and protects them. It helps your body repair worn cartilage,

reduce pain and improve function. Chondroitin attracts fluids into

proteoglycans, the molecules dispersed through out the cartilage that

give the tissue its shock-absorber quality, and protects the cartilage

against breakdown. These are substances the body already produces for

itself in small amounts.

Glucosamine is found in almost all tissue; it has a role in the repair

and maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a major

component of cartilage and is thought to inhibit the enzymes that

contribute to the breakdown of cartilage.

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) possesses anti-inflammatory,

pain-relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the

health of joints.SAM-e is derived from methionine, an essential amino

acid; it may promote cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfate are usually sold together. In clinical studies, the

supplements had to be taken for several weeks before providing any pain

relief. Don't forget the truly natural and proven methods for battling

osteoarthritis, lose excess weight and exercise.

Licorice root: An anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood

pressure and increase potassium loss. Dosage: one-eighth to one-quarter

teaspoon of a 5: 1 solid extract up to three times daily.

Turmeric: An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times

daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain

White Willow Bark: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. White

Willow bark has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Extracts

providing 60â€"120 mg salicin per day are approved for people with

rheumatoid arthritis. Although the analgesic actions of willow are

typically slow-acting, they last longer than aspirin.

Essential Oils for Inflammation

Basil: contains several antioxidants in its volatile oils that act just

like some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and

Celebrex. When isolated at high enough concentrations these oils worked

as well as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin in research trials.

Camphor is a white transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong

penetrating pungent aromatic odor. As an antimicrobial substance,

camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of

cooling similar to that of menthol and acts as slight local anesthetic.

In larger quantities, it is poisonous when ingested and can cause

seizures, confusion, irritability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity.

Found in our Muscular/Pain Remedy Blend.

Clove: this intense oil, most commonly used to relieve dental pain and

infection, is also used to dissolve the eggs deposited by intestinal

worms. It is delicious but overwhelming in both smell and taste. It is

an antiseptic, carminative, warming, and very aromatic oil.

Eucalyptus: reduces pain, spasms and inflammation, and stimulates local

blood circulation and the removal of waste products and toxins from the

tissues. It is used to treat muscular aches and pains, strains,

sprains, and other traumatic injuries of the muscles, ligaments and

tendons. It also helps to reduce nerve inflammation and pain and is

useful for the treatment of the various kinds of neuralgia such as

sciatica. Eucalyptus reduces pain and inflammation due to chronic

arthritic conditions. It also has a mild clearing and stimulating

effect on the mind which helps to reduce fatigue.

Ginger: This rich, spicy oil so often used for nausea also helps

normalize blood pressure either by raises blood pressure by restricting

external blood flow, or lowers it by dilating surface blood vessels.

This oil is warming and an antiseptic.

Menthol is actually a compound obtained from peppermint oil or other

mint oils or made synthetically. Menthol has local anesthetic and

counterirritant qualities. It is contained in nonprescription products

for short-term relief of minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat

irritation. Menthol is also contained in combination products used for

relief of muscle aches, sprains, and similar conditions. Menthol is

often used with other ingredients such as camphor and eucalyptus for

pain relief. Menthol is considered an antidote for many homeopathic

remedies and should be avoided by people taking them. Found in our

Muscular/Pain Remedy Blend.

Peppermint: acts as a muscle relaxant, particularly in the digestive

tract, and it can also reduce the inflammation of nasal passages and

relieve muscle pains. When massaged into the skin, peppermint oil plays

an innocuous trick on the nerves: It stimulates those that produce a

cool, soothing sensation and desensitizes those that pick up pain

messages.

Rosemary: Studies show that this oil improves general circulation.

Tea Tree: has a wide range of topical applications and is commonly used

to treat skin and respiratory infections. Surprisingly, the oil is

active against all three categories of infectious organisms: bacteria,

viruses and fungi. Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for many skin

conditions, such as cold sores, the blisters of shingles and chicken

pox, verrucae, warts, acne, large inflamed spots and nappy rash. It is

also effective against fungal infections, such as ringworm, athlete's

foot and thrush, as well as dandruff--a mild form of seborrheic

dermatitis.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

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