Joints are complicated structures that “rely on bone, muscle, and
ligaments all working together to provide a full range of motion,” says Holly
Lucille, a Los Angeles-based naturopath. Understanding the source of your joint
pain or inflammation is important, she adds, in order to pinpoint the most
effective remedy. It could be an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid
arthritis, but in other cases, food sensitivities can be the culprit.
The exciting part of giving a natural remedy a go, he adds, is
that, unlike conventional medications that come with side effects, herbal
healers tend to give “side benefits.” For example, while you might try an herb
like turmeric for a swollen knee, while taking this multipurpose herb, you
could end up also soothing your heartburn.
1. Turmeric
The Indian spice turmeric contains an active ingredient called
curcumin that reduces inflammation in a variety of ways, including the
down-regulation of COX-2 enzymes; suppressing COX-2 enzymes is also the way
NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen work. When inflammation quiets down, joints
feel less painful and stiffness fades away.
Dr. Teitelbaum likes combining curcumin with the herb boswellia.
“This combination was shown in a head-on study to be more effective than the
commonly prescribed drug Celebrex,” he says. Although it is fine to try these
herbs while also taking a prescription arthritis or pain medication, if you go
that route, Dr. Teitelbaum suggests using both the herb and medication for six
weeks to reach the full effect of the herb. Then try tapering off the
conventional pain medication to see if the herb alone can do the trick. Skip
turmeric if you have gallstones.
2. Comfrey
Studies confirm that comfrey cream outperforms conventional
medications when it comes to ankle sprains and brings the added benefit of
stimulating tissue repair. “Comfrey cream excels when it comes to all sorts of
joint pain, but especially any pain traced back to osteoarthritis,” says Dr.
Lucille. She recommends trying it alone or combined with other herbs. “Many of
my patients get even better results when they pair comfrey cream with an oral
curcumin supplement. I consider this my one-two punch for joint pain.”
3. Collagen
Collagen is a protein found throughout your body, especially in
your connective tissue. Collagen supplements, in a form called collagen
hydrolysate, can improve symptoms for those with osteoarthritis and other joint
problems. In one study, 80 people with aching knees or hips due to
osteoarthritis took either 2 grams of collagen or a placebo every day for 70
days. By the end of the study, those taking the collagen reported less pain and
were able to do more physical activities.
4. Andrographis
Andrographis has a long history of use in both Ayurvedic and
traditional Chinese medicine. It’s better known as an immune-booster, but it is
gaining recognition for its anti-inflammatory powers and potential healing of
rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis who supplemented with
andrographis in a recent study experienced fewer tender or swollen joints. A
key way that andrographis serves as an anti-inflammatory is by reducing the
expression of several pro-inflammatory proteins. Consult your healthcare
practitioner before adding supplements to your regimen. TFL
Bonus Benefits
With conventional joint pain medications, you open yourself up to
the potential for harmful side effects. It’s a different story with natural
remedies, which can improve health in multiple ways, giving you “side
benefits.” For example:
|
natural healer
|
side benefits
|
|
Andrographis
|
Immune booster, treats the
common cold, eases symptoms of ulcerative colitis
|
|
Collagen
|
Smoothes wrinkles as a beauty
aid
|
|
Comfrey (topical)
|
Wound healing, bruise healing,
improves gout
|
|
Turmeric
|
Cancer risk reduction,
decreased depression, treats heartburn/indigestion
|
Source: tasteforlife.com
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