Joint Pain and Herbal Topical Treatment

There are many possible causes of joint pain which can be divided into categories:

1. Wear-and-tear, such as from overuse, injury, or osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, or joint inflammation,
2. Conditions that affect metabolism, such as gout and pseudogout. These conditions result from materials being deposited into the joints,
3. Infections of the joint, sometimes called septic arthritis.
4. Autoimmune disorders, in which a person's body produces antibodies against its own tissues. These disorders include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Other causes are also possible. In some cases, no cause can be found.

Symptoms:

• Involuntary weight loss of 10 pounds or more,
• The joint pain persists beyond 3 days,
•   Severe, unexplained joint pain especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms,

Herbal Remedies

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. The following have been used traditionally to treat joint pains:

Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): In clinical trials, promising results were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. Researchers found that standardized Boswellia extract significantly reduced swelling and pain and usually reduced morning stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as boswella, this herb is native to India, used for centuries by Ayurvedic physicians in arthritis herbal remedies. It has well proven anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects through the inhibition of inflammatory-causing substances, speeding up of cartilage formation, and improved blood supply to the joints.

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat "rheumatism," high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Because of all this, it's sometimes called the "Indian ginseng."

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Research suggests ginger root inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. All of those with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with OA or RA reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, even among those who took the ginger for more than two years.

Menthol and Camphor: The compounds menthol and camphor are found in many over-the-counter backache medications. They are chemicals that can help ease the muscle tightness that contributes to many bad backs. Menthol is a natural constituent of plants in the mint family, particularly peppermint and spearmint, although the aromatic oils of all the other mints contain it as well. Camphor occurs in spike lavender, hyssop and coriander.

Prevention

Prevention is related to the cause of the joint pain. For example, practicing safer sex can prevent some joint pain resulting from sexually transmitted diseases. Avoiding injuries or certain medications can prevent joint pain from these causes. Many cases cannot be prevented.

Diet and Other Tips: Often the elimination of certain foods such as the following will help greatly:

• dairy products, with the exception of plain yogurt with active culture
• citrus, with the exception of lemon and grapefruit
• alcohol
• meat including beef, pork, and lamb (other sources of protein such as chicken, fish and beans are less likely to promote inflammation)
• vegetable oils (continue using olive oil and the essential fatty acids flax seed, sesame, pumpkin, borage, sunflower oils)

Advice:

Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate): Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important of the essential minerals in the body, and it is commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis.

Dosage and Directions:

 


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