Folk Remedies for Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when the tendons that join bones and muscles together become inflamed or ruptured. The main symptoms of tendinitis include area tenderness, pain and mild to moderate swelling. Those who take part in vigorous activities such as tennis, golf or weightlifting commonly experience some form of tendinitis. While there are synthetic medications that treat inflammation and pain, folk remedies provide pain relief without having to introduce unnecessary chemicals into the body.

Essential Oil Compress

• Herbal compresses are helpful to treat swelling and pain; they make use of specific oils that gently treat tendinitis inflammation. Heat therapy is not advised for tendinitis, thus cold compresses that are infused with essential oils are among the most effective herbal treatments.

  Mix five drops of eucalyptus oil, lavender and chamomile oil into three ounces of cold water. Soak an Ace bandage in this solution for 5 minutes and then tightly wrap around the area of the body that is suffering from tendinitis. Leave on for an hour and then rinse the area with a cloth that has been lightly rinsed with cold water. Repeat on a daily basis for pain management and to reduce mild swelling.

St. John's Wort

• The properties within St. John's Wort are commonly used to treat inflammation and to reduce mild pain that is associated with tendinitis. The main active ingredient within this herb is hypericin, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient is able to penetrate skin and treat joints, tendons and ligaments safely when used externally as a topical treatment.

  Rub 1 tbsp. of St. John's Wort directly onto the area that is swollen or in pain from tendinitis. Gently massage onto the skin for 15 minutes to allow maximum absorption into the skin. Repeat this process two times per day until the symptoms have subsided.

White Willow Bark Tea

• The use of white willow bark dates back to 400 B.C.E., when Hippocrates prescribed patients to chew the bark for its anti-inflammation and fever-reducing properties. Since then, white willow bark has been used mainly for joint pains that are associated with tendinitis.

  Purchase the dried version of white willow bark from any herbal shop and begin the treatment by boiling 8 oz. of water. Add 1 to 2 tsp. of the dried bark into the boiling water and allow the herb to simmer in the water for 15 minutes. Cover the tea and steep for 30 minutes. With a strainer, remove the white willow bark from the tea and consume two times per day. To sweeten, add one tablespoon of agave nectar and stir for 1 minute.