Medicinal Herbs for Joint Pain

According to the Joint Pain Institute, over 60 million Americans are affected by joint pain each year. In a 2008 article in Reuters, about one in every four individuals suffering from joint pain utilize alternative methods to relieve suffering. The Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education states that herb use can be a gentle, safe alternative to the use of medical chemicals to relieve joint pain.

Ginger

• Ginger has long been purported to relieve an upset stomach, but an article by nutritionist and herbal researcher P. Topham states that concentrated amounts of ginger is as effective at relieving joint pain as anti-inflammatory medications. Ginger can be taken as a tea, in capsule form or fresh, and has not been reported to have any ill side effects.

Salicylates and Sterols

• Salicylates and sterols are derived from the bark of the willow, birch, poplar, and wintergreen trees, and are used to make aspirin and cortisone--two highly popular drugs used to treat joint pain. Teas and tinctures made of these barks have the same pain-relieving results without the adverse side effects. To avoid any ill side effects, consult an herbalist or alternative medical practitioner to properly measure amounts of bark to water when making teas and tinctures, and for proper dosing schedules.

Nettles

• Nettles grow all over the countryside in many countries in the world. Nettle tea is purported to relieve the pain of arthritis. It is a folk remedy without documented side effects that can be taken as a tea, or the young leaves can be eaten fresh. To make nettle tea, infuse approximately two tablespoons of dried nettles in three cups of boiling water, strain and drink.

Peppermint

• Fragrant peppermint has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments, including joint pain. Oil of peppermint has also been used topically (rubbed into the skin) for painful joints. Some side effects have been reported (especially by individuals with sensitive skin) such as rashes, chemical burns and eye irritation, to name a few.

Cayenne

• Cayenne pepper contains capsicum, an element used in several over-the-counter topical joint pain ointments. Cayenne is very hot, and some people can be sensitive to it. It should be used sparingly. Cayenne, or capsicum, is available in department and drug stores as a cream or ointment, with name brands such as Capsicum Plus, Capzasin-P and Zostrix.

Garlic

• Garlic is believed to increase blood-flow and circulation, which helps relieve painful joints. Garlic can be taken fresh in the diet, as a supplement or made into a broth. It can also be used topically when crushed or infused in oil, however the aroma usually precludes topical use.