Herbal Remedies for Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by a number of factors, the most common being arthritis. Herbs and herbal supplements can help reduce the inflammation that causes arthritis symptoms, providing relief from stiff, painful joints.

White Willow Bark

• White willow bark is a plant native to Asia and Europe. The bark of the white willow tree contains salicin, a precursor of aspirin. It works by reducing the production of pain-causing chemicals called prostaglandins, which can cause inflammation in the joints and elsewhere. According to Umm.edu, white willow bark is as effective as aspirin at treating certain types of pain, often with a lower risk of side effects like stomach bleeding.

  White willow may be taken in capsule form or as a tincture, powder or decoction. To make tea using white willow, simply add one to two grams of bark to seven ounces of water and boil for 10 minutes.

Cayenne

• Cayenne is a pepper from the nightshade family. When applied topically to painful joints, cayenne causes an irritant effect, thereby distracting from pain and desensitizing the neurons responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. The active compound in cayenne is capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties when taken internally.

  To make a topical salve using cayenne, simply sprinkle two heaping tablespoons of cayenne powder into 10 tablespoons of a carrier, such as lard, lotion or cocoa butter. Apply directly to joints for temporary relief.

Ginger

• Ginger is a tuber with anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a number of active alkaloids, among them shogaols and gingerols. When applied topically, ginger causes a warming sensation that helps ease pain by improving circulation to the affected area.

  Ginger can be taken in supplement form, added to food or brewed into tea for its anti-inflammatory effects. According to MedScape.com, the daily recommended dose for treating rheumatoid or osteoarthritis pain is 500 to 1,000 milligrams.

Cherry Juice and Extract

• Cherry is a commonly eaten fruit from the Prunus genus. The active alkaloids in cherries---anthrocyanadins---work by reducing inflammation in muscles and joints. In addition, the high antioxidant content of cherries can help lower bodily levels of nitric oxide, a compound that may contribute to arthritis pain.

  While cherries make a healthy snack, their active compounds must be concentrated in order to obtain medicinal benefits. Cherry juice and supplements containing cherry extract are generally recommended over the whole fruit for treating joint pain caused by arthritis.

Warning

• Herbs can change the way certain drugs affect the body, so talk to your doctor before trying a new herbal product if you take medication. Joint pain can sometimes signal a more severe condition. If you experience joint pain that comes on suddenly or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or rash, seek medical attention to avoid potentially serious outcomes.