Herbs That Help to Heal Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a debilitating, painful foot injury. There are many treatments to help this condition such as icing, resting, over the counter anti-inflammatory medications and stretching exercises. In addition to these in-home treatments, you can also use natural herbs to help heal plantar fasciitis. A natural approach can often be effective in treatment while also avoiding some side effects from medications.

Identification

• Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused by the overstretching of the thick, fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia. It involves pain and inflammation of the affected area.

  Pain from plantar fasciitis typically begins at the bottom of your heel. This pain can radiate into the arch and a nerve may become irritated due to swelling.

Herbs

• If you prefer not to use anti-inflammatory medications, there are herbs that you can use as an alternative to help with the swelling. Many herbs such as curcumin, willow bark extract and bromelain have anti-inflammatory properties.

  Curcumin is a spice found in tumeric, and is a common spice used in dishes from India, Asia and the Middle East. This herb can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain and inflammation in your foot muscles. Curcumin has also served as treatment for other ailments such as jaundice, menstrual difficulties, hematuria, hemorrhage and colic.

  Willow bark can also be used to ease the pain and reduce the inflammation of plantar fasciitis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the bark of white willow contains salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin that may be the ingredient that is responsible for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.

  Bromelain is derived from the stem and juice of the pineapple. This herb can be very useful in treating plantar fasciitis as it is particularly effective in reducing inflammation associated with muscle injuries.

Dosage and Administration

• You can buy curcumin extract as a herbal supplement. Products like Best Curcumin with Bioperine by Doctor's Best can be purchased in stores. Practitioners recommend capsules that provide 400 to 600 mg of curcumin to be taken three times daily.

  The University of Maryland Medical Center lists that you can take willow bark as a dried herb that is used to make tea or a powdered herb in capsules or liquid. As a dried herb, boil 1 to 2 tsp. in 8 oz. of water. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily. As a powdered herb in capsules or liquid, take no more than 60 to 240 mg of standardized salicin per day.

  The herb bromelain is found in pineapples, but the dosage is not high enough to have its medicinal effect. Other available forms are in in tablet or capsule form for oral use. To use bromelain for treating Injuries like plantar fasciitis, take no more than 500 mg four times daily.

Prevention/Solution

• The herbs curcumin, willow bark and bromelain can aid plantar fasciitis in suppressing inflammation and pain. However you will still need to follow traditional remedies such as resting, applying ice, decreasing your miles (if you're a runner), wearing shoes with proper support, and stretching your foot arches to treat the condition so that it can heal properly. If condition worsens, consult your health care provide immediately.

Warning

• Herbal supplements may still have some side effects even though they are natural. Take herbal supplements under the supervision of your health care provider. Some people may also be allergic to certain herbs so they should be taken with caution.