How to Treat Tendinitis With Herbs

Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon. It can occur with any tendon in the human body, but common sites for this common problem include the thumb, ankle and knee. Tendinitis can cause stiffness or a burning pain in the area of the joint where the tendon exists. This painful condition can begin after an injury, overuse of that particular area of the body and emotional stress. Repetitive stress syndrome is a collection of ailments that includes carpal tunnel syndrome and various forms of tendinitis. It is common for people who are heavy computer users, such as data entry operators, to experience tendinitis in their thumbs. Anti-inflammatory medicines sometimes help relieve the pain but are not always effective. Several herbs and herbal formulas can help get you through the most painful period of tendinitis, but resting the affected area is the best medicine. In time, the body will usually heal itself.

Things You'll Need

• Horsetail herb
• Plantain leaf
• Comfrey leaf
• Ginger root
• Olive oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Lavender oil
• Rosemary oil
• St. John’s wort oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink horsetail herb tea to help strengthen the affected tendon. Simmer 2 tablespoons of this herb in water for 20 minutes, allow to cool slightly and then strain and drink one cup of this tea up to three times each day. You can also take horsetail herb in capsule form.

• 2

  Prepare a hot compress containing plantain leaf, comfrey leaf and ginger root. Chop or slice about one fourth cup of each herb, place in a pan and then simmer for 20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and then squeeze the excess liquid from a wad of the cooked herbs and hold it on the affected area until it cools. Repeat as often as you can. Follow this treatment with an ice pack.

• 3

  Take vitamin C, vitamin E and grapeseed extract. Each day, take up to one gram of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E and up to 300 mg of grapeseed extract.

• 4

  Eat good proteins such as fish, dried beans, seeds and nuts. Also include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet every day.

• 5

  Make a massage oil by combining ½ teaspoon of these essential oils in one cup of olive oil: eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil and St. John’s wort oil. Massage gently over the affected area, but take care not to rub too hard because this can cause further inflammation and more pain.