9 Herbal Alternatives for Treating Chronic Joint Pain

Shutterstock.com

According to one survey, joint pain accounts for one-third of the chronic pain experienced by adults with arthritis contributing to 20 percent of adult pain diagnoses. Arthritis is the leading cause of chronic join pain and encompasses many types of painful joint diseases, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While it can feel like the pain is originating from the bones, it is most likely coming from the joints and surrounding soft tissues. Arthritis symptoms can keep you from going about your everyday activities. There are two main kinds, osteo and rheumatoid, both of which affect the joint in different ways.

In order to combat the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis, doctors prescribe a number of remedies including pain relievers, corticosteroids, and/or antirheumatic drugs. Although effective in treating arthritic pain, these medications are also known to cause a variety of undesirable side effects. For this reason, many patients turn to alternative options such as herbs in hope of finding some natural relief. Below is a list of 9 herbs that can help soothe your chronic pain.

White Willow Bark

pixabay.com

White willow bark is an ancient herbal remedy for pain relief. It possesses salicylic acid, and anti-inflammatory agent which serves as the active ingredient in aspirin. However, since aspirin is known to cause gastric problems those with a sensitive stomach may find this ancient herb helpful in the fight against joint pain. Willow bark extract contains the chemical salicin similar to acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin help reduce the tension from headache-related pain. Also, helps in reducing arthritis and osteoarthritis-related pain. People use willow bark instead of any chemical supplement because it doesn’t produce the any side effects. Do not take willow bark if you are allergic to aspirin.

Chili Peppers

pixabay.com

Chili peppers contain a capsaicin which is an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders. Capsaicin, the chemical found in red chili peppers, can produce an anesthetic effect when applied locally. Fresh chili peppers are rich source of vitamin-C also good in other antioxidants such as vitamin-A, and flavonoids like B-carotene, a-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. Surprisingly, the numbing effect many of us have experienced after eating a hot chili can provide pain relief in other areas of our body. As such, supplements made with this herb can be found in topical form and used to treat joint pain. There are many supplements available in market like Instaflex. However, please note that because capsaicin has the tendency to irritate one’s mouth, it may also irritate one’s skin.

Turmeric

Steven Jackson/Flickr.com

Turmeric may be the nutritional supplement contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties. Turmeric dramatically helps to Increases the antioxidant capacity of the body. It also is correlated with improved brain function and a lower risk of brain diseases. Most people are familiar with this bright yellow spice used to add flavor and color to dishes. This spice is a staple in Indian cuisine and has been used across Asia as a medicinal herb for centuries. In addition to aiding digestion, turmeric is known for possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Extensive research has been performed on this popular herb to shed further light on its vast healing properties. The recommended dose for turmeric powder is 400–600 mg taken three times daily.

Flaxseed

pixabay.com

Flaxseed was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC. Flaxseed is found in all kinds of today's foods from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal. Flaxseeds, sometimes called linseeds, have very well been the world’s first cultivated super food. While omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil, they are also abundant in flaxseed oil which is purported to help joint pain relief by lubricating the joints. More research needs to be done to ascertain if this truly is the case, but for now, the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 acids are already known to help reduce and relieve pain. Flax seed benefits could help you improve digestion, give you clear skin, lower cholesterol, reduce sugar cravings, balance hormones, fight cancer and promote weight loss. And, for those who don't like the smell of fish oil, flaxseed oil can serve as a fantastic herbal alternative.

Pine Bark

pixabay.com

Pine bark, botanical name Pinus pinaster. Pycnogenol is the US registered trademark name for a product derived from the pine bark of a tree. Pine bark extract used for conditions involving circulation insufficiency, swelling and irritation of tissues, vision issues, and even as an approach to sore joints. The effects of the pine bark extract showed significant lower levels of blood glucose and improved endothelial function when compared to placebo. Your erectile dysfunction problem could be decreased with this pine bark extract. Extracts taken from pine bark are said to relieve joint pain thanks to procyanidin, an important antioxidant it possesses. Further, some studies have found that pine bark can reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis by up to 43 percent, which sounds quite promising indeed.

Green Tea

Shutterstock.com

Green tea is the healthiest beverage and contains bioactive compounds that improve health. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee which does more than just keep you awake. Green tea increases the metabolism, helps regulate glucose levels reduce the risk of esophageal cancer and heart disease. Green tea have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging.

A popular and healthy herbal drink, green tea is said to improve your general health due to its high antioxidant content. And, regarding its effect on joint health, scientists have found that green tea helps prevent cartilage degradation, which is just what the doctor ordered for patients with arthritis. Though, be aware that green tea has a caffeine content comparable to coffee so consuming too much could cause an upset stomach.

Rose Hip

pixabay.com

The rose hip, is the fruit of the rose plant also known as rose haw or rose hep. It contains carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene which is appropriate treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The hairy seed of rose hips must be discarded before eating as that can lead to severe itching. On top of being rich in immune boosting vitamin C, rose hips can be used as an effective pain reliever. Rose hip supplements can be found in capsule or oil form and, according to extensive research, they’ve been found to effectively combat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In fact, one-third of test subject found that rose hips helped reduce their joint pain when taken regularly.

Boswellia

pixabay.com

Boswellia is a genus of trees which produce true frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. Olibanum, another word for frankincense, is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain (rheumatism), bursitis, and tendonitis, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain, asthma, hay fever, sore throat, syphilis, painful menstruation, pimples, and cancer. The gum resin extracted from this little known plant has a positive and unique effect on joint health. Scientists claim that it reduces the white blood cell count in joint fluid, thereby improving arthritis sufferer’s joint functionality. In rare cases, boswellia has been associated with minor gastric discomfort, but typically this herbal supplement is effective and free of side effects.

Try it Out

Those who suffer chronic joint pain usually rely on pain killers and other pharmaceuticals to help them function on a daily basis. But, in the long run, relying on these methods alone could cause a number of additional problems and side effects including stomach ulcers and liver damage just to name a few. This is why general practitioners suggest that patients who suffer from arthritis should research and utilize a number of treatments and therapies in their fight against chronic pain. A change of diet, or increased exercise, can have dramatic effects, especially when combined with one or more of the herbal remedies mentioned above. Considering the relative lack of side effects associated with the use of these natural remedies, there is nothing to lose and possibly much to gain.

Chronic Pain Management

Seven techniques that effectively help you combat pain. Read next feature >