Because our pain can be so widespread, I put this together, thinking of the different ways in which we tend to experience pain and how we might benefit from natural rememdies, many of which can be used with rx meds. I hope it will be helpful to you.
AROMATHERAPY FOR MUSCLES AND BONES:
All muscles work in antagonistic pairs and groups. As one set of muscle fiber contracts, its opposite set relaxes. Muscle movement produces waste such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. A good flow of blood to the muscles helps remove this waste, which is eventually excreted via the urinary system, skin, and lungs. When overworked or distressed, muscles become sticky and congested. Aromatherapy can help to improve muscle tone by detoxifying the system and normalizing the acid/alkaline composition of the blood. Treatment is geared to reducing stress and increasing flexibility. This can be achieved by using a combination of methods: mineral salt baths, aromatherapy massage, compresses, gentle stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises.
ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM:
--symptoms and causes: there are many forms of arthritis and rheumatism, including bursitis, gout, sciatica, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by natural wearing of the joints as the body ages, whereas RA is an aggressive disease leading to destruction of the joints. In all cases, movement of the joints can be painful and restricted, and they can also swell periodically. Some possible causes (other than specific diseases) of pain in the joints are heredity, chronic emotional depression, age-related wear and tear, food allergies, injury, or over-use of muscles and joints.
--recommended essential oils:
1.) Celery seed: exceptional diuretic properties that help to dissolve accumulated lactic acid in joints, clearing body of toxins and purifying blood; effect on mind is one of hope. (avoid during pregnancy)
2.) Frankincense: helps with chronic emotional depression, releasing past anger and hurt; forgiving oil that helps person concerned come to terms with whatever problem may have or had; also helps relax body.
3.) Juniper berry: helps eliminate lactic acid and swelling, easing stiff movement and pain. (avoid during pregnancy)
Synergistic blend:
2 drops celery seed
1 drop frankincense
3 drops juniper berry
Massage carrier base:
15 ml (1/2 fl. oz.) sunflower oil
15 drops hypericum oil
3 drops neem seed oil
CAUTION: NEVER apply massage over inflamed and swollen joints—allow swelling to go down before gently massaging affected area!!
Methods of use:
Regular full body massage
Massage gently above (not directly on) painful joints
Bath salts in bath
Compress
Other useful essential oils:
Cajaput (avoid during pregnancy), Roman chamomile (avoid during pregnancy), cedarwood (Atlas and Virginian), cypress, eucalyptus (E. globulus) (avoid use with babies and young children), ginger, lavendar (avoid during pregnancy; avoid use with epilepsy), lemon (phototoxic—avoid the sun when using this oil), Spanish marjoram, niaouli (avoid during pregnancy; avoid use for babies and young children), rosemary (avoid during pregnancy; avoid use with high blood pressure; avoid use with epilepsy; avoid use with liver problems, including alcholism), sweet thyme
Handy hint:
Take 3 500mg caps evening primrose oil or borage oil daily.
MUSCULAR ACHES AND PAINS:
--symptoms and causes: muscular aches and pains are one of the most common reasons for people to visit their doctor. Generally, causes range from pulled muscles, poor posture, and repetitive movement to over-exertion. Pain, if caused by a recent injury, will be sharp. For old injuries and muscular tension, pain is usually a dull ache. Stiffness and cramps may also occur in the joints.
--recommended essential oils:
1.) Black pepper: aids circulation, has cleansing properties that give tone to skeletal muscles, making it useful for muscular aches and pains, tired and aching limbs and muscular stiffness; use before excessive exertion or sport.
2.) Peppermint: can be warming or cooling for tired muscles and helps general numbness in limbs. (avoid use with babies and young children; avoid use with skin sensitivity; not for use with homeopathic remedies)
3.) Rosemary: stimulating, pain-relieving agent; helps dissolve lactic acid and ease tired, overworked muscles. (avoid during pregnancy; avoid use with high blood pressure; avoid use with epilepsy; avoid use with liver problems, including alcholism)
Synergistic blend:
2 drops black pepper
2 drops peppermint
2 drops rosemary
Massage carrier base:
15 ml (1/2 fl. oz.) sunflower oil
15 drops hypericum oil
3 drops neem seed oil
CAUTION: NEVER massage if muscle is inflamed and swollen—use cold compress instead!!
Methods of use:
Regular full body massage
Massage gently above (not directly on) painful joints
Bath salts in bath
Compress
Other useful essential oils:
Angelica (phototoxic—avoid the sun when using this oil), basil (maximum level use=2%), bergamot (phototoxic—avoid the sun when using this oil), cajaput (avoid during pregnancy), clove (avoid use with skin sensitivity), coriander, eucalyptus (E. globulus) (avoid use with babies and young children), fennel (avoid if taking paracetamol; avoid during pregnancy; avoid use for babies and young children; avoid use with epilepsy; avoid use with liver problems, including alcoholism), ginger, juniper berry (avoid during pregnancy), sweet marjoram (avoid during pregnancy), Spanish marjoram, lavendar (avoid during pregnancy; avoid use with epilepsy), and sweet thyme
BACK PAIN:
--symptoms and causes: Many things can cause back pain. Discomfort in a certain region can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain. It can be localized to one area or can spread to other regions, such as the leg. Movements can intensify the pain or improve it. Muscle strains are a common occurrence and result in acute and severe pain when the sufferer attempts to carry out certain movements, such as bending forward, turning over while lying down, or attempting to get into and out of a car. Lumbago is synonymous with chronic back pain; this is a dull ache across the lower regions of the back. There is no apparent cause; however, the most likely factor is the formation of nodules and fibrous congestion, which impinge on nearby nerves. If the pain radiates down the back of the legs behind the knees, then cause could be sciatica, in which the vertebrae of the spine misalign and inflame or trap a nerve root.
--recommended essential oils:
1.) Bay: helps nerve-end pain; has warming effect where there is coldness within muscles.
2.) Clove: has pain-relieving properties affecting nerve-end pathways that can help with localized pain.
3.) Lemon: superb tonic to circulatory system, cleansing body of waste; works well with neuralgic pain.
Synergistic blend:
2 drops bay
1 drop clove
2 drops lemon
Massage carrier base:
15 ml (1/2 fl. oz.) sunflower oil
15 drops hypericum oil
Methods of use:
Regular full body massage
Gentle massage over painful area
Bath salts in bath
Compress
Other useful essential oils:
Cajaput, Roman chamomile, eucalyptus (E. globulus), ginger, lavandin, lavendar, sweet marjoram, peppermint, and rosemary)
Handy hint:
With lower back problems, deep thumb stroking in circular movement over whole of lower back and bottom will help increase circulation of lumbar muscles, thereby reducing tightness and knotted areas. This will help break up fibrous congestion, clear edema, and ease pain in lower back.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR NERVE PAIN:
Pain is an essential part of life. It provides crucial information about your environment that helps you to avoid injury. Sometimes, however, a nerve or group of nerves that has already been injured continues to send pain signals to the brain. Although removing the cause of the pain might still be important, and you may in fact be in the process of doing so, in this situation the pain itself becomes a problem. Several medical terms are used to describe this condition, depending on the cause and location of the problem—neuralgia, neuropathic pain, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral neuritis all refer to types of nerve pain. Sciatic describes leg pain; lumbago, lower back pain; trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain. The cause of the original damage can be any number of factors. Although painkillers can be effective short-term, they tend to fall short of managing chronic nerve pain, mainly because their effects tend to wear off over time. Also, research has shown that an actual “rewiring” of the brain occurs with chronic pain that causes nerve impulses to repeatedly travel back and forth in a loop. When you are “hit” by periods of chronic pain, the brain somehow starts to expect the nerves to send pain messages. You are not only dealing with the signals from the damaged nerve, but the brain’s heightened awareness of those signals as well. You become hypersensitive to normal sensations such as light touch, vibration, or slight temperature changes, making it difficult to tell which sensations are reactions to environmental stimuli and which are the result of the brain’s “rewiring.”
Non-drug ways to help stop or manage the pain:
Here are a few additional healing strategies to try for nerve pain:
1.) Acupuncture. This ancient Oriental healing art has now been accepted by the NIH as a legitimate therapy for pain. It can sometimes work very well for nerve pain, especially when accompanied by electrical stimulation. **NOTE: If you have “electrical shock” pains, DO NOT receive electrical stimulation therapy.
2.) Physical therapy. These treatments, including rehabilitative exercise, deep heat, ultrasound, cold packs, manipulation or massage, and electrical stimulation, can also be very helpful for nerve pain. **NOTE: If you have “electrical shock” pains, DO NOT receive electrical stimulation therapy.
3.) Stress management techniques. Meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and other stress management techniques can be a central part of your approach to treating chronic pain. Because of the role the brain plays in expecting nerve pain, it may be possible to “rewire” your mental circuits to stop the cycle of pain or at least diminish its effects. Many hospitals and health centers either offer classes in such techniques or can refer you to classes at other locations. **NOTE: Check out the “How to Cope with Pain Blog” online.
Herbal Remedies:
1.) Cayenne (Capsicum annuum). Capsaicin, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain. Studies have proven its usefulness for arthritis, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy. This can require several weeks of regular use. Unlike regular painkillers, however, it does not produce a tolerance in the user. Several commercial creams are available, usually in concentrations of 0.25% to 0.75%. For max effectiveness, creams should be applied 4-6 times per day. CAUTION: Such creams can cause an intense burning sensation, especially in people with hypersensitive nerves. This does not mean further injury is occurring, but it can take some time getting used to. It’s best to start with very small amount of the lowest concentration cream and gradually guilt up to higher strength. Some doctors recommend a lidocaine cream (an rx topical anesthetic) and then applying the capsaicin product once the skin is numb. Continue until you can tolerate capsaicin by itself. DO NOT touch eyes after applying product, and WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER APPLYING!!
2.) St.-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum). Years before this herb became scientifically accepted as a depression remedy, it was a folk medicine used for many purposes, including wound healing and fighting off infections. Although not analgesic, has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps decrease sensations of pain. It also helps reduce muscle tension and spasms that often accompany nerve pain. Typical dosage: 900-1200 mg standardized extract per day. CAUTION: May increase skin reactions to sun exposure, especially in high doses. If you decide to try it, monitor your sun exposure and use sunscreen, especially if you are prone to sunburn.
3.) Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo). This tuber is a Chinese herb with potent pain-relieving properties. It is traditionally used for neuralgia, menstrual cramps, and GI spasms. It appears to act like codeine and other drugs in the opium family, modifying the perception of pain by specific centers in the brain. Also has antianxiety and sedative effects. Usually prescribed by practitioners of TCM as part of multi-herb formula based on patient’s overall condition. Typical dosage when taken as single herb: 1/2 tsp powedered herb 2-3 times daily. CAUTION: May produce fatigue, constipation, and occasional headache.
4.) Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula). This tree grows wild in Central America and northern parts of South America. The bark of its root works similarly to aspirin pain relievers by blocking an enzyme that produces inflammatory and pain-causing chemicals called prostaglandins. Also has mild sedative and anxiety-relieving properties. Typical dosage: 1-2 500mg caps powdered extract every 4-6 hours as needed.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint, which makes movement difficult and causes redness, swelling, and sometimes warmth. It can occur in any joint, but most commonly begins in the fingers, knees, and hips. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and RA. Arthritis can also be a symptom of other conditions or diseases. Osteoarthritis means that the actual structural components in the joints are wearing out. It sometimes follows a previous injury and is more common among people who have participated in competitive contact sports. In RA, the synovial membrane is inflamed. This inflammation creates additional tissue that causes distortion of the joins, which you can see from the outside. Unlike other types of arthritis, RA is a type of autoimmune disorder. It usually produces symptoms in just a few joints, most commonly the wrists.
Supplements that may provide some relief:
The following nutrients can help keep your joints limber and pain-free:
1.) B vitamins: 6.4 mg folic acid per day, 20 mcg vit B12, and some niacin (vit B3) may provide some relief.
2.) Vitamins C and D: This duo has been shown to help osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is essential to the body for making collagen, an important component of joints. 200 mg C per day may be enough; try 500 IU vit D.
3.) Vitamin E: This may help relieve some pain of arthritis. Try 400-600 IU daily.
4.) Boron: The RDF recommends 3 mg boron per day. Where people ingest 1 mg per day or less, arthritis rates are higher.
5.) Calcium: This is an important component of bone. It has been shown to decrease the amount of bone loss that occurs from long-term steroid use. Try 1000 mg per day.
6.) Glucosamine sulfate: This compound makes up the main component of cartilage in joints. It is not a pain reliever, and it can take up to 8 weeks to work. It works by helping to lubricate joints to prevent joints from rubbing together and causing pain. Try 500-1500 mg daily. CAUTION: Can cause mild digestive problems and should not be used by people with heart disease or diabetes.
Ease the pain these easy ways:
Lifestyle changes can make a difference in controlling arthritis symptoms. Here’s what the experts recommend:
1.) Take to the waters. Most practitioners suggest a program of regular exercise, but water exercise is especially good, since it doesn’t put additional pressure on the joints. This exercise must be coupled with periods of rest.
2.) Do a dietary check-in. Many doctors recommend increasing the amount of whole, unprocessed foods you eat. Some people with arthritis find that a vegetarian diet can reduce the symptoms. You might also find it helpful to cut back on coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and dairy products, since these foods tend to foster inflammation. Food sensitivities or allergies may also play a role in arthritis, and many people find some relief by eliminating certain foods. The most common foods that can affect arthritis are members of the nightshade family, such as eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes.
3.) Watch your weight. Yes, you’ve heard it before! But being overweight in relations to the size of your frame and the thickness of your bones puts undue stress on the joints of the lower extremities.
Keeping joints from creaking:
Remember the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz”? His joints were so rusted he could barely squeak out the words, “Oil can. Oil can…” Consuming the following oils won’t work on painful joints as quickly as the Tin Man’s solution—but they are good substitutes for costly evening primrose oil because of their high levels of either gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) or of the chemicals your body uses to make GLA:
1.) Borage seed oil
2.) Black currant seed oil
3.) Fish oils
4.) Flaxseed oil
5.) Nut oils
6.) Safflower oil
Herbal remedies:
1.) Cayenne and other peppers (Capsicum spp.). Peppers contain a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent known as capsaicin. This compound blocks a chemical in the body that acts as a signal. Capsaicin can be found in many commercial creams and ointments for arthritis pain. Typical dosage: a cream containing 0.25% to 0.75% capsaicin applied daily. CAUTION: Such creams can cause an intense burning sensation, especially in people with hypersensitive nerves. This does not mean further injury is occurring, but it can take some time getting used to. It’s best to start with very small amount of the lowest concentration cream and gradually guilt up to higher strength. Some doctors recommend a lidocaine cream (an rx topical anesthetic) and then applying the capsaicin product once the skin is numb. Continue until you can tolerate capsaicin by itself. DO NOT touch eyes after applying product, and WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER APPLYING!!
2.) Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis). The seed from this plant contains the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenis acid (GLA), which has an effect on inflammation. For this reason, the seed oil may significantly help arthritis pain, especially in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. It may even allow you to reduce the amount of NSAID’s you take. **NOTE: This oil is expensive, but other substitutes are available—see article above. Typical dosage: up to 12 caps per day, OR 1/2 tsp oil per day.
3.) Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum). The linoleic acid found in flaxseed oil may also be beneficial for arthritis because it alters how the body breaks down prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation. Typical dosage: 2 Tbsp oil per day in food (use on top of cereal or as salad dressing).
4.) Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). The least painful way to take this plan is to steam or dry the leaves, which removes their sting. Nettles are high in boron, a mineral recommended for arthritis. Typical dosage: up to 6 435mg caps per day; OR 1 cup tea per day divided into 2 or 3 doses (steep 1 tsp dried herb in 1 cup hot water for 10 min).
5.) Ginger (Zingiber officinale). This root has traditionally been used in India to treat arthritis. Components of ginger can inhibit the production of prostaglandins, perhaps better than arthritis drugs. Typical dosage: up to 8 500-600mg caps per day; OR 1/2 to 1 tsp fresh ground root per day; OR 10-20 drops tincture in water 3 times per day. CAUTION: doses of ginger higher than these should NOT be used by people with diabetes, heart problems, or bleeding problems.
6.) Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum preocumbens). This herb from Africa has traditionally been used for most types of arthritis. The tubers contain a group of chemicals called iridoids that have anti-inflammatory activity. Typical dosage: up to 6 400-500mg caps per day; OR 30 drops tincture 3 times per day. CAUTION: Do NOT take if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers.
7.) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis). Contains compounds called polyphenols that may help the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Black tea may also be beneficial. Typical dosage: several cups of green tea per day is safe (follow manufacturer’s instructions on tea bags). Because extracts vary widely in concentration, follow manufacturers’ recommendations on dosage of extracts.
8.) Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Typically thought of as a relief for headache, feverfew has also been used for arthritis. Typical dosage: up to 3 300-400mg caps per day; OR 2 avg-sized fresh leaves per day; OR 15-30 drops tincture per day. CAUTION: Do NOT take during pregnancy.
9.) Turmeric (Curcuma longa). A common Indian spice, turmeric has also been used as a treatment for arthritis. Its active ingredient, curcumin, inhibits production of prostaglandins. Turmeric can be taken in food, or applied topically to the joint as a poultice to relieve pain. Typical dosage: 250-500mg standardized caps up to 3 times daily; OR up to 1 tsp per day in food; OR 10-30 drops tincture up to 3 times per day. CAUTION: High doses of curcumin may irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. Do NOT take if you have ulcers, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction. NOT recommended during pregnancy.
10.) Yucca (Yucca brevifolia). Many Native American tribes use yucca as a food, especially the fruits of this cactus-like plant. It has traditionally been used as an arthritis remedy. Extracts reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness of arthritis. Yucca can be used either internally or externally on the joint. Typical dosage: up to 4 490mg caps per day.
11.) Willow (Salix alba and other Salix spp.). Willow is probably the oldest herb known to treat pain and inflammation. The inner bark of this plant contains salicin, which is changed to salicylic acid in the body, of which the active compound in aspirin is derived. Typical dosage: up to 6 400mg caps per day.
12.) Boswellia (Boswellia serrata). This gum resin is an Ayurvedic remedy for arthritis. Boswellia is sometimes mixed with turmeric and another Ayurvedic remedy, ashwaganda. Typical dosage: up to 3 400mg caps per day.
13.) Pineapple (Ananas comosus). When fresh, not canned, this fruit contains bromelain, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that many people find useful for arthritic conditions. Typical dosage: 3-4 40mg caps per day; OR simply enjoy eating more pineapple in your regular diet.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR BURSITIS AND TENDONITIS:
Many people overdo. Any time you put excessive or unaccustomed demands on your body, you risk stirring up inflammation. Repetitive motions are particularly likely to inflame two joint structures: the tendons and the bursae. A tendon attaches muscle to bone. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction in joints. Tendonitis is likely to affect the wrist, shoulder, elbow, and knee; bursitis, the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Both can occur at once.
When to call your doctor:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, check in with your doctor or other health care practitioner. You may have an injury that needs more than home care:
1.) Significant pain and swelling
2.) Loss of significant range of motion in that joint
3.) No improvement in the injury after 2 or 3 days of rest and ice
The commonsense soreness cure:
If you suspect you’ve inflamed a tendon or bursa, protect it from further motion. Put your arm in a sling if your shoulder or elbow hurts. Get off your feet if it’s your knee or hip. After a few days of babying the injury, begin to put the affected joint through its full range of motion, gently. Otherwise, you risk getting what’s called a frozen joint. Frozen shoulder syndrome is particularly common and requires physical therapy to break up the adhesions that being to bind the joint. While lying on the couch, apply a commercial cold pack, a bag of crushed ice, or a bag of frozen peas or corn, over a damp cloth to protect your skin. Leave the ice in place for 15-20 minutes and repeat 3-4 times a day for the first few days.
The healing power of proteases:
Proteases are protein-digesting enzymes. They can help resolve inflammation by breaking down some of the inflammatory debris and improving circulation. Studies have shown benefits of proteases following blunt trauma and minor athletic injuries. Two common proteases are found in fruits: Papaya contrains papain and pineapple contains bromelain. These can also be taken, between meals, in supplemental form. You may also take a protease comination that includes bromelain, papin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Enzyme combinations vary product to product, so follow manufacturer’s directions on dosage.
Herbal remedies:
1.) Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Long prized as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric is used for its active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric is used both topically and internally for sprains and other muscle injuries. Typical dosage: 400-600mg caps 3 times per day. (Some products formulate curcumin with bromelain to improve absorption from the intestines, or with flaxseed oil to boost anti-inflammatory effects.) CAUTION: High doses of curcumin may irritate dhte lining of the stomach and intestines. Do NOT take if you have ulcers, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction. NOT recommended during pregnancy.
2.) Ginger (Zingiber officinale). With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties, ginger works very well. It inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A compound in ginger can mildly reduce pain, probably by blocking the nerves’ transmission of pain signals. Typical dosage: up to 8 500mg caps per day; OR 10-20 drops tincture 3 times per day; OR 1/2 to 1 tsp ground root per day; OR 1/3 oz. fresh ginger (about a 1/4" slice) per day. CAUTION: Do NOT use if you have gallbladder disease.
3.) Cayenne (Capsicum annuum). Topical use of capsaicin, the compound that gives hot peppers their kick, has been the focus of a LOT of pain research. When first applied, it initially activates pain nerves, then renders then unresponsive, thereby relieving pain. It will also increase blood flow and make the injured area feel warm. This effect may not do much for the deeper pain of tendonitis and bursitis. But it has benefits as an antioxidant when taken internally, and it contains high concentrations of salicylic acid, from which the active chemical compound in aspirin is derived. Typical dosage: up to 3 400-500mg caps per day; OR 5-10 drops tincture in water. CAUTION: Be sure to wash hands THOROUGHLY after applying cayenne or capsaicin creams to avoid spreading the heat to eyes, nose, or other sensitive tissues.
4.) Willow (Salix alba and other Salix spp.). This tree and other salicylate-containing plants—meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmario), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), and black birch bark (Betula lenta)—are very mild pain relievers. Typical dosage: 3 500mg caps per day; OR 5-10 drops tincture in water 3 times per day. CAUTION: Excessive doses may irritate the GI tract. Do NOT use wintergreen or black birch oil internally!!
5.) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This sweet-tasting root inhibits inflammation in several ways. It acts much like your body’s own natural corticosteroids. Typical dosage: 500mg cap 3 times per day; OR 20-30 drops tincture 3 times per day; OR 3 cups tea per day (boil 1/2 tsp herb in 1 cup water 15 min). Because licorice has an intensely sweet taste, you might want to blend it with other herbs when you make tea. CAUTION: Do NOT take for more than 6 weeks. Do NOT take if you are on diuretics, if you’re pregnant, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, kidney, liver, or heart disease.
6.) Boswellia (Boswellia serrata). This gum resin extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Typical dosage: follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
7.) Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens). Scientific studies have confirmed this her reduces pain and inflammation. Typical dosage: up to 6 500mg caps per day; OR 30 drops tincture 3 times per day. CAUTION: Do NOT take is you have gastric or duodenal ulcers.
8.) Peppermint (Mentha x piperita).Mint contains menthol, an aromatic oil. It acts as a counterirritant—a substance that causes an irritation that blocks another form of irritation. Many commercial and herbal liniments contain menthol; use them as the manufacturer directs. Or combine 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil with 1 oz. vegetable oil and apply as needed to the sore area. CAUTION: Some people develop an allergic skin rash when they contact peppermint essential oil or pure menthol. Try a test patch before using a methol-containing ointment.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:
This disorder of a nerve in the wrist affects thousands of people. CTS involves the compression of the median nerve, which passes between the bones and the ligaments of the wrist through what is the called the carpal tunnel. When this nerve is repeatedly compressed, it can react by swelling. Typical symptoms include a tingling feeling in the affected fingers, weakness, pain upon gripping, shooting pains that go into the fingers or up into the forearm, a sensation of tingling when the wrist is tapped, or increased pain at night, especially if the wrists are bent. The thumb, and any of the next three fingers might be affected. This disorder can occur in one or both hands.
Supplements for Suppleness:
If you’re at risk for developing CTS, you may want to check your intake of the following nutrients:
1.) Vitamin B6. Deficiency of this vitamin may contribute to CTS. While 25 mg is considered adequate, some treatments for CTS involved taking 200 mg for 2-3 weeks, then 100 mg for another 1-2 weeks. Results not usually seen for a month, sometimes 6 weeks. CAUTION: Discuss this with your doctor, as high doses can be toxic. This vitamin also works best in combination with others, so doctor’s advice is doubly crucial.
2.) Vitamin C with bioflavinoids. Vital to tissue repair and healing, can contribute to reducing inflammation; also plays a significant role in connective tissue regeneration. Typical dosage: 1000mg with each of 3 meals.
3.) Bromelain. Anyone requiring surgery for CTS should take for its ability to lessen swelling and inflammation. If you choose not to undergo surgery, helps prevention further tissue inflammation. Typical dosage: 500mg 1-3 times daily.
4.) Grapeseed extract. AKA pycnogenol, contains powerful compounds that inhibit swelling and inflammation; also good for your heart. Typical dosage: 500mg 2-3 times per day.
Caring for hard-working wrists:
In addition to taking herbs internally, there’s a great deal you can do to prevent CTS or treat a mild case before it worsens. You can apply herbs topically, or you can wear a wrist splint through the night or while working. Take frequent breaks, stretching your wrist and neck muscles when you do. Many doctors advise consulting a physical therapist for an individually tailored exercise program that takes into account the severity of your condition. One suggested exercise involves resting your forearm on a table or desk. With the other hand, grab the resting hand’s fingertips. Pull back gently for 3-5 seconds. Repeat for the other hand. Other ways to take the burden off your wrists:
1.) Hydrotherapy. Alternating between cold and hot packs may bring some pain relief, although the effect is usually only temporary.
2.) Acupuncture or acupressure. Either technique may help stimulate circulation and relieve pain. Consult a qualified practitioner trained in these disciplines.
Herbal remedies:
1.) Turmeric (Curcuma longa). This common kitchen spice contains a substance that can lower prostaglandin levels and reduce inflammation. Typical dosage: 300mg cap (standardized to 90% curcumin, that active ingredient) 1-3 times per day; OR 10-30 drops of tincture up to 3 times per day; OR up to 1 tsp powdered spice per day in food.
2.) Boswellia (Boswellia serrata). This tree resin can block the production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, two body chemicals that favor inflammation. It has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for various types of joint, nerve, and muscle pain. Typical dosage: 300-350mg in caps 2-3 times per day (look for products that contain 65% boswellic acid).
3.) Gingko (Gingko biloba). Concentrated extracts of compounds from this tree’s leaves increase blood flow and reduce swelling. Gingko also protects nerves and helps them heal. Typical dosage: 60mg extract in caps or tabs standardized to 24$ flavones glycosides, 2-3 times per day.
Hope this will be helpful! Hugs,
jen
