Joint Pain Relief - Herbal Medications

Aside from over-the-counter medications, there are also herbal alternatives that are best suited for joint pain relief. Herbal medicines have been tried and tested by the majority of cultures and countries and at times, deemed more effective compared to the chemically concocted drugs. The foremost advantage of using herbal medications is that they are considered safer to use, cheaper, and readily accessible. You might be surprised that solutions for your aching joints can be easily located in your kitchen, garden, or from local groceries.

Joint pain is considered natural for all individuals since its one of the side-effects of aging. All solutions therefore can only target the elimination or reduction of its inflammatory symptoms. Among the widely used herbs for joint pain include the following:

Ginger

Ginger is a very common ingredient used in cooking, but a lot of people are not familiar with the healing benefits of this herb. Ginger can be used to help improve several throat and stomach problems through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For joint pain relief, ginger works by inhibiting the production of leukotrienes, prostaglandin, and thromboxane, natural body chemicals that cause inflammation around the joints and other body parts that are injured. If you can't bear chewing or eating ginger on itself, it can be added to your regular drink like tea, warm beverages, etc.

White Willow Bark

Before aspirins came, the bark of white willow tree is already a standard in treating joint pains. White willow natively grows in Asia and parts of Europe. Its bark is known to contain salicin or acetylsalicylic acid, one of the active ingredients of most aspirin today. Compared to the regular aspirin tablets or capsules sold in the market, the white willow bark provides longer anti-inflammatory effects and don't produce irritating side-effects on the stomach. This herb can be bought in bark form which can be added to your drink, or in capsulated form.

Cayenne

Cayenne is a topical solution for the symptoms of arthritis or for joint pain relief. The herb is a type of pepper that produces heating effects when applied on the joints or the surface of the skin. Among its components is capsicum, one of the ingredients commonly used in the production of ointments, liniments, or topical cream solutions.

Turmeric

Turmeric is also one of the popular herbal medicines traditionally known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also termed as curcumin in several countries. The herb is effective in prevention and cure of certain conditions like arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis pain, and certain liver concerns.

Alfalfa Leaf

The leaf of the alfalfa plant is also effective for joint pain relief. Instead of inhibiting or counteracting the causes of inflammation, the leaf primarily ensures the health or provision of nutrition around the joints to prevent swelling and pain. The leaf can be prepared and taken together with your hot or cold beverages or regular drinks.

Cherry Juice or Extract

If you love eating fruits, why not try adding up cherry juice or extract in your diet if you suffer from chronic joint pains. Cherry is noted for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties by producing certain active alkaloids like anthrocyanadins. The fruit also contains antioxidants that help in reducing known toxins like nitric oxide that contribute to arthritic pain.