We often have herbs within arm’s reach from our cooking station, to add flavor to a family meal, romantic meal, or a healthy meal. It can change an ordinary chicken dish into a work of art from its flavor to its visual, tantalizing appearance. So how do herbs tie into our mission at MPR? Well, we do have some culinary hobbyists onboard, but for the purpose of this document, let’s focus on its medicinal purposes. So stock up on those planters, dirt, watering cans, and herb seeds and let’s get the garden started. Of course, be sure to research eco-friendly deer deterrent options, I’d hate to see all your hard work gobbled up at dusk!
Before we get started on the top herbs for alleviating arthritic pain, let’s take a look at some arthritic symptoms, as they relate to the knee. It’s important to be sure that your symptoms fall within the area so we can accurately partner up the symptom with herbal treatment options.
Symptoms associated with arthritic pain:
- Gradual increase in pain: can develop suddenly, but it is usally a gradual occurrence
- Swelling or tenderness: this can be due to extra fluid in the knee or from bone spurs
- Buckling or locking: overall weakness can cause this to happen to the joint
- Cracking or popping sounds: a result of loss of cartilage
- Deformities of the knee: general change in the appearance of the knee
Now that we have identified some of the symptoms, let’s get to the informative part; holistic use of herbs. Many of these herbs may be familiar to you, however, some of their uses may come as a surprise.
Aloe Vera: This healing gel can be applied to achy joints.
Boswellia: Also known as frankincense, this alternative medicine works to block leukotrienes which are also known to attack healthy joints.
Cat’s claw: Used to help reduce swelling in arthritis. The downside is that it can overstimulate the immune system and make arthritic pain worse.
Eucalyptus: The leaves can be used to treat pain.
Ginger: Often used to soothe the digestive track, this compound has some healing qualities too.
Green Tea: This herb treats inflammation and can be taken in either beverage or tablet format.
Thunder God Vine: This herb can be applied directly on the skin and can help with rheumatoid arthritis.
Turmeric: Not only known for it’s vibrant color but also for its ant-inflammatory properties.
Keep in mind, that although holistic, these herbs can have serious side effects so be sure to do additional research. Who knew a herb could be so healing? Well now you do! In closing, when treating arthritic pain whether in your knees, fingers, shoulders, etc. it is important to keep in mind that herbal supplements are best used to compliment a medically supervised arthritis treatment program.
At Monmouth Pain & Rehabilitation, we are a multi-disciplinary facility with a comprehensive Arthritis Treatment Program. Our practices are conveniently located in Red Bank and Wall Township, NJ and come highly recommended by physicians across Monmouth and Ocean County. Fill out the form on this page or give us a call at 732-345-1377. Let us know you read our blog and you will receive a FREE consultation (a $245 value).
