HEALTH – Your health is your greatest wealth. Maintaining healthy joints is one of the best ways to remain physically active. This is because your joints enable you to move your arms, legs, fingers, toes, back and other body parts.
There is no better feeling than being able to stay active and enjoy flexibility even into your golden years. Joint pain and inflammation can be caused by several factors which include arthritis, systemic inflammatory disorders, hypermobility syndrome, and other medical conditions. Apart from eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising, there are several herbal supplements as explained in this Joint Health Guide that are good for your joint health.
One area we will cover in greater depth is CBD oil which can be used for pain treatment as well. Find out more on CBD oil.
Let’s look at 5 other natural herbs for reducing joint inflammation.
- Ginger
You may have used ginger in your kitchen for cooking and spicing up your tea but did you know that ginger can help diminish inflammation and joint pain? The Asians have used ginger for centuries to treat joint swellings and inflammation.
Studies have shown that regular consumption of ginger can relieve the pain that is caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. You can add fresh peeled ginger to your smoothies and shakes. You can also make herbal tea using powdered ginger.
- Green Tea
Green tea is a popular beverage around the world and people take this healthy drink for a number of reasons. Research has shown that the polyphenols found in green tea can help relieve inflammation and slow down cartilage destruction. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate, an antioxidant found in green tea is known to block the production of the molecules that lead to joint damage in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
- Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia, commonly known as the Indian Frankincense is an herb that is extracted from the Boswellia Serrata tree. The resin extracted from the Boswellia tree is believed to treat several health conditions which include chronic inflammation disease. Boswellia is also effective in preventing the loss of cartilage. The herb can be used in the cream form and should be applied to the affected joints according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow coloured powder that is used for cooking and making curries. Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric reduces inflammation and stiffness that is caused by arthritis and osteoarthritis. Clinical trials have also established that turmeric can help speed up the healing and recovery of damaged tissues. Patients have reported significant pain relief with the use of turmeric.
- Aloe Vera
The benefits of aloe vera are no secret. Aloe vera is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat many ailments that affect the human body. If you prefer natural remedies for relieving pain and inflammation, then you probably have a bottle of aloe vera in your medicine cabinet.
Aloe vera contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals and fatty acids which work together to soothe your itching joints. Aloe vera can be taken both topically or orally, however, you should exercise caution when eating raw aloe since it could be unsafe.
It is also important to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal medication.
