Natural healing Solving the Pain Puzzle
(Page 2 of 9)
May/June 2003
By Kim Erickson
Herbal Help
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Fortunately, a number of natural methods can defeat pain without relying on risky over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The following herbs offer relief through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. But, instead of dealing a deathblow to COX-2, these herbs modulate the production of prostaglandins, thereby keeping inflammation in check.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata): Long used by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat inflammatory diseases, boswellia binds to the enzymes that cause inflammation. German researchers recently found that the herb is an effective remedy for the chronic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. To ease arthritic pain, take 150 mg three times daily.
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): Because it is rich in potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds, most researchers credit the iridoid glycosides in devil’s claw for this herb’s pain-relieving potential. During one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 63 participants with lower-back pain took devil’s claw or a placebo for four weeks. At the end of the study, those taking the herb reported a significant improvement in muscular pain and stiffness compared to the placebo group. While the recommended dosage to alleviate pain is 100 to 250 mg three times a day, don’t take this herb if you suffer from ulcers or gallstones or if you’re taking warfarin.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): This tasty herb, traditionally used to soothe digestive woes, is also a potent COX-2 inhibitor. The keys, say researchers, are gingerols — compounds that hamper the release of arachidonic acid. In a study conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia, researchers found that ginger was just as effective as aspirin at inhibiting COX-2. For best results, take 2,000 to 4,000 mg a day or drink 3 to 4 cups of ginger tea. Although ginger is a safe herb, it may interact with some cancer drugs and certain blood-thinning medications.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): In a double-blind clinical trial conducted by New York’s Presbyterian Hospital and Cornell University, arthritis patients given turmeric reported a significant decrease in inflammation. The reason behind the herb’s effectiveness is curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its deep-yellow color. Curcumin directly inhibits the COX-2 enzyme and the formation of prostaglandins. For chronic pain, take 400 to 600 mg of a standardized curcumin supplement three times daily.
Willow bark (Salix spp.): Often called “herbal aspirin,” willow bark is a natural source of salicylic acid — the active compound in aspirin. When they compared it to Vioxx, Australian researchers found willow bark just as effective as the pharmaceutical drug for pain and inflammation, but without its negative side effects. The recommended dosage is 1,000 to 3,000 mg of the powdered herb daily as needed. Although willow bark has been safely used for 3,500 years, do not use the herb if you are allergic to aspirin. Rarely, willow can cause stomach upset in aspirin-sensitive individuals; reduce the dose or discontinue the herb if this occurs. People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should also avoid using willow bark.
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