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Supporting joints & muscles is essential, especially as we age. However, there are a number of herbs that can help. Learn more here.
Herbs for Joint and Muscle problems
INTERNAL USE
Some useful herbs include:
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an African plant, used by herbalists for its anti-inflammatory action that makes in beneficial in many sorts of joint or muscle inflammation.
Birch (Betula pubescens/alba) is a traditional remedy for arthritis due to its reputed anti-inflammatory effect. Combines well with devil’s claw, meadowsweet, dandelion and red clover.
Willow bark (Salix alba) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) contain similar compounds to aspirin, (aspirin was originally isolated from willow bark), but do not have the same adverse effects on the digestive system. Herbalists use willow for its anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties. Combines well with birch, devil’s claw, cramp bark and prickly ash to reduce inflammation and discomfort in arthritis.
Nettle (Urtica dioca)is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial in arthritis, and is used by herbalists to remove toxins. It is especially useful in gout to help the body get rid of excess uric acid. Can be taken as a herbal infusion or fresh plant juice.
Celery seed is reputed to help the excretion of uric acid and also traditionally used for arthritic conditions. Take as a herbal tea or as a fresh plant juice.
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is traditionally used for spasmodic muscular conditions and muscular rheumatism either as a herbal tea or tincture.
EXTERNAL USE
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) once known as Knitbone, has a long history of use as a tissue healer and anti- inflammatory for arthritis, broken bones, muscular tears and sprains. It is seldom used internally nowadays and is best used externally as a compress combined with arnica or as a cream.
Arnica (Arnica montana) is a very well known anti-inflammatory herb used mainly to reduce brusing and swelling after injury.
Aromatherapy can help arthritic conditions and muscular tension. Warming oils are used to increase circulation and remove toxins from joints and muscles, therefore easing inflammation and discomfort.
Essential oils such as black pepper, juniper, lavender, rosemary or sweet marjoram can be massaged onto affected areas diluted in comfrey or arnica base oil.