Joint Pain
Joint pain can be a real stifler to the aging persons quality of life. Although joint pain is often associated with aging, any person of any age can experience joint pain. Inflammation is one of the driving factors that cause joint pain and is characterised by swelling, redness, sometimes heat, stiffness and tendinous to touch.
Can you relate?
Pain and inflammation can go as far as making you feel physically ill and irritable.
Not nice!
Sometimes, there can be an element of arthritis of osteo or rheumatoid nature that can worsen these symptoms and you quality of life.
Many people are turning to natural medicines to deal with their pain and arthritic ailments. This is because people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits natural medicines have in reducing pain, inflammation and removing toxins from the body. A process that can only benefit the body as a whole.
Some herbs stimulate our detoxing organs to rid the body of toxic metabolic waste, such as those that target the liver, skin, kidneys, lymphatic system and intestines. Toxic waste that is left to its own avail is allowed to run ramped around the body, entering tissues and amping up inflammation. This reduces the body’s resources for addressing the joint inflammation that is presenting elsewhere.
Let’s look at some easy access herbs that have shown absolute promise in reducing pain, inflammation and toxic waste.
Ginger
One of the easiest herbs to access and one of the most versatile. Often use to ease cold and flu symptoms or nausea when travelling, ginger is also an effective anti-inflammatory herb. Research has demonstrated its ability to target similar pathways to anti-inflammatory medications, reducing the internally made chemicals that increase the symptoms of inflammation. This in turn reduces pain and swelling.
It is important if you are on anti-coagulant medication that you seek advice from a health professional before utilising ginger.
Turmeric
The herb that has received much hype in recent years, but it is not unwarranted. The deeply orangey-yellow culinary herb is a beneficial addition for any inflammatory condition that exists in the body. It is high in antioxidant content and has been shown to have a similar effect to NSAIDS drugs. The herb increases circulatory efficacy, allowing blood to enter the tissues and spaces that it is need for the reduction of inflammation and repair processes.
Turmeric also possesses anti-coagulant properties and should therefore be taken under the guidance of a health professional if you are on anti-coagulant medications (or blood thinners).
Flaxseeds
High in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds are the perfect addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids for vegans and vegetarians and are active in supporting a healthy immune system. It is important that you first crush or grind the seeds and soak them for ease of digestion. Smoothies or uncooked oats are an effective way to utilise flaxseeds as they should not be heated. Heating will reduce their omega-3 content and damage the beneficial anti-inflammatory properties of the seeds.
Olive oil
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil has long been used in the Mediterranean diet, promoting good health and longevity. The healthy fats and antioxidants that are contained within good quality olive oil have demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits that have withstood the test of time in efficacy and criticism.
Just by adding these wonder herbs and oils into your diet and improving your diet overall, you can, overtime reduce the damage inflammation can cause and say goodbye to pain!