Spotlight Oct. 2018 Natural Herbs for Pain
NATURAL HERBS FOR PAIN – NON ADDICTIVE
Pain is one of the most common complaints that brings patients to their doctors. Chronic pain can affect those who have suffered from accidents, cancer, nerve – muscle – bone injuries or disorders, diabetes, and many others. Many take prescribed or over the counter medications for relief which all have side effects and/or are addictive. The following herbs are natural alternatives.
Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India. Researchers have concluded that the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic activities of boswellia serrata make it a promising treatment. Studies have shown that boswellia serrata extract can help reduce pain and swelling in people with arthritis. Some experienced a significant reduction in joint pain by up to 32 percent to 65 percent, which is comparable to prescription medications.
CBD (cannabinoids) provides relief of joint pain and swelling, and decrease joint destruction and disease progression due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Administration of CBD protected joints against severe damage, decreased progression, and produced improvement of arthritis in animal models. The first controlled trial showed that CBD administered over 5 weeks produced significant improvements in the intensity of pain on movement and at rest, quality of sleep, and inflammation. No serious adverse effects were observed.
Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors. In a 2012 study, ginger extract reduced inflammatory reactions in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as effectively as steroids did. Earlier studies showed that taking Ginger extract four times daily reduced osteoarthritis pain in the knee after three months of treatment. Another study showed Ginger taken twice daily worked about as well as ibuprofen taken three times daily for hip and knee osteoarthritis pain. A2010 study found that taking ginger caused a moderate to large reduction in muscular pain following an injury.
Dr. Kevin Kilday, PhD, D.PSc, Holistic Health Center Director, Specialties: Nutrition, Herbs, Alternative Cancer Solutions and Chronic Disease, 321-549-0711