Herbal And Nutritional Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation
NSAIDS and opiates, the mainstream medicine treatment choice for pain and inflammation relief have severe side effects and lead to long term cellular and organ damage, even death. In addition, opiates are habit forming which may lead to opioid drug abuse and dependence.
It is best to choose an alternative system of pain relief and anti-inflammatory therapeutics from natural products especially from plants that can provide long lasting relief naturally with lesser side effects, if any. Designing personalized treatment plans that address each individual’s pain-causing problems along with improving the patient’s optimal, true health is equally important.
For minor sprains and strains, a hard workout at the gym inflamed muscles and joints for any other reason, choose a cold or hot cream/gel that is formulated with only natural ingredients like peppermint (menthol), capsaicin, and aloe vera, and arnica, among many other healing herbs. Caution to not apply on broken skin.
The many analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant nutrients available can be consumed from organic food sources, used as a single entity, or in a synergistic supplemental blend. For example:
Arnica comes in topical cream form, or in the form of homeopathic sublingual pellets. It is very effective on bruises, sprains and strains, or arthritis.
Capsaicin, derived from Cayenne pepper, is known for its potent pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be found as a cream, or in supplement form.
Bromelain, derived from pineapple stems, is a proteolytic enzyme known to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling by breaking down blood clots that may result from trauma. Bromelain can be compounded in numerous blended forms.
Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) reduces inflammation by improving blood flow, which also relieves muscle and joint pain. It can be used as a cream, or in supplement form.
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) is extremely useful for those suffering for osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, and especially fibromyalgia. It is advisable to take it along with a methylated vitamin B-12, and methyl-folate to help the body metabolize SAMe faster.
Consistent dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids either from various fish, in liquid or capsule supplemental form has been shown to provide significant reduction in many painful/inflammatory conditions, including discogenic neck and back pain. Flaxseed oil is an excellent omega-3 alternative for the vegetarian population.
Essential oils have been used for healing purposes for thousands of years. The best and purest therapeutic grade essential oils come from certified organic plants that are grown in their natural ecological habitat. They need to be harvested during specific seasons at specific times. The chemical constituents of each batch will then be analyzed via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry testing to ensure the purest healing properties.
Essential oils come in very concentrated form. For example, it takes 27 square feet of lavender plants to fill a 15 ml bottle with lavender oil, and 256 pounds of peppermint leaves are required to make 1 pound of peppermint oil.
Lavender, peppermint, frankincense, sweet marjoram, and wintergreen essential oils can bring soothing pain relief from sprain and strain injuries. They can be used individually or in blended form after while diluted in special organic carrier oils to prevent skin irritation.
Fresh ginger and turmeric can be enjoyed in food preparations, as a tea, or as a supplement form, as a powerful addition to the herbs and preparations found above.
Patients with possible internal bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, whiplash, concussion, and other injuries and conditions should avoid use of such natural remedies as Gingko biloba, bromelain, and other nutritional and botanical supplements that are known to provide an anti-coagulation effect along with their intended use, unless being under the care of an experienced physician that can closely monitor care.
There is a plethora of fad diets available for every style and desire. However, these are just what their name implies, fads. To truly allow the body to heal you need to consume the right foods that support healing in a natural way. Experience delicious meals you can prepare using meats from grass fed, grass finished animals; wild, line-caught fish, poultry from range-free sources, healthy fats from quality animals, vegetable and fruit oils from cold-pressed sources. Foods, and food ingredients that are unprocessed, unmanipulated, found and used in their most natural state promote healing, and optimal body function.
For more information and if you desire personal attention with an individualized treatment plan designed just for you, reach out to Dr. Stauceanu at www.4truehealth.com.
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References:
- Vasquez A. Inflammation Mastery, 4th Edition, Chapter 3: Concepts and Therapeutics in (Nondrug) Musculoskeletal Care and Integrative Pain Management
- Stengler M. Natural Healing Encyclopedia, Health Revelations L.L.C., 2015, pgs. 2-5
- Maroon et al. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surg Neurol. 2006 Apr;65:326-31
- Bent S et al. Spontaneous bleeding associated with ginkgo biloba. J Gen Intern Med. 2005 Jul;20(7):657-61
- Axe, J, et al. Essential Oils. Ancient Medicine, Axe Wellness, LLC, 2016, pgs. 59-61
- di Padova, C. S-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Am J Med. 1987 Nov 20;83(5A):60-5. PMID: 3318441
- Widrig, R et al. Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomized, double-blind study. Rheumatol Int. 2007 Apr;27(6):585-91. Epub 2007 Feb 22. PMID: 17318618
- Ballantyne, S. The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body, Victory Belt Publishing, Inc. 2013, pgs. 185-6
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