10 Herbs for Joint Pain

Arnica

This is a popular herb present in various commercial ointments externally applied to the skin. When applied as a balm or cream, arnica has been shown to serve as a natural pain reliever to alleviate soreness and stiffness. ^[1] The evidence of arnica's clinical value is rich that when a study was conducted to compare its effects with ibuprofen in 204 patients with active hand osteoarthritis, there was no difference found in pain and hand function improvements between ibuprofen and arnica tincture after 3 weeks of treatment. This study suggests that arnica formulation is comparable to ibuprofen in treating hand osteoarthritis, yet without the potential side effects of ibuprofen. ^[3]

Ginger

Ginger is traditionally known to aid nausea but research has also found convincing evidence of its success in combating arthritis. ^[2] Its active ingredients, gingerols, possess anti-inflammatory characteristics responsible for its medicinal actions. Ginger has been found to relieve pain by preventing cytokine formation, an immune chemical that triggers inflammation. Consequently, one 3 year study discovered that 75% of the participants with rheumatoid arthritis experienced improvements in pain and swelling after using powdered ginger. ^[1]

Stinging Nettle

Its name may sound daunting but once you have infused this herb in tea, skin rash that would be brought about by this plant's hairs will naturally be neutralized. After concocting tea made from dried or fresh leaves of stinging nettle, it may be used to alleviate pain linked to joint pain, arthritis and gout. ^[4]Exploratory studies that investigated the value of stinging nettle as a useful, safe and cheap therapy in treating joint pain have discovered nettles as being very effective to the extent that some subjects believed they have been cured by it without any major side effects. ^[5]

Cayenne

Researchers discovered how the interesting mechanism behind rubbing cayenne works to relieve joint pain; cayenne, through the presence of its active ingredient capsaicin, acts as a counterirritant to the pain by producing mild irritation to distract your nerves from the more severe joint pain. ^[2] Eventually, repeated application of cayenne pepper can significantly reduce arthritic pain. ^[4] Because of cayenne's anti-inflammatory properties, experts believe that it can also ease gout and gut-related pain like ulcers. ^[1]

Boswellia (Frankincense)

This tree commonly found in India attributes its therapeutic value to its gum which promotes anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic activities. A 2003 randomized controlled study that evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of boswellia extract in 15 patients with osteoarthritic knees concluded that this herb can decrease knee pain and frequency of swelling, increase knee flexion and walking distance after 8 weeks of usage with minimal side effects. ^[6] Moreover, boswellia is believed to prevent invasion of inflammatory white cells into damaged issue making it a natural pain killer for osteoarthritis, gout and possibly, other types of arthritis as well.

Burdock

According to research, when it comes to joint pains, increasing your intake of foods and supplements rich in essential fatty acids can really of great help. Aside from its sterol and tannin content, burdock contains high levels of essential fatty acids which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. ^[7]

Burdock root contains analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Studies show that burdock root helps in eliminating the discomforts caused by arthritis such as stiffening, swelling, tenderness, pain when moving. ^[8] Though generally safe to use, some have said that burdock should not be used long-term. ^[9]

Flax

For over 7,000 years, flax has been widely cultivated because of its powerful healing compounds. This potent herb is known for its Omega 3-ALA content which is noted for its ability to fight against inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids actually limit the inflammatory reactions caused by gout and joint pains. The use of flaxseed of oil proves to be effective in lessening the intensity of severe and sudden pain and swelling of the joints.

Turmeric

Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric is a powerful herb that aids in the treatment of a wide range of health conditions including gout, arthritis and joint pains. This excellent pain reliever works because of its curcuminoids and curcumin contents that help in reducing inflammation. ^[11]

In a study conducted at the University of Arizona, it was found out that intake of turmeric really helps in dealing with inflammation. Results showed that turmeric reduced swelling to a certain degree. Researchers concluded that turmeric works by blocking down the production of protein on genes that tell the tiny blood vessels to swell and grow. ^[12]

This famous yellow-orange spice is used to help people suffering from achy and sore joints. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study in 2009 which compared the effects of curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, and ibuprofen to 107 subjects who were suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Results showed that curcumin was as effective as ibuprofen in improving knee function and in alleviating pain.

Licorice

Licorice is probably one of the most popular herbs for joint pains. It works by resembling the activities of the body’s natural cortiscosteroids that help in relieving inflammation. Licorice also works by eradicating free radicals on the affected areas as well as in inhibiting the production of enzymes that contribute to inflammation. When used as a supplement or tea, licorice helps in controlling the body’s production of cortisol hormones which eases the pain associated with arthritis and joint pain.

Feverfew

A native herb from the Balkan Peninsula and Europe, feverfew also proves to be an excellent herb in relieving joint pain. Research has demonstrated that this herb is capable of reducing pain-causing inflammation in tissues and joints. Its parthenolide content inhibits the release of histamine, serotonin and other inflammatory agents that trigger the spasm of the blood vessels and promote inflammation. Like aspirin, feverfew works by reducing the inflammation and intensity of pain throughout the body.

Notes Do not expect these herbs however to instantly cure joint pain overnight. Some herbs take longer to work their magic than traditional medications. ^[1] However, their cumulative effects may be more effective and may be safer for long term use given the right dosage. Be diligent also in understanding the safety and contraindications of the herbs you are considering. If in doubt, or if you are taking prescription meds already, it's best to consult a physician before taking herbs. You can learn about many of the herbs on this site; however you can also search on "________ (herb name) safety" or _______ contraindications. This page is not medical advice.

Herbs For Joint Pain - References:

[1] http://www.natural-health-and-healing-4u.com/herbs-for-joint-pain.html

[2] http://www.herbalremedypro.com/joints.htm

[3] Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomised, double-blind study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17318618

[4] http://www.naturalnews.com/035251_arthritis_joint_pain_natural_remedies.html

[5] Nettle sting of Urtica dioica for joint pain--an exploratory study of this complementary therapy. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10581821

[6] Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12622457

[7] http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4815/5-Herbs-for-Arthritis-Joint-Pain.html

[8] http://www.livestrong.com/article/365541-burdock-root-for-arthritis-pain/

[9] http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/side-effects-of-burdock-root.html

[10] http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-flaxseed-oil.html

[11] http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4815/5-Herbs-for-Arthritis-Joint-Pain.html

[12] http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1910028,00.html

[13] http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/the-doctors-remedy-turmeric-for-joint-pain/

[14] http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4815/5-Herbs-for-Arthritis-Joint-Pain.html

[15] http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/feverfew-herbal-remedies.htm

Article researched and created by Cathy Ongking, © herbs-info.com 2013

Fire Cider!!! Fight That Cold or Flu With This Fermented Tonic

After reading an interview with Rosemary Gladstar about her Fire Cider and its benefits to the circulatory and immune systems, I decided to try my hand at making my own cold and flu fighting remedy.  Traditionally, Fire Cider is a vinegar infused with spicy herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Rosemary Gladstar first concocted Fire Cider at the California School of Herbal Studies in the early 1980's.  She used it as a way to introduce her students to part food/part medicine recipes they could use in their daily lives.   As Rosemary herself put it, "the whole idea was to transform America ~ and our health care system ~ one kitchen at a time, through herbalism!" With a base of apple cider vinegar which alone is one of the most useful remedies on earth, this cider is known for its ability to help fight off cold and flu symptoms during those cold months each year.    The great thing about fire cider is that with the exception of a few key ingredients, you can change what goes into your tonic based on what you have readily available year to year. Typically, fire cider includes a base of apple cider vinegar, horseradish root, fresh ginger, onion, garlic, and peppers.  I decided to use the following recipe: ~1 cup horseradish 1/2 cup ginger 1/2 cup turmeric 2-3 tsp black pepper seed 2 oranges quartered and thinly sliced 1 lemon quartered and thinly sliced 1 small onion diced 2 tbsp fresh rosemary 1 tbsp thyme 1/2 cup parsley 1/2 jalapeno pepper Enough raw apple cider vinegar to cover

After combining your ingredients, your simply give it a good swirl and cap the jar.  Let the fire cider sit in this jar for about a month make sure to give the jar a good swirl each day. Once a month has passed there are TONS of different ways for your to enjoy your fire cider vinegar and battle those cold month illnesses. One common practice is to take a couple of tablespoons daily throughout the colder months as a preventative measure, or even more often if you feel symptoms sneaking up on you.   Other people use it in a tea, or mix it into other drinks/recipes.  A few common practices include using fire cider as salad dressing, on cooked veggies/rice, or even in a shot glass as a healthy shot to start the day :)                I have been enjoying this batch of fire cider for a few weeks now and LOVE the way it tastes.  I have been adding a tiny amount of honey to a 1 oz shot each morning, and have been feeling great!  I have my second batch going now with the addition of elderberries which are known for their beneficial activity for an extra immune boosting/heart healthy ingredient!

Using a pressure cooker for butter/oil extracts

I am pretty serious cooking enthusiast.  The inspiration for this recipe is from Modernist Cuisine, specifically this recipe for Garlic Confit. Here's a snapshot of that recipe.

After making this recipe which is amazing and also fairly simple, I thought the recipe could be adapted by substituting fresh weed or ABV for the garlic and clarified butter or coconut oil for the olive oil. You put both in a mason jar and put the mason jar in the pressure cooker. If you are going to make this, its worth checking out the Modernist Cuisine recipe page as well as this video which both show the recipe plus important basics on how pressure cookers work and pressure cooker safety.

Why a pressure cooker? The chart below from Modernist Cuisine shows that you can control the temperature you are cooking at by controlling the pressure inside the cooker. It allows you to use water / steam above the usual 212F.



By cooking inside a mason jar at 1 atm, I can cook the butter/oil at a constant ~250F. At this temperature for the right amount of time, I should not need an additional decarboxylation step. Also because the jar is sealed none of the lower-boiling terpenes, etc can escape into the air, as they can when you decarb in an oven.

So anyway, today I made a batch using ABV and clarified butter. Here are the steps:

1) Here is what I started with. 25g of ABV, a mason jar, my pressure cooker, and some soy lecithin. Sometimes I will grind up the ABV in a coffee/spice grinder but didnt feel like it today.




2) Then I made some clarified butter.



3) I added the ABV to one mason jar, covered it with (slightly cooled) clarified butter, and added a few drops of lecithin. Since I knew I was going to post, I weighed everything. It ended up being 215g of clarifed butter and 8g lecithin. Often if I have butter or coconut oil premade I will add it in solid form.



4) Then I put the lid on (leaving it a little loose to let pressure buildup escape ... see Modernist Cuisine article for details), put the jar in the pressure cooker, added water halfway up the jar, then closed the lid.



5) Got the PC up to pressure at 1 bar / 15 psi. Set a timer for 45 min at this pressure / temp combination. I'd be interested in others' thoughts on time / temp. My logic was to follow the decarb charts from 1990 that everyone seems to refer to, recognizing that it would take extra time to heat up everything inside the jar to temperature.



6) After 45 min was up, I used the quick release (faucet) method to cool things down quickly. I then opened the lid and took the jar out with a potholder. After letting it cool a little more I opened it up:



7) Then I strained everything into a silicone bowl and put the butter in the freezer to cool. I use a 100 micron "superbag" to get a fine strain. I suspect those of you that own bubble bags could use one of the finer mesh bags to do the same thing. Or just use a fine strainer. Or dont filter at all for that matter. I squeeze the bag a little to get as much liquid out as I can, but I know I am leaving quite a bit of potency in the bag. Licking your fingers at this point is recommended, but be careful since the butter is very concentrated and its easy to get very toasted very quickly.



8) After a few hours I take it out of the freezer and snap out the "puck" of ABV-butter.



I then vacuum seal mine, weigh it, and put it in the freezer until I am ready to cook with it. Today's puck was 134g, which is a little more than a stick.



This ends up being a pretty concentrated butter that I then use for caramels. My goal is to get something handheld, stealthy, and shelf-stable that has a full effect with one decent sized caramel.

Here's what I think are the advantages / disadvantages of this method:

Advantages:

1) No need to decarb separately.
2) Good temp control of process at ideal temp for decarb / extraction
3) Less cooking time than stovetop due to higher pressure extraction
4) Sealed jar minimizes leakage of volatile compounds normally lost during decarb / extraction
5) A pressure cooker can cost about the same as say, a magic butter machine, but its a multi-tasker in that you can cook lots of great regular food in it. I do risotto, refried beans, stews, chili, etc. In this regard a pressure cooker is much more stealthy in the kitchen than a dedicated machine for cannabutter.

Disadvantages:

1) Pressure cooking can be dangerous if you dont know what you are doing. Not that its unsafe or unmanageable, but anyone doing this should read up on how to use it and not leave it cooking completely unattended. Watch the MC video as a starting point.

2) If you dont like to cook or dont want to deal with a stove/pots/pans, something more turnkey like a magic butter machine may be a better option.

3) There's a risk that if you leave it cooking for too long at 250F, your THC will all turn to CBN. Now I originally started out cooking mine for two hours as with the garlic confit recipe. I thought it was pretty potent but have recently been cutting back the time for optimal results. That said, I also do a sous vide process where I decarb in advance and since the temps are lower (180-190), there is less risk of degradation there.

4) There is no agitation / stirring inside the mason jar when its cooking (magic butter machine wins here). I think its extracts nicely as is but theoretically more agitation should result in a better extract. I shake the jar before putting it in so that the butter and plant matter are well mixed.

Hope this is interesting / useful and would welcome thoughts/suggestions.  

Last edited: Aug 26, 2014

5 Ways to Stop Bloating Naturally

Feeling bloated never feels good. The discomfort, stomach irritability and gas that often comes with it.  When your stomach is bloated it has it’s causes, which can be prevented or treated naturally.  Bloating is simply your body reacting to a food or drink you ingested in an inflammatory way. Bloating is simply your gut under a state of inflammation.

When you’re bloated, your stomach will expand, feel tight, there may be abdominal pain, gas, burping or other related discomforts.

Recognizing what caused your tummy to feel bloated is important. That food or drink is the cause, and by recognizing what your gut does not align with you can prevent the pain and discomfort in the future. We have a very intimate relationship with the food that we eat. We feel energy or drowsy. We feel peaceful and tranquil or our tummy goes into overdrive and we get bloated.

Being more in tune with what you’re eating and drinking and how that makes you feel mentally, emotionally and physically is a very important and valuable skill. Pay attention when you eat and drink. The more mindful you are the better you can custom tailor your diet and food choices to feel better and not have to deal with bloating. This is something that i’ve learned to benefit from over the years.

Knowing what sits well with you and what doesn’t makes your life, health and happiness a bit easier. You can make more educated and informed choices.

With that being said, what causes your stomach bloating in the first place?

It all comes down to the food or drink that you’re consuming. Bloating is an inflammatory response in your gut. Have you ever been bloated without eating food or drinking anything at all? Probably not, and if you were it was because the food or drink that you consumed prior was influencing your stomach.

Bloating occurs because of foods or drinks that your gut are sensitive too are consumed. The gut (immunity) reacts by creating inflammation to come to the rescue and observe the issue. Inflammation is a precursor to the immune system dropping by for a visit.

It can also occur because of a slow digestive system, abnormal levels of gut bacteria, digestive enzymes or other factors that play a role in healthy transit time through the gut.

The Most Important Step?

Eat foods that your gut doesn’t react too. Drinks too. If you become aware of what is causing you to feel bloated then simply avoid those foods and drinks. It’s a fairly simple rule.

Beyond making better decisions and prevention there are things that you can do right now if you’re bloated.

5 Ways To Stop Bloating Naturally

1. Get Probiotics in Your Gut: Probiotic foods and drinks are rich in healthy bacteria for the gut that help to bring a much needed bacterial homeostasis to a disrupted gut. Foods like saurkraut and kimchi are the easiest probiotic rich foods to find. Drinks like kombucha and water kefir are rich in probiotics also. In a study with 122 IBS patients, a daily dose of bifidobacterium bifidum significantly improved bloating and pain symptoms compared to placebo. Food is the best source of probiotics but you can get a supplement to help as well.
2. Get Digestive Enzymes in Your Gut: Digestive enzymes are what break down food and specifically carbohydrates in your gut. If you do not have enough digestive enzymes handy then the carbohydrates ferment, leading to gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort. You can get a good amount of digestive enzymes in foods such as pineapple, kiwi, papaya, bananas, mangoes and once again saurkraut. Saurkraut is rich in probiotics and digestive enzymes, I always have some on hand in my fridge and eat it a few times a week for gut health for this very reason. If you don’t have these foods on hand this is the best digestive enzyme supplement that i’ve found, click here to read about it.
3. Eat Smarter: There are many ways that you can eat smarter overall but when it comes to bloating in the gut there are a few simple changes that you can make to reduce bloating. First, do not drink any beverage (water, juice, soda, tea, coffee) near food. Drinking and eating within the same time frame can wreak havoc on your gut and will more than likely contribute to bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort. Keep your eating and drinking separate. Secondly, eat less processed foods, less carbs, less dairy, less meat and less sugar. The majority of the reason you are bloated is because you are eating a food in one of those categories, I can almost guarantee it. If you replace those foods with fresh, organic, whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and sprouts you are on your way to a less disturbed tummy.
4. Utilize Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil is one of the best things to have on hand for bloating, indigestion, gas and abdominal discomfort. Peppermint eases and relaxes stomach muscles while increasing the flow of bile which aids in digestion and the transit time of the intestinal system. This simply calms your stomach down and allows for things to flow smoother and easier. In a 4 week study patients who added peppermint oil improved by 53.5% whereas the control in the group improved 28.1% from the use of fiber. What does this mean? Use peppermint essential oil and fiber both to see an even greater improvement. Chia seeds are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Simply soak them in water and mix in a glass for about 5 minutes until they gel up and drink the liquid. I recommend peppermint essential oil from doterra which can be bought by clicking here. They are certified pure therapeutic grade and I wouldn’t ingest any essential oil from any company. Doterra i’ve used for years and have ingested their peppermint oil safely many times before without any unwanted side effects. They are pure in quality.
5.  Turmeric Helps: Turmeric is widely used in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine. Turmeric helps the liver to produce bile which is essential in the digestion of fats. It helps the body reduce gas and bloating by being one of the best anti-inflammatory spices known to man. Curcumin, the active medicinal compound in turmeric is responsible for these benefits. You can get turmeric as a spice and add it to foods or mix it in water and drink approximately 20 minutes before a meal to help with bloating, gas and indigestion. There is an organic CO2 liquid turmeric extract that I really like (which you can find here) that I use and recommend. If you decide to use that turmeric write me a message on facebook by clicking here and i’ll send a 10% discount code your way for your purchase of that turmeric supplement.

Beyond these 5 ways to reduce bloating and digestive discomfort one recommendation I have that has always helped me and seems to help others as well is to simply go for a walk. Walking helps to move the blood, lymphatic system and speed up the absorption and digestive process. If you have bloating with gas it definitely helps to expel the gas quicker so that you can go on with your life without those uncomfortable stomach pains. Walking has been shown to reduce gas and bloating in one study already. It makes sense and it works. Another thing you can do that has helped many is to simply lay down on your back and massage your abdominal region while laying on your left side. This is a great way to relieve gas and bloating discomfort.

Hopefully these tips and ideas give you more time to enjoy a peaceful stomach with less pain and discomfort. You can get rid of bloating with the right techniques. These are good health guidelines that have other benefits in your life also. Please share these tips with a friend or family member who you know may benefit from this information!

Source: http://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bloating/%20Image: http://www.culturamix.com/beleza/cicatriz-de-abdominoplastia/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Benjamin

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David Benjamin is the founder of HealthyWildAndFree.com. He's a health and & green living advocate. He is the author of Dirt Cheap Weight Loss: 101 Ways To Lose Weight On A Budget. He believes that if we take care of ourselves and take care of our planet we can enjoy a much more sustainable, healthy, happy and harmonious life. Eat your greens, Live green and appreciate the green around you! Pura Vida :)You can connect with me on Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest and Instagram.

White Willow Bark for Pain Relief

White willow bark is nature’s original aspirin. In the days before pharmaceutical aspirin, the bark of the white willow provided pain relief and reduced fevers. All the way back to Hippocrates, who advised his patients to chew on the bark to calm fever and inflammation, white willow bark has been used by herbalists for the same uses that aspirin and ibuprofen are used today. 

Salix Alba
wikipedia commons

Overview

The chemical constituent in white willow that is credited for it’s therapeutic benefits is salicin. All willows contain the glucoside, salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid in the body. However, not all willows contain salicin in amounts sufficient for pain relief. The Purple Willow contains the highest concentrations of salicin, with white willow having the next highest concentration, and is more effective at reducing fever than the white willow. White willow is preferred for remedies, however, because it is more palatable than purple willow. A blend of these two willows would make a fair compromise. 

The form found in aspirin is a synthetic version of this called acetylsalicylic acid. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the effects of white willow bark may take a little longer to work than acetylsalicylic acid, but appears to be longer lasting. Many people also report that it is far less irritating to the stomach compared to aspirin.  READ MORE...

Powerful tonic from medieval Europe

This is The Most Powerful Natural Antibiotic Ever – Kills Any Infections in The Body

JANUARY 7, 2015 / 509840 VIEWS

The basic formula of this powerful tonic dates back to medieval Europe, that is, from the era when people suffered from all sorts of diseases and epidemics.

This master cleansing tonic is actually an antibiotic that kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It has also a powerful antiviral and antifungal formula, increases blood circulation and lymph flow in all parts of the body. This plant-based remedy is the best choice for the fight against candida.

This tonic has helped many people to cure many viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal diseases and even plague! Its power should most certainly not be underestimated.

It can cure many chronic conditions and diseases. Encourages blood circulation, and purifies blood. This formula has helped millions of people throughout the centuries to fight the most deadliest diseases.

The secret is in the powerful combination of high-quality natural and fresh ingredients!

To sum up, this tonic is effective in the treatment of all diseases, successfully strengthens the immune system, acts as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic medicine. Assists in the most severe infections.

Master tonic – Recipe

You may want to wear gloves during the preparation, especially when handling hot peppers, because it is difficult to get the tingling off your hands! Be careful, its smell is very strong, and it may stimulate the sinuses instantly.