Tag: Herbs2

25 Cancer Stem Cell Killing Foods Smarter Than Chemo & Radiation

An important scientific review identifies 25 of the top foods and herbs which kill the cancer stem cells at the root cause of cancer malignancy. 

There are thousands of natural compounds that have been studied with demonstrable anti-cancer activity (check out over 600 on our cancer research database), but only a small subset of these have been proven to target and kill the cancer stem cells which lie at the root of cancer malignancy. Turmeric, for instance, we have featured a number of times for this “smart kill” property of targeting just the heart of cancerous tumors. More recently, ginger has been found in pre-clinical research to contain a compound up to 10,000 times more effective than the chemotherapy drug Taxol at killing breast cancer stem cells. Even common food like blueberry have special cancer killing properties, as discussed in a previous article: Research: Radiotherapy Causes Cancer, Blueberry Kills It.

A powerful study published in the journal Anticancer Research titled, “Natural Products That Target Cancer Stem Cells,” has made our job much easier of identifying this special category of cancer killers by reviewing the extant literature on the topic and listing the top 25 substances in this category. They are listed here below, along with some of their commonly recognizable dietary sources:

  1. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – Green Tea
  2. 6-Gingerol – Ginger
  3. β-Carotene – Carrot, Leafy Greens
  4. Baicalein – Chinese Skullcap
  5. Curcumin – Turmeric
  6. Cyclopamine – Corn Lilly [we do not suggest consuming this plant; this simply illustrates natural components exist that kill cancer stem cells]
  7. Delphinidin – Blueberry, raspberrry
  8. Flavonoids (Genistein) – Soy, red clover, coffee
  9. Gossypol – Cottonseed [we do not suggest consuming this plant; this simply illustrates natural components exist that kill cancer stem cells]
  10. Guggulsterone – Commiphora (myrrh tree)
  11. Isothiocyanates – Cruciferous vegetables
  12. Linalool – Mint
  13. Lycopene – Grapefruit, tomato
  14. Parthenolide – Feverfew
  15. Perylill alcohol – Mint, cherry, lavender
  16. Piperine – Black pepper
  17. Placycodon saponin – Playycodon grandifloruim
  18. Psoralidin – Psoralea corylilyfolia
  19. Quercetin – Capers, onion
  20. Resveratrol – Grapes, plums, berries
  21. Salinomycin – Streptomyces albus
  22. Silibinin – Milk Thistle
  23. Ursolic acid – Thyme, basil, oregano
  24. Vitamin D3 – Fish, egg yolk, beef, cod liver oil
  25. Withaferin A – Withania somnifera (ashwaganda)

Why are these substances so important?

The primary reason why conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy have failed to produce any significant improvements in cancer survival rates is because cancer stem cells are resistant to these interventions. In fact, chemotherapy and especially radiation are both capable of increasing the number and virulence of these cells in a tumor, while at the same time having the well-known side effect of further damaging the patient’s immune system.

While the cancer industry is still very much resistant to incorporating the implications of these findings into their standard of care (which is highly unethical), there are an increasing number of health practitioners that will not turn their back on the truth and are very much interested in alternative ways to prevent and treat cancer using food and/or plant-based approaches.

The new study addresses the relevance of cancer stem cells as follows:

“The cancer stem cell model suggests that tumor initiation is governed by a small subset of distinct cells with stem-like character termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess properties of self-renewal and intrinsic survival mechanisms that contribute to resistance of tumors to most chemotherapeutic drugs. The failure to eradicate CSCs during the course of therapy is postulated to be the driving force for tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recent studies have focused on understanding the unique phenotypic properties of CSCs from various tumor types, as well as the signaling pathways that underlie self-renewal and drug resistance.”

At present, the cancer industry has failed to produce a single drug that targets the cancer stem cell population of cells within a tumor, as confirmed by the study:

“If indeed the CSC response is a vital criterion for cancer treatment evaluation, there are still no drugs in clinical use that specifically target CSCs.”

The ability to selectively target cancer cells, and cancer stem cells in particular, while leaving intact the non-tumor cells in tissue is extremely important. We have created a section on our database that indexes research on these substances and now includes sixty seven of them here. We are also building a section that collates research cancer stem cells, a topic will no doubt become a central part of the future of cancer treatment, assuming the priority is to actually alleviate suffering and not just make money off of patients.

Source: 25 Cancer Stem Cell Killing Foods Smarter Than Chemo & Radiation

Tachyonized Cardiovascular Tonic, OS-H7

ACTIONS:

Tachyon Cardiovascular tonic

Tachyonized Cardiovascular Tonic contains flavonoids which have been shown to enhance the connective tissue of the heart. And blood and lymph vessels that bring micro-nutrition to the heart and surrounding arteries and capillaries. This increases their resiliency against damage from injury, disease, stress and aging. The flavonoids act to reinforce the collagen and promote more vitality to the immune system. Hawthorn dilates the coronary artery enhancing the flow of blood to the heart muscle creating a favorable effect on the heart’s calcium metabolism. It also increases its contractile power and promoting normal rhythm.

POTENTIAL USES:

Tachyonized Cardiovascular Tonic is a true restorative and nutritive tonic for the heart and circulatory vessels. Recommended as supportive therapy for the heart. This includes angina, palpitations, tachycardia, valve deficiency, endomyocarditis and pericarditis, weak heart, and associated neurasthenia. Suggested as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of hypertension.

SIZE:

OS-7 comes in 1 oz. (30ml). Using 30 drops per day this bottle will last about 1 month.

DOSAGE:

Take 15 to 20 drops in water, two to four times daily, between meals, with the last dose of the day just before bedtime.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS:

Heart disease and hypertension can be very serious health problems. Consult your healthcare practitioner for diagnosis and treatment. Hawthorn can synergistically augment the cardiac glycoside action of Digitalis or other related drugs. Digitalis medications should be monitored by a physician if Hawthorn is also used in treatment. Do not abruptly discontinue use of Digitalis.

Tachyonized Cardiovascular Tonic is a Tachyonized™ blend of liquid extracts:

35%      – Hawthorn berry leaf and flower (Crataegus spp.)
30%     + Cactus Grandiflorus stem (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
25%      – Motherwort leaf and flower (Leonurus cardiaca)
10%      – Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale)

+ Fresh    – Dried
(contains Grain Alcohol (48-54%) and distilled water)

PLEASE NOTE: We use only Certified Organic and Wildcrafted herbs!

Get your Cardio Vascular tonic at the Tachyon shop

Natural Painkiller, Morphine like, Grows in Your Backyard

Natural Painkiller. From injury to disease, pain is a very common ailment or symptom that can take down the toughest of the tough. It’s so prevalent that we are seeing a major epidemic with opiate dependency. Natural PainkillerUnfortunately, with so many needing to find relief, it’s leading to a large portion of our population becoming dependent on a chemical bandage, often just masking the problem, rather than fixing the cause.Unfortunately, it’s getting so widespread that the medical field view many of those in real need as “seekers”. So, instead of getting relief from tangible pain, people are being turned away. As a result, they are finding it illegally, and pain clinics and rehabs are popping up all over, trying to combat the addiction.

Wild Lettuce as a Healthy Alternative

Lactuca Virosa is the scientific term for it, and many people have used it in place of addictive prescription pain medicine. It’s a leafy and tall plant, with small yellow buds, and could be grown right out your door. More commonly found in North America and England, it’s a cousin to the lettuce we typically see at the grocery store. It’s also referred to as bitter lettuce, or more appropriately for the purpose discussed here, opium lettuce.

The reason it’s referred to as opium lettuce, is due to the pain relieving and sedative effects that it has been known to produce through a white substance found in the stem and leaves.

lactucarium

Lactucarium

This milky substance is called lactucarium. And, while it doesn’t contain any opiates, it has similar side effects when used – it acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to lessen the feeling of pain, just like morphine.

Even though it seems to be the best kept secret, it has a history of being used as an alternative to pain relief.

Wild Lettuce Alcohol-FREE Liquid Extract, Organic Wild Lettuce (Lactuca Virosa) Dried Herb Glycerite 2x2 oz

Historical Use

Back in the 19th century, wild lettuce, or Natural Natural Painkiller Morphine, was already being used by some as a substitute to opium. But, it was in the 70’s that it started to gain significant popularity by those wanting a more natural remedy. Individuals were starting to use it for both pain relief, as well as recreational purpose.

In the earlier days, people using wild lettuce prepared it a couple different ways. One way was to cook the plant in a pan of water and sugar mix, until it reduced to a thick syrup-like consistency. While this was an effective form, it was quite bitter even with the sugar added. The most common form however, was drying the stem and leaves to use as an herbal tea.

The tea remains popular today. But, it’s also being dried for smoking, or vaporizing. If you don’t care to grow it yourself, it can also be purchased as a dried herb, extract, or resin substance.
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa)

Other Benefits of Natural Painkiller Morphine

Here are the more popular reasons people are gravitating towards this natural pain killer and medicinal plant:

  • Migraines – People who use it for this purpose claim that they experience fewer migraines than they did prior to starting the herb.
  • Insomnia – A frequent use of wild lettuce is by people who have trouble sleeping. It produces a relaxed and euphoric feeling, helping a person fall asleep easier, without the addictive qualities of commonly prescribed sleeping aids.
  • Anxiety – Wild lettuce can act as a mild sedative, allowing people with anxiety to find a reprieve from the stress it causes.
  • Asthma and Cough – Wild lettuce has antitussive properties, which alleviates or suppresses a cough. Also, asthmatic patients who have used opiates notice more episodes if they go through opiate withdrawal. So, the use of wild lettuce instead of prescription opiates, could be a better option for them.
In addition to the above benefits, wild lettuce, or Natural Painkiller Morphine, produces a euphoric state, similar to opiates, even though it does not contain any actual opiate… so it’s perfectly legal.

Source: http://www.corespirit.com/strong-morphine-natural-painkiller-grows-backyard/

Black Seed – ‘The Remedy For Everything But Death’

This humble, but immensely powerful seed, kills MRSA, heals the chemical weapon poisoned body, stimulates regeneration of the dying beta cells within the diabetic’s pancreas, and yet too few even know it exists. The seeds of the annual flowering plant, Nigella Sativa, have been prized for their healing properties since time immemorial.
Black Seed – ‘The Remedy For Everything But Death’ – Black Seed Healing
While frequently referred to among English-speaking cultures as Roman coriander, black sesame, black cumin, black caraway and onion seed, it is known today primarily as black seed, which is at the very least an accurate description of its physical appearance. The earliest record of its cultivation and use come from ancient Egypt. Black seed oil, in fact, was found in Egyptian pharoah Tutankhamun’s tomb, dating back to approximately 3,300 years ago.[i]
In Arabic cultures, black cumin is known as Habbatul barakah, meaning the “seed of blessing.” It is also believed that the Islamic prophet Mohammed said of it that it is “a remedy for all diseases except death.” Many of black cumin’s traditionally ascribed health benefits have been thoroughly confirmed in the biomedical literature. In fact, since 1964, there have been 458 published, peer-reviewed studies referencing it.
We have indexed salient research, available to view on GreenMedInfo.com on our Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) page, on well over 40 health conditions that may be benefited from the use of the herb, including over 20 distinct pharmacological actions it expresses, such as:
Analgesic (Pain-Killing)
Anti-Bacterial
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Ulcer
Anti-Cholinergic
Anti-Fungal
Ant-Hypertensive
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Bronchodilator Gluconeogenesis Inhibitor (Anti-Diabetic)
Hepatoprotective (Liver Protecting)
Hypotensive Insulin Sensitizing
Interferon Inducer
Leukotriene Antagonist
Renoprotective (Kidney Protecting)
Tumor Necrosis Factor
Alpha Inhibitor
These 22 pharmacological actions are only a subset of a far wider number of beneficial properties intrinsic to the black seed. While it is remarkable that this seed has the ability to positively modulate so many different biological pathways, this is actually a rather common occurrence among traditional plant medicines.
Our project has identified over 1600 natural compounds with a wide range of health benefits, and we are only in our first 5 years of casual indexing. There are tens of thousands of other substances that have already been researched, with hundreds of thousands of studies supporting their medicinal value (MEDLINE, whence our study abstracts come, has over 600,000 studies classified as related to Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
Take turmeric, for example. We have identified research indicating its value in over 600 health conditions, while also expressing over 160 different potentially beneficial pharmacological actions. You can view the quick summary of over 1500 studies we have summarized on our Turmeric Research page, which includes an explorative video on turmeric. Professional database members are further empowered to manipulate the results according to their search criteria, i.e. pull up and print to PDF the 61 studies on turmeric and breast cancer. This, of course, should help folks realize how voluminous the supportive literature indicating the medicinal value of natural substances, such as turmeric and black seed, really is. Black seed has been researched for very specific health conditions. Some of the most compelling applications include: Type 2 Diabetes: Two grams of black seed a day resulted in reduced fasting glucose, decreased insulin resistance, increased beta-cell function, and reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in human subjects.[ii]
Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Black seeds possess clinically useful anti-H. pylori activity, comparable to triple eradication therapy.[iii] Epilepsy: Black seeds were traditionally known to have anticonvulsive properties. A 2007 study with epileptic children, whose condition was refractory to conventional drug treatment, found that a water extract significantly reduced seizure activity.[iv]
High Blood pressure: The daily use of 100 and 200 mg of black seed extract, twice daily, for 2 months, was found to have a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild hypertension.[v]
Asthma: Thymoquinone, one of the main active constituents within Nigella sativa (black cumin), is superior to the drug fluticasone in an animal model of asthma.[vi]
Another study, this time in human subjects, found that boiled water extracts of black seed have relatively potent antiasthmatic effect on asthmatic airways.[vii]
Acute tonsillopharyngitis: characterized by tonsil or pharyngeal inflammation (i.e. sore throat), mostly viral in origin, black seed capsules (in combination with Phyllanthus niruri) have been found to significantly alleviate throat pain, and reduce the need for pain-killers, in human subjects.[viii]
Chemical Weapons Injury: A randomized, placebo-controlled human study of chemical weapons injured patients found that boiled water extracts of black seed reduced respiratory symptoms, chest wheezing, and pulmonary function test values, as well as reduced the need for drug treatment.[ix]
Colon Cancer: Cell studies have found that black seed extract compares favorably to the chemoagent 5-fluoruracil in the suppression of colon cancer growth, but with a far higher safety profile.[x] Animal research has found that black seed oil has significant inhibitory effects against colon cancer in rats, without observable side effects.[xi]
MRSA: Black seed has anti-bacterial activity against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.[xii]
Opiate Addiction/Withdrawal: A study on 35 opiate addicts found black seed as an effective therapy in long-term treatment of opioid dependence.[xiii]
Sometimes the biblical reference to ‘faith the size of a mustard seed moving mountains’ comes to mind in connection with natural substances like black seeds. After all, do seeds not contain within them the very hope for continuance of the entire species that bore it? This super-saturated state of the seed, where life condenses itself down into an intensely miniaturized holographic fragment of itself, promising the formation of future worlds within itself, is the very emblem of life’s immense and immortal power.
If we understand the true nature of the seed, how much life (past, present and future) is contained within it, it will not seem so far-fetched that it is capable of conquering antibiotic resistant bacteria, healing the body from chemical weapons poisoning, or stimulate the regeneration of dying insulin-producing beta cells in the diabetic, to name but only a fraction of black seed’s experimentally-confirmed powers.
Moving the mountain of inertia and falsity associated with the conventional concept of disease, is a task well-suited for seeds and not chemicals. The greatest difference, of course, between a seed and a patented synthetic chemical (i.e. pharmaceutical drug), is that Nature (God) made the former, and men with profit-motives and a deranged understanding of the nature of the body made the latter.
The time, no doubt, has come for food, seeds, herbs, plants, sunlight, air, clean water, and yes, love, to assume once again their central place in medicine, which is to say, the art and science of facilitating self-healing within the human body. Failing this, the conventional medical system will crumble under the growing weight of its own corruption, ineptitude, and iatrogenic suffering (and subsequent financial liability) it causes. To the degree that it reforms itself, utilizing non-patented and non-patentable natural compounds with actual healing properties, a brighter future awaits on the horizon. To the degree that it fails, folks will learn to take back control over their health themselves, which is why black seed, and other food-medicines, hold the key to self-empowerment. [i]
Domestication of plants in the Old World (3 ed.). Oxford University Press. 2000. p. 206. ISBN 0-19-850356-3. [ii] Abdullah O Bamosa, Huda Kaatabi, Fatma M Lebdaa, Abdul-Muhssen Al Elq, Ali Al-Sultanb. Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2010 Oct-Dec;54(4):344-54. PMID: 21675032 [iii] Eyad M Salem, Talay Yar, Abdullah O Bamosa, Abdulaziz Al-Quorain, Mohamed I Yasawy, Raed M Alsulaiman, Muhammad A Randhawa. Comparative study of Nigella Sativa and triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jul-Sep;16(3):207-14. PMID: 20616418 [iv] Javad Akhondian, Ali Parsa, Hassan Rakhshande. The effect of Nigella sativa L. (black cumin seed) on intractable pediatric seizures. Med Sci Monit. 2007 Dec;13(12):CR555-9. PMID: 18049435 [v] Farshad Roghani Dehkordi, Amir Farhad Kamkhah. Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2006 Apr;39(4):421-9. Epub 2006 Apr 3. PMID: 18705755 [vi] Rana Keyhanmanesh, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, Mohammad Javad Eslamizadeh, Saeed Khamneh, Mohammad Ali Ebrahimi. The effect of thymoquinone, the main constituent of Nigella sativa on tracheal responsiveness and white blood cell count in lung lavage of sensitized guinea pigs. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Oct 29;126(1):102-7. Epub 2009 Aug 8. PMID: 19711253 [vii] M H Boskabady, N Mohsenpoor, L Takaloo . Antiasthmatic effect of Nigella sativa in airways of asthmatic patients. Phytomedicine. 2010 Feb 8. Epub 2010 Feb 8. PMID: 20149611 [viii] M Dirjomuljono, I Kristyono, R R Tjandrawinata, D Nofiarny. Symptomatic treatment of acute tonsillo-pharyngitis patients with a combination of Nigella sativa and Phyllanthus niruri extract. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jun;46(6):295-306. PMID: 18541126 [ix] Mohammad H Boskabady, Javad Farhadi. The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests on chemical war victims: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Nov;14(9):1137-44. PMID: 18991514 [x] Elsayed I Salim, Shoji Fukushima. Chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds against rat colon carcinogenesis. Nutr Cancer. 2003;45(2):195-202. PMID: 12881014 [xi] Elsayed I Salim, Shoji Fukushima . Chemopreventive potential of volatile oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds against rat colon carcinogenesis. Nutr Cancer. 2003;45(2):195-202. PMID: 12881014 [xii] Abdul Hannan, Sidrah Saleem, Saadia Chaudhary, Muhammad Barkaat, Muhammad Usman Arshad. Anti bacterial activity of Nigella sativa against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2008 Jul-Sep;20(3):72-4. PMID: 19610522 [xiii] Sibghatullah Sangi, Shahida P Ahmed, Muhammad Aslam Channa, Muhammad Ashfaq, Shah Murad Mastoi . A new and novel treatment of opioid dependence: Nigella sativa 500 mg. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2008 Apr-Jun;20(2):118-24. PMID: 19385474
Source: Green Med

Herbs For Joint Pain

A debilitating condition, joint pain can be experienced as a result of ageing, over-use, or autoimmune diseases attacking the joints and their surrounding tissue. [1] If you have tried all available traditional medications yet failed to get the results you expected, this would not be surprising as many drugs only alleviate the symptoms without targeting the underlying cause. [2] Several alternative herbal treatments have been researched – and lab studies suggest that these may even have the potential to address both symptoms and origin in lab studies. Below are 10 herbs considered useful for managing joint pain:

Herbs For Joint Pain
Top 10 Herbs For Regulating Joint Pain image to repin / share
Herbs background pic © Elena Moiseeva – Fotolia.com

10 Herbs for Managing 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

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. [1]

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. [10]

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. [13]

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. [14]

Feverfew

A native herb from the Balkan Peninsula and Europe, feverfew also proves to be an excellent herb in relieving joint pain. Research showed that this herb is capable eradicating inflammation in tissues and joints which normally cause pain. 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. [15]

Notes Do not expect these herbs however to instantly cure joint pain overnight. Conversely, herbs generally do take longer to work than traditional medications especially if you are taking them internally for joint pain relief. [1] However, their cumulative effects are also more effective and longer-term, aside from being safer 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 is not medical advice.

Herbs For Joint Pain – References:

[1] http://www.natural-health-and-healing-4u.com/herbs-for-joint-pain.html#axzz2Ohk8HhLW

[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

– See more at: http://www.herbs-info.com/herbs-for-joint-pain.html#sthash.v0hck8aN.dpuf