Joint pain affects a high percentage of the human population and often increases as a person ages. This type of pain may be caused by natural disease processes such as arthritis or by trauma to the joints such as a fall. Prescription medications are available to help with this type of pain, but more and more people are becoming interested in finding natural joint pain remedies. Some of these remedies include epsom salt, stinging nettle, and wolf's bane.
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is one of the most popular natural joint pain remedies. Epsom salt is a natural ani-inflammatory agent, working to reduce swelling around the joints, particularly among those with arthritis. Much of the joint pain experienced by patients is due to inflammation. The most common use of this type of treatment involves adding one to two cups of epsom salt to a bath tub full of warm water. The patient then soaks in the tub for 30 to 45 minutes, adding hot water to the tub as necessary to keep the water warm.
Stinging nettle is a type of flowering plant native to North America, Europe, and Asia. This herb has been used for hundreds of years to treat joint pain and is among the available natural joint pain remedies. Stinging nettle may be taken orally in the form of a capsule or a tincture. A tincture is basically an alcoholic extract of the plant. This extract, or tincture, may also be applied topically to the affected area.
Wolf's bane, also known as arnica montana, is another of the more popular natural joint pain remedies. This herb is often used to treat pain, inflammation, and bruising and is available in ointment or tincture form. It is important to note that this herb should not be taken by mouth, as severe stomach and intestinal problems could develop.
Natural joint pain remedies should not be used without first consulting a physician or pharmacist. As is the case with any medication, herbal remedies may have negative side effects in some patients, and allergic reactions have been reported. Some herbal treatments may also change the way other medications work. Physicians and pharmacists are trained and qualified to check for any possible interactions between prescription medications and herbal treatments and will often be willing to assist someone in developing a personalized list of safe, natural joint pain remedies based on individual needs.