Effective Joint Health Using Natural Remedies

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. The need to ease the discomfort of a diseased body fuelled the early inhabitants to seek remedies from resources that were widely available in their environment around. Being close to nature they respected the bounty that was at hand and more importantly understood the different therapeutic properties of each of such species. Herbs and natural remedies have been mans best friend ever since their potency to cure and curb diseases was discovered. And this passion for discovering new and alternative methods of treatment, such as all natural formulations has continued even today as researchers all across the globe strive to bring affordable healthcare to combat unmet medical needs.
History of Herbs
A 60000-year-old Neanderthal burial site, Shanidar IV, in northern Iraq has yielded large amounts of pollen from 8 plant species, 7 of which are used now as herbal remedies.1
The herbal system that has evolved through the centuries range from:
The Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine systems from various South Asian Countries
Traditional African medicine
Native American medicine
Unani-Tibb medicine
Chinese herbal medicine
Shamanic herbalism
Various parts of the herbs like the leaves, flowers, stems, berries, and roots are ground, powdered and smoked by herbalists to draw out their active extracts. These are further used directly or in a combination to prevent, relieve, and treat a variety of illness. The scientific fraternity considers many herbal treatments as experimental. However the truth is a far cry from this perception. Many familiar medications of the twentieth century were developed from ancient healing traditions that treated health problems with specific plants. Indeed, about 25% of the prescription drugs dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material.2
Some are made from plant extracts; others are synthesized to mimic a natural plant compound.
Herbs for Joint Health
It is a known fact that certain herbs can work wonders in pain management related to arthritis. Zingiber officinale rhizomes work against joint inflammation by inhibiting the bodily chemicals that produce inflammation. It helps to reduce the joint pain associated with arthritis. Smilax china is a vine like herb, armed with thorns. Traditional and scientific research demonstrates its use for improving joint health
Oroxylum indicum stem bark, commonly known as Shyonak, is native of India. Several published studies prove its use in joint health. It also possesses gastro-protective and antioxidant properties.
Commiphora mukul gum or Gum Guggul is the sticky gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree. Several preclinical and clinical investigations confirm the efficacy of this botanical gum for easing joint pain, morning stiffness, and improving joint function. Boswellia serrata is one of the most ancient and respected herbs in Ayurveda, the Indian system of traditional medicine. Active chemical constituents are a group of triterpenes identified as Boswellic acids. It is helps with joint flare ups. Plenty of studies have demonstrated its use for improving joint health. Curcuma longa is used since times immemorial for a number of therapeutic purposes and as common spice. In Hindu religious festivals, turmeric powder is regarded as an auspicious article. Modern research has identified curcumin as the most likely source of health benefits. Curcumin blocks several bodily chemicals that promote inflammation.
Herbs can indeed play a pivotal role in the effective healing of a number of therapeutic conditions. Joint health is one such area which has seen a surge in the number of natural products being launched with an aim to treat the condition. An ailment can be treated with herbs without having to undergo side effects. So the next time you read Herbal or All Natural, dont raise an eyebrow, instead raise your spirits to a fitter life ahead.