Herbal Tendonitis Remedies

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon which causes pain and tenderness outside the joint. It usually occurs as a sports injury resulting from overuse. Although it can occur in any of the body's tendons, it is most common in knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders. If tendonitis is severe enough, it can lead to the rupture of the tendon which will require surgical repair. For the most part, rest and anti-inflammatory medication will reduce the pain and inflammation in the tendon associated with tendonitis. In some cases, herbal treatment may remedy tendonitis.

Herbal Treatment

There are several herbal remedies and topical mixtures that can be used to treat tendonitis. The herbs used in these concoctions have anti-inflammatory properties that have the ability to heal injured tendons.

If you suffer from chronic tendonitis, you should consider moxibustion. Moxibustion is a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over painful areas of the body to speed the healing process.

There are also some herbs that can be taken orally and topically to aid in the symptoms oftendonitis. For example, the fenugreek herb possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds of the herb can be ground up and combined with milk to relieve pain and reduce tendonitis in the affected area. The herb curcumin is noted to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a strong pain reliever. Extract from curcumin can be utilized topically on the affected area, or 400 or 600 mg capsules may be taken orally three times a day. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Ginger works by slowing down the production of the inflammatory compounds prostaglandin and leukotriene. It also blocks the transmission of pain signals. You can take up to eight 500 mg capsules of ginger a day, one teaspoon of ground root a day, or a third of an ounce of fresh ginger a day.

According to Francis Brinker, author of Formulas for Healthy Living, devil's claw has become a popular herbal remedy in Europe for pain relief. Research and scientific studies also confirm that the herb reduces pain and inflammation. Six capsules of 500 mg devil's claw can be taken a day.