Anti-inflammatories in alternative medicine?

MSU Tart Cherry Institute has explored the COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition properties in vitro (ELISA) and in vivo (lab rats) of several berry sources containing anthocyanins (Nair, Bourquin, et al): Montmorency tart cherries, blueberries, acai purple berries, acerola cherries, cranberries, and herbal extract powders such as tumeric, rutin, herperidin, naringin, quercitin (citrus flavonoid glycosides). These were compared to the standards ibuprofen, naproxen, relafen, aspirin, and other known NSAIDs. While the study was inconclusive to the anti-inflammatory hypothesis, the results indicated significant lowering and improvement of other health markers (blood LDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose). In addition, the ORAC score of the berries mentioned, particularly tart cherries, implied potential anti-carcinogenic properties.

You may want to try the whole dried tart cherries, if you don't mind the fiber content. Also, you may want to look out for multiple berry supplements as gelatin- or vegetable-based capsules, in addition to a flavonoid-based supplement (ie. tumeric, rutin, etc.)

Good luck!

Horsetail is a herbal remedy for inflammation. Horsetail is not very palatable due to its dry, slightly bitter taste. However, its components make it a potent herbal remedy. The plant is made up of alkaloids (including nicotine) and several minerals including potassium, manganese, and magnesium. The horsetail is used as an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, a tissue healer and a strong diuretic.

Turmeric is a flavoring spice rich in Curcumin, which has liver protective, detoxifying, and free radical scavenging properties.

Turmeric is probably best known as a flavoring, but it is also an important herb in Chinese medicine and the ayurvedic medicine of India. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and may be helpful for conditions that involve inflammation, such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Turmeric is also a stimulant to the immune system. As such, it may be helpful in preventing certain types of cancer and in supporting recovery from cancer. In clinical tests, curcumin (the main component of turmeric) was shown to increase survival rates for melanoma. It may also be helpful in the prevention and treatment of other skin cancers, colon cancer, lung and mouth cancer.

Turmeric may also be helpful in treating or preventing the following conditions:

* Eczema;

* Atherosclerosis;

* Cirrhosis of the liver;

* Cataracts, Glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

On a lighter note, turmeric may be helpful in preventing bad breath!

Turmeric should not be taken for extended periods of time because of the potential for stomach irritation. You should not take turmeric if you have congestive heart disease, a blood-clotting disorder, or gallstones, if you are pregnant, or if you are experiencing fertility problems.

Dosages:

Capsules - 250-500 mg. 1-3 x per day

Spice - Up to 1 tsp. per day in food

Tincture - 10-30 drops, 1-3 x per day

I don't know about Turmeric, but Goldenseal, White Willow Bark, Witch Hazel, and Yucca are all herbal anti-inflammatories. Hope this helps!

A possibility may be DLPA (dl-phenylalanine).

It's an amino acid available over the counter that has shown promise. It helps the body manage pain and has shown to help joint pain and inflammation in some studies. I have tried it for other chronic pain (back pain) with good success.

One side effect it had on me was a slight raise in blood pressure that didn't go well for me, so I chose to stop using it. Do some web searching, you'll find a lot of medical studies out there.

Yes, it is also antioxidant, aids digestion and improves circulation:

http://www.nutrasanus.com/turmeric.html

Ginger is as well. Also enzymes ingested between meals act as anti-inflammatory agents. An easy and natural way to ingest enzymes between meals is to add some fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice to the water you drink.

I guess the answer is yes.

Read the medical properties section

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric

Glucosamine.

Yes it does. You can get more information here.

www.curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=605&i=14

Yup and also good for asthma! Pau d'arco is supposedly good as well!!

good question, google it, ibruprofen upsets my stomach....