According to a Swiss research study of 204 people with osteoarthritis in the fingers, Arnica gel was just as effective at relieving the painful, inflamed and swollen joints as 5 percent Ibuprofen (the ingredient in Advil) gel!Arnica belongs to the sunflower family, and has been used for centuries to relieve bruises, sore muscles and stiffness. It is usually used in the form of a gel or salve, but can be used in tablet form as a homeopathic remedy.
So, if you have a choice between Ibuprofen and a natural remedy, which would you choose? I know what my choice would be.
As with anything herbal, if ingested, please research before you decide to try it.
2 comments:
I use advil and muscle relaxants for chronic neck pain due to a injury long ago. I really wish I could find a natural alternative. If I don't use these meds I end up with terrible migraines. Any recommendations in this area?
Is it osteoarthritis? And have you tried chiropractic or acupuncture? I think either of those would really help, esp. if your health insurance covers it.
If it's inflammatory, there are some great anti-inflammatories that help with pain. (Inflammation causes the pain). I have R.A. and I take a bunch of stuff including Turmeric and a product called Zyflamend, which is a natural Cox 2 inhibitor. Ginger is also a very good anti-inflammatory. There are some rub-on creams that are also very good.. one my sister uses called Celadrin. Boswellia is also excellent.. but if you are on any other meds you need to do some research. Turmeric, for example, should not be taking by anyone using blood thinners like Coumadin, because it thins the blood. Same goes for ginger. You might have to do some experimenting, but you should be able to get some relief. The creams are only to be used up to 4 X a day, but they are very helpful. When I was really sick, I used a spray called Stop Pain by Lifetime... and that got me through many shows. Only temprorary though.
Remember, that herbal remedies take longer to kick in, but well worth it.
Also, shop around, and if you purchase other things on-line is the best. www.vitacost.com and www.luckyvitamin.com have the cheapest prices around.. sometimes half the amount the health food stores charge.. but you have to factor in shipping charges etc. Still, for me, they are the cheapest.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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