Natural Remedies & Herbs for Joint Health

Horse chestnut contains a compound called aescin that acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces edema (swelling with fluid) following trauma, particularly sports injuries, surgery, and head injury. A topical gel containing 2% of the compound aescin found in horse chestnut is widely used in Germany to treat minor sports injuries, including sprains and strains. The gel is typically applied to affected area every two hours until swelling begins to subside.

Arnica is considered by some practitioners to be among the most effective wound-healing herbs available. As a homeopathic remedy, arnica is often recommended as both an internal and topical mean to treat minor injuries. Some healthcare practitioners recommend mixing 1 tablespoon of arnica tincture in 500 ml water, then soaking thin cloth or gauze in the liquid and applying it to the injured area for at least 15 minutes four to five times per day.

Comfrey is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds. In a study of people with acute ankle sprains, topical application of an ointment four times a day containing a comfrey extract was at least as effective as, and possibly more effective than, a topically applied anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac). The comfrey ointment was a proprietary product that contained 35% comfrey extract.