Bumps and Bruises

For those of you that have had the misfortune to be wacked into the dirt recently I dug up some information on herbs with anti-infalmmatory properties and more for you. I also reccomend a long war soak in an Epsom salts bath.

This was an interesting site for more information for sports injuries.

My favorite herb for injuries is Comfrey root. (Symphytum officinale) has been traditionally used to treat wounds and to reduce the inflammation associated with sprains and broken bones. The roots and leaves of comfrey contain allantoin, a substance that promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration. Comfrey ointments were often applied to the surface of the skin to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, and strains. Some traditional healers also used comfrey leaves to reduce inflammation.

Make a poultice of the root by simmering it on the stove in a pan of water , dip a clean cloth in the liquid, wring it out, wrap root in it and lay it on the injury. Do not take internally!

My cat was shot several years ago and all I did was clean out his wound, use a little peroxide and then put a comfrey root poltice on the entrance and exit wounds. I am not exaggerating, he was up and jumping to the top of a four foot fence in 3 days! I also used it for my hip surgury.

Chamomile is one of my favorite "I feel icky" teas. It is known for the medicinal qualities it possesses. It has been used in treating nervous tension headaches. It has anti-inflamatory properties which help with arthritis and injuries!

A tea is made from the flowers. Brew 1 tablespoon of the dried flowers in 8 oz. of very hot water (not boiled!). Let this set for 5 or so minutes before drinking. Use three times a day.

The tea has a somewhat apple scent and a bland, slightly bitter flavor. I take it with honey. Don't let the flavor stop you from using this for helping with inflamation.

To soothe sore, painful muscles and joints, make a poultice and soak a towel in it and wrap painful joint area.

There are traces of Vitamin A, a high level of calcium and magnesium, potassium, iron, maganese, and zinc. It is a good brew for those with a hangover!

Borage is another herb I have grown and used. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads for a cucumber flavored green. It's yummy!

It is an anti-inflammatory herb. It may be used during fevers and especially during convalescence. Borage contains potassium and calcium.

Yarrow has an aspirin like effect. It's pain reliever and anti-inflammatory herb. Used for muscle spasms, bruises and is a good wound healer. Do not take if you are taking aspirin for heart problems as it helps blood coagulate, unlike aspirin which prevents clotting. Will also work as a poltice on bruises.

Here are some more I found but have not used.

BIRCH Taken as a tea and made from, the bark or leaves. A diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb used for gout, kidney stones, and rheumatism. Oil and creams are used for swollen joints.

NETTLE Relieves hay fever and reduces allergic sensitivity to allergens. Has diuretic properties and dries allergy symptoms. for nose and throat swellings. An anti-inflammatory. Also used for cough relief.

Willow Bark Salix spp. This is the medicinal plant genus after which the salicylates were named. It is the classic anti-inflammatory herb. Its chief active ingredients are the glycosides salicin and salicortin. These are converted to salicylic acid in stages in the intestine and liver. It is ironic that in attempting to improve on this plant, pharmacologists eliminated one of its chief virtue is that it produces salicylic acid in the body safely past the digestive tract, where the acid itself can cause ulceration. Willow bark is slower acting than aspirin, sometimes taking several days before the conversion to salicylic acid is sufficient to relieve pain. The salicylic acid is excreted in the urine, making this an herb of choice for urinary tract inflammations. This plant should be avoided by those allergic to aspirin, and those taking anti-coagulant therapy such as Warfarin.

Meadow Sweet, Spiraea ulmaria, Filipendula ulmaria This is the anti-inflammatory herb in which salicylic acid was first discovered. It has a number of other anti-inflammatory constituents with slightly different actions, including gaultherin and spiraein. The name aspirin was derived from spiraein.

Devil's claw tuber , Harpagophytum procumbens - This African plant has gained its name due to the appearance of its tough, barbed fruit. It contains glycosides, phytosterols, flavonoids and harpagoquinone. It is a bitter, anti-inflammatory herb, useful for a wide-range of joint and muscular problems, including RA. It will also stimulate the digestive system. Do not take if suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcer. Avoid during pregnancy and if taking anti-coagulant therapy.

Black cohosh root, Cimicifuga racemosa -This is a Native American remedy, used for muscular and nerve pain. Do not use if taking HRT or the contraceptive pill. Contains salicylates - avoid if allergic to aspirin. Do not exceed stated dose.