Rose Hips, A Weapon against Arthritis

Numerous clinical studies have shown that rose hips significantly reduce the pain associated with arthritis of the hips, hands, and knees. In a randomized, double-blind trial, a Danish study found that rose hips reduced pain significantly in 82 percent of patients with  osteoarthritis. A clinical study conducted at the U.K.'s Sheffield Hallam University found taking standardized rose hip powder not only reduced inflammation and pain in people with arthritis, but 90 percent of them also experienced improvements in movement. One study, published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, reviewed the records of over 300 patients who were given different pain-relieving medications for three months to ease their arthritis pain. Surprisingly, the researchers found that rose hip powder was almost three times more effective at relieving pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol). In addition, patients didn’t have the usual side effects associated with common pain medications, such as drowsiness and constipation. Available in herbal teas, rose hips can also be bought as a supplement in capsules.

Bromelain, A Weapon against Pain of Osteoarthritis

A natural enzyme found in pineapples, bromelain appears to ease the pain of  osteoarthritis. A double-blind German study found that an enzyme preparation containing bromelain reduced pain in 80 percent of patients. In fact, it was as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac in reducing pain and stiffness with fewer side effects. Some experts believe bromelain may break down proteins in the blood that cause inflammation — which leads to pain. Bromelain is available as a supplement in capsule form.

Arnica for help to relieve Muscle Soreness, Strains & Others

Arnica is a member of the sunflower family and has been used as a topical cream, ointment, or salve to ease pain for centuries. Athletes use it to relieve muscle soreness and strains, and it significantly reduces bruising. It's also used to reduce the swelling and pain of arthritic joints. A randomized, double-blind 2007 study found that arnica gel alleviated the pain of osteoarthritis of the hand as effectively as ibuprofen. Another study found that using arnica gel twice daily for up to six weeks significantly reduced pain and stiffness in arthritic knees.

Willow Bark for Occasional or Chronic Pain

Willow bark is a natural anti-inflammatory that's been used since the ancient Greeks. Willow bark contains salicin, a chemical similar to acetylsalicylic acid — the pain-relieving compound found in aspirin, as well as powerful anti-inflammatory flavonoids and phenols. According to the University of Maryland, there's good evidence that willow bark both relieves pain and reduces inflammation, and it may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil. Several European countries have approved willow bark to treat numerous ailments including headache and arthritis. Willow bark can be bought as an extract or powdered in capsules.

Olives for Motion Sickness

Sailing makes you queasy? Flying turn you green? The next time you launch yourself into major motion, take along some olives. At the first sign of motion sickness, eat a couple. Olives contain tannins that dry your mouth, which reduces the excess saliva that cause nausea.

Kava for Anxiety

Feeling anxious is stressful for our bodies and minds. Instead of taking a pharmaceutical to help quell anxiety, consider kava. Extracted from a tropical plant (Piper methysticum), kava is related to black pepper and native to islands of the South Pacific, where it has a long history of use as a social and recreational drug. Kava is an excellent anti-anxiety remedy - it works quickly to relieve anxiety, often with one or two doses, and has been shown in controlled human trials to be as effective as benzodiazepine drugs. It provides a sedative effect as well.

Because of rare reports of liver toxicity associated with certain types of kava products, no one with a history of liver disease should use kava.  It may have additive effect with alcohol and other depressant drugs, and may interfere with the metabolism of a large number of medications - ask your doctor. Otherwise it is generally safe. You can buy powdered whole kava root to make into tea or other drinks, but it is usually recommended extracts standardized to 30 percent kavalactones. Dosage is 100 to 200 mg, two or three times a day as needed.  Don't use it continually over long periods of time (more than a few months).