3 Medicinal Plants To Treat Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when the tendons in this part of the body suffer. The main cause of this problem is repetitive movements of the wrist and arm. To treat it, the specialist usually prescribes drugs that relieve inflammation and pain.
On the other hand, in serious cases, surgery can be used. However, there are some alternatives with medicinal plants that can help treat this condition. In this article we share 3 remedies with medicinal plants that could be effective in reducing discomfort.
What is tennis elbow?
Although it is more common in athletes, tennis elbow or epicondylitis is actually an injury that can be suffered by anyone who performs certain constant movements of the forearm and wrist. For example, it can affect people who are engaged in painting, construction, butchery, and so on.
This condition is characterized by presenting pain in the outer part of the elbow, which is known by the name of the epicondyle. As for your symptoms, a Mayo Clinic publication suggests that pain and weakness could make the following tasks difficult:
- Shaking hands or holding an object
- Turn the door knob
- Hold a cup of coffee
Medicinal plants to treat tennis elbow
As we mentioned, some medicinal plants could help to treat tennis elbow naturally. However, it is best to take them under medical supervision, as some may have contraindications or interact with some medications.
1. Turmeric
The first option is turmeric, an ancient natural remedy that is increasingly recommended in alternative medicine for different conditions that cause pain and inflammation. This, due to the properties of its active ingredient, curcumin, which also has antioxidant effects.
In relation to this, a review published in the journal Foods comments that this component would be effective in treating inflammation and muscle pain caused by exercise. So it would improve recovery and subsequent performance in active people.
Turmeric can be consumed as a spice in any type of recipes, both sweet and savory. In addition, it works very well as a natural coloring. One of the most popular preparations in recent years is golden milk.
The basic ingredients are milk (cow or vegetable) and turmeric. However, other spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cumin, etc. can also be added. Follow the steps we describe below and enjoy its benefits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of milk of your choice (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (10 gr)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (5 gr)
- Honey (optional)
Preparation
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
- Add the turmeric and cinnamon and stir well.
- Let cook for 3 more minutes without boiling.
- If you want, you can sweeten with honey or your favorite sweetener.
- Enjoy this hot drink.
2. Ginger
Second, there is another spice from the same turmeric family: ginger. The rhizome of this plant stands out as a natural anti-inflammatory. In fact, according to a study in The Journal of Pain , consuming 2 grams of ginger a day for 11 days reduced muscle pain in people who performed elbow exercises.
To take full advantage of its effects, you can combine the consumption of fresh ginger (in juices or infusions), with the topical application of its essential oil. Do not forget that the latter must be diluted in another base oil such as olive, coconut or almond. Next, we will tell you how to prepare a ginger infusion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 2 small slices of ginger
- Honey (optional)
Preparation
- Heat the cup of water over medium heat.
- When it starts to boil, add the ginger slices and turn off the heat.
- Let stand for 10 minutes and serve.
- Sweeten with honey if you wish.
3. Cat’s claw
Cat’s claw is the name given to the Uncaria tomentosa plant , native to the Amazon area. This plant is known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Although there is no scientific evidence regarding its effects on tennis elbow, a review published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice states that its consumption contributed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Regarding its consumption, the best way to take cat’s claw is in supplement form. This makes it easier to control the dose, since, although adverse effects are not very common, the high levels of tannins in the plant could cause nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea.
Now that you know the benefits of these medicinal plants to treat tennis elbow naturally, do not hesitate to include them in your daily routine if you suffer from this condition. If you consume them regularly, it is very likely that you will notice an improvement in pain and inflammation.
However, it is necessary to remember that diagnosis and personalized medical treatment should not be neglected. For this reason, if the pain does not subside or you have other related symptoms, it is best to go to the professional.
