Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is otherwise known as ginger root; it is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. Although ginger is used mainly as food, it is also used for herbal remedies. Traditional healing and herbal treatments have used ginger and regards it as one of the most important herbal remedies. Much of the ability of the ginger root to treat different kinds of medical conditions especially joint and muscle pains is due to its natural composition.

Ginger is composed of a mixture of zingerone, shogaols and gingerols. These are all volatile oils that are known to treat different illnesses. Gingerols have the natural analgesic, antibacterial, sedative and antipyretic effects. Ginger also contains essential oils which may also contribute to the therapeutic effects of the herb.

Ginger’s natural analgesic effect is the reason why it is one of the most common ingredients in products for muscle pain and joint pain. Ginger oil along with other essential oils and ingredients reduce inflammation, control pain and reduces stiffness of the aching joint. When products made from ginger oil is applied over the affected area, there is immediate pain relief and is safe which is why it may be used over and over again. Ginger is so versatile it may also be used in the relief of the inflammation of the colon, to reduce nausea as a result of chemotherapy, the reduction of asthma, to manage high blood pressure, to reduce dysmenorrhea and in the reduction of migraines.

Aside from using products that contain ginger oil (creams, ointments and oils) it may also be used orally as supplements, as tea or as the actual ginger oil. But for the relief of joint and muscle pain, a topical treatment is deemed as the most suitable mode of use. Ginger oil is one of the most popular herbal treatments that have been used in many cultures all around the world.

References:

What are the benefits of ginger? – Medical News Today. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php

Ginger-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree that can be as tall as a shrub to a large tree. The eucalyptus actually has 700 species and all have evergreen leaves. Eucalyptus leaves have a waxy or glossy appearance because these leaves are covered with oil glands. This is one of the reasons why eucalyptus leaves are used in various medicinal purposes.

Eucalyptus oil is taken from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and this oil is useful in so many ailments. It can treat gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, for the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis and other respiratory infections, for skin conditions such as acne, wounds, ulcers, burns and ringworms, for the treatment of liver and gall bladder problems and most of all it is very useful in the treatment of muscle pain and joint pain in arthritis, gout and muscle sprains.

The reason for eucalyptus’ ability to treat a variety of illnesses and its effectiveness as an analgesic is its natural compound called cineole. This compound makes the essential oil powerful in the treatment of all kinds of medical conditions without being harmful to health. When eucalyptus oil is applied on the skin to reduce muscle and joint pain it can reduce pain, reduce swelling, improve mobility and reduces stiffness of the affected joint. Eucalyptus oil is commonly combined with other essential oils to make ointments, liniments, creams and topical oils for the treatment of pain. While it is effective in this manner for pain and inflammation, there are also eucalyptus teas, tinctures and dried eucalyptus that are added to food or beverages.

Eucalyptus has been a very common and effective natural remedy in countless herbal remedies which is why it is still used as a treatment for muscle and joint pains as well as other ailments to this day.

References:

Eucalyptus: MedicinePlus Supplements. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/700.html

Eucalyptus oil – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_oil