Herbal remedies for chronic athletic injuries and pain can be used with the standard approach of rest , ice massage, compression and elevation.
For serious injuries seek medical attention.
ALOE VERA
Applied topically, aloe promotes the healing of burns, cuts, insect bites, infections, sunburns, abrasions and wounds. Split open the leaf and apply the pulp directly to the affected area.
There are many varieties of aloe, most of which don't have medicinal value.The ones to use are Aloe Barbadensis Mill and Aloe Saponaria they are commonly available.
ARNICA
The dried flower heads are used as a salve, tincture or compress to promote healing of bruises, strains and sprains.
Arnica tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy.Mix 1 tbs in a pint of cold water, wet a towel with the mixture and apply to the injured area.
COMFREY
Used for treating injuries including fractures, damaged cartilage and muscle and for speeding up the healing process.
It is nicknamed "knitbone" because of its ability to mend broken bones.
JUNIPER BERRIES
Add to a hot bath for relaxing tension, overworked muscles and in the relief of pain.
As a paste it can be applied topically for arthritic pain and swelling.
LINSEED
For chronic low back pain.
Soak 1 cup of linseeds in cold water overnight, bring it to a boil and apply as hot as possible. This can be reheated a few times. Never treat acute pain with heat.
MARIGOLD
Offers relief for muscle soreness from exercise.
Add two handfuls of fresh flowers or 3 ounces of dried marigolds to 4 pints hot water, steep for 20 minutes, strain and add the liquid to bath water.
POTATO
Grate a fresh potato and apply it to a bruised area for 15 minutes.
For tennis elbow or other joint pain try a poultice of hot baked potato.
For serious injuries seek medical attention.
ALOE VERA
Applied topically, aloe promotes the healing of burns, cuts, insect bites, infections, sunburns, abrasions and wounds. Split open the leaf and apply the pulp directly to the affected area.
There are many varieties of aloe, most of which don't have medicinal value.The ones to use are Aloe Barbadensis Mill and Aloe Saponaria they are commonly available.
ARNICA
The dried flower heads are used as a salve, tincture or compress to promote healing of bruises, strains and sprains.
Arnica tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy.Mix 1 tbs in a pint of cold water, wet a towel with the mixture and apply to the injured area.
COMFREY
Used for treating injuries including fractures, damaged cartilage and muscle and for speeding up the healing process.
It is nicknamed "knitbone" because of its ability to mend broken bones.
JUNIPER BERRIES
Add to a hot bath for relaxing tension, overworked muscles and in the relief of pain.
As a paste it can be applied topically for arthritic pain and swelling.
LINSEED
For chronic low back pain.
Soak 1 cup of linseeds in cold water overnight, bring it to a boil and apply as hot as possible. This can be reheated a few times. Never treat acute pain with heat.
MARIGOLD
Offers relief for muscle soreness from exercise.
Add two handfuls of fresh flowers or 3 ounces of dried marigolds to 4 pints hot water, steep for 20 minutes, strain and add the liquid to bath water.
POTATO
Grate a fresh potato and apply it to a bruised area for 15 minutes.
For tennis elbow or other joint pain try a poultice of hot baked potato.