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Herbal Remedies for Joint Health

In this recipe, we take advantage of the benefits of a root, a bark, and a berry. Each offers an array of health benefits, including ones that support joint health and relieve pain.

Yucca Root

Yucca root, also known as soapweed, is a plant that is native to North America and has been traditionally used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. It contains saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Drinking a decoction of yucca root both supports joint health and can provide some pain relief.

Yucca Root
Yucca Root

It’s important to note that Yucca root is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for people with liver or kidney disease. Additionally, it can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diuretics.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw, also known as Uncaria tomentosa, is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. This vine-like plant is native to the Amazon rainforest and is rich in antioxidants, alkaloids, and other beneficial compounds. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and empirical studies show that it contains several compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. Because of this, cat’s claw is a popular herb for managing arthritis symptoms. In fact, studies have demonstrated a decrease in pain and an increase in joint mobility for people with osteoarthritis that are taking a cat’s claw supplement daily.

Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw

Cat’s Claw plant has some contraindications that should be taken into consideration before use. It may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants. People with autoimmune diseases should avoid using Cat’s Claw as it may stimulate the immune system. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Cat’s Claw as there is not enough research on its safety. People with low blood pressure should avoid using Cat’s Claw as it may lower blood pressure further.

Rosehips

Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Studies have suggested that the antioxidants found in rose hips may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation in individuals with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the vitamin C in rose hips can help support healthy collagen formation, which is essential for joint health.

It’s important to note that Rosehips are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for people who are taking blood-thinning medications. Additionally, Rosehips may interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes and high blood pressure.


How to Make Your Own Arthritis Pain Relief Tea

Brewing tea involves steeping plant material, such as leaves or flowers, in hot water for a short period of time, typically 3-5 minutes. This method is suitable for extracting volatile oils and other water-soluble compounds present in the plant material, which can be absorbed easily by the body.

On the other hand, making a decoction involves boiling the hard plant material, such as roots, bark, or seeds, in water for a longer period of time. This method is used to extract the more resilient compounds that may not be easily soluble in water, such as tannins or alkaloids.

Neither Cat’s claw nor Yucca root have an amazing flavor, so I like to add other herbs to my decoction for a more pleasant taste. I love the calming properties of St. John’s wort and Oat straw, and the freshness of Lemon Balm and Peppermint, so I brewed my pain relief decoction with these additional herbs.

If you are a caffeine drinker, green tea has been shown to be useful in managing arthritis symptoms. This is because it contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. To add an energizing lift, try this recipe with your favorite green tea instead!

Ingredients

1 tsp. dried, shredded Cat’s claw bark
1 tsp. dried, shredded Yucca glauca root
1 tsp. dried rosehips
Green or herbal tea of choice (I used a mixture of St. John’s wort, Oat straw, Lemon balm, and Peppermint)
Honey, to taste (optional)

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