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Unfortunately common medications used to decrease pain and inflammation
can have negative side effects. The typical medications used for pain and
inflammation are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as NSAIDS
(i.e. Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Feldene, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Indocin,
Clinoril, Ansaid, Relafen, Daypro & Dolobid), Tylenol and Corticosteroids.
Regular use of NSAIDS can cause ulcers and can damage the kidneys and
liver while also delaying the healing process, interfering with the repair of
bone and the metabolism of articular cartilage. Prolonged use of NSAIDS may
actually increase the progression of degenerative arthritis. Extended use of
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, can cause liver damage.
Corticosteroids (i.e. methylprednisolone [Medrol], prednisone [Deltasone] &
dexamethasone [Decadron]) breakdown proteins that form many of the
structural components in our body including ligaments, tendons and muscles,
they suppress the immune system, and they can lead to hyperglycemia. Side
effects of muscle relaxants such as Benzodiazepines (Diazepam or Valium),
cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), chlorozoxazone (Paraton
Forte), & methocarbamol (Robaxin) are typically drowsiness and ataxia. It is
important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects. NSAIDs,
analgesics and Corticosteroids can be a very important part of a treatment
plan, but there are natural alternatives for those individuals who elect to use
them. Natural anti-inflammatory agents & muscle relaxants are listed and
discussed below. These therapies are not for everyone and you should
discuss their usage with a qualified health care professional.
NATURAL THERAPIES
¨ Trypsin, a pancreatic enzyme, is used in combination with
bromelain and rutin used to treat degenerative arthritis. It is used to remove dead tissue that remains after trauma and surgical procedures. This allows the growth of healthy tissues. ¨ Chymotrypsin, a pancreatic enzyme, is used for inflammation
¨ Papain is an enzyme derived from the fruit papaya. It has anti-
inflammatory properties and is used postoperatively or post- ¨ Bromelain is an enzyme found in the stems of the pineapple
plant. It is used to reduce postoperative and post-traumatic swelling as well as to treat inflammation caused by degenerative arthritis. It has been shown to speed healing of bruises and hemotomas as well as to reduce swelling, pain at rest, pain during movement and tenderness after blunt injuries. Administration of bromelain pre-surgically can reduce the average number of days for complete disappearance of pain and inflammation.
http://www.activerelease.net/providers/newtown/content.asp?id=184 ¨ Rutin is a flavonoid found in many plants. It is used in
combination with bromelain and trypsin to treat degenerative ¨ Flax Oil from flax seeds and Fish Oil from deep-sea cold-water
fish contain omega 3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory. Modifying the diet to include flax seeds, deep-sea cold-water fish and/or supplementing with flax oil and/or fish oil encourages the body to go towards a more anti-inflammatory state. These substances work the same way as aspirin and ibuprofen, that is, they block the cyclooxygenase enzyme (cox II inhibitor), but they don’t have the same negative side effects such as gastrointestinal ¨ Ginger is a plant used to relieve joint pain and its anti-
¨ Turmeric is a culinary spice used for its anti-inflammatory and
¨ Hops is a plant used for tenseness and restlessness.
¨ Passion Flower is a plant that has sedative and antispasmodic
¨ Valerian Root is a plant used to improve the quality of sleep
¨ Food has a tremendous effect on whether the body is in a pro-
inflammatory or anti-inflammatory state. Typically, meat, eggs, vegetable oils and a simple carbohydrate diet (high in refined white sugar, white wheat & white rice) promote inflammation while dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and deep sea cold water
REFERENCES:
1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 3rd ed., 2000.
2. Alt Med Rev 1998;3(4).
3. Clinical Nutrition for Pain, Inflammation and Tissue Healing, Newtown Performance Chiropractic
153 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470 (203) 426-6600 or (203)
417-3375
http://www.activerelease.net/providers/newtown/content.asp?id=184

Source: http://www.eugenezeitler.net/eugenezeitler.net/Articles_files/Natural%20Anti-inflammatories%20and%20Muscle%20Relaxants.pdf