How to Treat Bursitis with Herbal Remedies

Bursitis in the shoulder.

Bursitis is a painful inflammation of the bursae, which are sacs of fluid that protect the joints. Bursitis is common in the hips, knees, elbows and shoulders. It is caused by repetitive motion, strain and direct trauma. It has also been linked to poor diet. Bursitis is commonly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections and surgery. These methods are often effective; however, the condition can often be treated and, in many cases, prevented with noninvasive herbal and natural remedies. A two-week regimen is recommended. Read more for help.

Things You'll Need

• Herb guide
• Food supplements (See Steps)
• Herb Supplements (See Steps)
• Food scale

Instructions

Diet and Supplements

1. Remove all acidic foods from your diet. Food such as red meats, tomatoes, fast food and junk food all contain high amounts of starch and acid. These agents tend to stimulate bursitis. Replace these dishes with alkalizing foods rich in magnesium such as leafy greens, sea greens, oat meal, celery, avocados and carrots.

2. Mix 2 tbs. of honey, 1/2 cup of cider vinegar and 1 tsp of cayenne pepper in to a 12-ounce glass of water. Drink one hour before breakfast. This mixture will help naturally reduce inflammation, strengthen your joints and boost your immune system.

3. Drink a 12-ounce glass of carrot juice with breakfast and lunch. Carrot juice will help break down the sediment residue in your inflamed bursae. Carrot juice, aside from being a wonderful source of vitamin A, is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B complex. Take 2 Acid-A-Cal tablets with breakfast and lunch. Acid-A-Cal is a herbal dietary supplement made by Enzymatic Therapy, a leading manufacturer of natural remedies. Acid-A-Cal contains high levels of vitamins and minerals and is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

4. Drink two cups of burdock tea between breakfast and lunch. Burdock tea is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can be bought in bulk in most health food stores and online. Burdock also promotes healthy liver function, which will help rid your body of toxins that can cause infection and sore bones and joints.

5. Eat 4 to 6 ounces of raw celery with dinner. Raw celery is a good alkalizing agent and will help clear your joints of uric acid, easing the pain. Take 2 Acid-A-Cal tablets with dinner.

6. Take 1 tbs. of flax seed oil with dinner and before going to bed. Flax seed contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, which helps promote bone and joint health. It also contains lignans, herbal agents that will help heal your damaged bursae tissue. Take 2 Acid-A-Cal tablets one hour before going to bed.

Body Care, Exercise and Topical Treatments

1. Place an ice pack to the painful area twice a day. Hold for 20 minutes. When finished, apply 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to your skin. Rub in gently and allow the oil to soak into your pores. After a week, or as symptoms subside, add 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to a hot wash rag and apply it to the affected area after your ice pack treatment.

2. Use a topical herbal oxygen spray as needed. Oxygen spray will penetrate your pores and help ease the pain. There are many pain relieving sprays on the market. A highly effective oxygen spray is Oxy-Spray, made by Earth's Bounty.

3. Stretch your joints gently in the early morning and before you go to bed. Don't overdue it, simply get your infected joint moving so stiffness does not set in, causing additional pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day during periods of bursitis.

• Consider a chiropractic adjustment. Many health conditions, such as bursitis, can be linked to misaligned muscles and joints.

• Prepare your meals about every four hours. This will give your food and supplements time to be utilized by your body.

• Consult with your doctor before making sudden dietary or lifestyle changes.

• If you experience any adverse side effects from any herbal supplements, stop taking them and call your doctor. If you are in extreme pain or feel faint, dial 911.

• Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products during bursitis flare-ups. Tobacco use promotes acidity in the body, which may make your bursitis worse and difficult to treat.

Resources

• Sprays by Earth's Bounty
• Acid-A-Cal, by Enzymatic Therapy