Can herbs help older people with pain and inflammation?

Herbs have been used for centuries to alleviate pain and inflammation. Some contain antioxidants and can help to build the immune system, as well as helping to combat pain. Here are some of the main ones, which might be helpful:

• Acacia can help with stomach problems, bacterial infection, pain and high blood pressure.
• Arnica has been used since the 1500’s to treat muscle strain, bruising and broken bones. It can also help suffering from arthritis and is useful to have at home in case of falls. If you take the tablets and use the cream, it can be very effective.
• Cayenne is often used in muscle rubs and can be good for headaches and for osteoarthritis
• Evening Primrose Oil is often used to help with eczema, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with rheumatoid arthritis, in the same way that Omega-3 fish oils can help relieve joint pain. Used together, they may be even more efficacious. Evening Primrose can also help relieve symptoms of PMT
• Flaxseed Oil contains essential fatty acids, which can inflammation. It can also be used as a laxative.
• Ginger is often used to treat nausea and inflammation and can be particularly good for rheumatism.
• Stinging Nettle is used to treat urinary infections and prostate problems, but can also help relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and muscle and joint pain. It can also relieve tendonitis.
• Turmeric can be used as an effective anti-inflammatory, especially for arthritis.
• White Willow Bark was used by native American Indians and is good for back pain and osteoarthritis.