Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Ginger has been used throughout history as an aid for many gastrointestinal disturbances as well as to relieve inflamed joints. The most active chemical compounds in ginger are known as the gingerols, which are also the most aromatic compounds in this root and which are thought to be the reason why ginger can inhibit substances that cause the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. For example, in osteoarthritis patients taking powdered ginger, 75 percent of the subjects reported decreased pain and swelling. There are no reported adverse effects of taking ginger, and it does not have any reported interactions with medications. Most studies have used 1 gram of powdered, dried ginger root per day.
White Willow Bark
The bark of the white willow tree is a source of salicin and other salicylates, compounds that are similar in structure to aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid). Salicin, which is the primary active compound in white willow bark and which can be converted in the body into salicylic acid, has powerful effects as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Native Americans are thought to have used ground willow bark and bark steeped for tea as a medicinal remedy for everything from pain to fevers. Until synthetic aspirin could be produce in large quantities, white willow bark was the treatment of choice for reducing fevers, relieving headache and arthritis pain, and controlling swelling. Today, white willow bark is often used as a natural alternative to aspirin. Although synthetic aspirin is clearly a more effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent compared to the weaker bark extract, white willow can also serve as a source of tannins, a combination that may provide a synergistic action with regard to antioxidant effects (tannins are a class of polyphenols; see Chapter 7).
Stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea and diarrhea are common side effects from prolonged high-dose consumption of either synthetic aspirin or white willow bark extracts-but lower, maintenance doses of the natural bark extract are often tolerated much better than the more powerful synthetic aspirin. Individuals with concerns about blood clotting and bleeding time should use aspirin and white willow with caution, as both have the potential to interfere with platelet aggregation and to prolong bleeding time (i.e., create a "blood-thinning" effect).
For those looking for a "gentler" approach to balancing inflammation management, low-dose white willow may be an effective alternative to aspirin. Standardized extracts of white willow bark are available. Total salicin intake is typically 25–100 mg per day for promoting inflammatory balance.
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