Do You Suffer From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? If So, Find Relief By Using Herbal Remedies!

Not so long ago, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome seemed to only affect dairy farmers and needle workers (who knew that milking cows had a down side!?). Today, thanks to a little old invention called the home computer, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome now affects thousands of people each and every year. Yes, it is true, technology does have a down side, and our wrists are paying the price! Now before you toss your computer out the window you should know that there are many things you can do to bring much needed relief to your aching fingers and wrists. Not only are there exercises you can perform, thankfully, there are herbal remedies as well!

Before I get to the herbal remedies that can help you when it comes to the pain and inflammation associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, allow me to briefly explain exactly what this condition entails. Inside your wrist there is a narrow passageway called, you guessed it, the Carpal Tunnel! Running through this tunnel are nine tendons that enable you to move your fingers, along with the median nerve. When an individual repeatedly performs a task that requires the use of their fingers and wrists (such as typing on a keyboard for hours on end, or yes…even milking a cow), the tendons can become inflamed and swell, compressing the nerve. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include numbness and tingling in your thumb and fingers, weakness, pain when you attempt to grip something, shooting pain that goes through your fingers and up into your forearm and even soreness in your neck and shoulders.

If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, why not put down the Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications and go the all natural route instead! Herbal remedies tend to be less expensive, have little to NO side effects and more often than not, work just as well or better than many medications! So what are you waiting for? Grab your wallet and give your local herbal drugstore a visit!

Enter the Pineapple!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome HURTS! In order to reduce the pain and inflammation in your wrists try taking Bromelain. Broma-what? Don't worry, I had never heard of it either…but I have heard of pineapple! Bromelain is an enzyme that is derived from that wonderful, tropical fruit…the pineapple! Bromelain actually digests inflammatory proteins and by doing so, reduces inflammation. Five hundred milligrams of this herbal remedy one to three times per day should do the trick. It is important to note that you should take Bromelain BETWEEN meals so that food digestion does not interfere with the task at hand.

St. John's Wort

Most commonly used as an antidepressant, St. John's Wort has other wonderful uses as well! Not only can it assist your body when it comes to repairing damaged nerves, it can also reduce pain and inflammation! All you should need is 150 to 250 milligrams (of extract standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin) three times per day. However, after two weeks, if you are still experiencing pain, you can try increasing your dosage to 300 or 400 milligrams (three times per day).  So what exactly is St. John's Wort anyway? If you guessed a plant…BINGO! You win! Though St. John's Wort is a plant, only the flowering tops are used. This herbal remedy comes in many forms including teas, capsules and tablets. If you don't have a medical need for St. John's Wort, you may consider adding it to your garden as the yellow flowers this plant produces are quite dainty as well as pretty!  

I'll Have Flaxseed Oil With My Salad, Thank You!

Extremely rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, flaxseed oil has been known to fight and reduce inflammation. One tablespoon every day should do the trick! It is important that you allow at least two weeks for flaxseed oil to work its magic. Feel free to take flaxseed oil on its own; however, my recommendation is that you mix it with food…such as your favorite salad dressing. Not only will it be easier to swallow, it will absorb into your system more effectively. While we are on the subject of flaxseed oil, let me tell you a little bit about it. Flaxseed is among the world's oldest cultivated plants. As an herbal remedy, it is available in several forms including whole seed, expressed oil of seed (which comes in a bottle) or capsules. Not only is flaxseed oil used to reduce inflammation, it is commonly used by people who are constipated or suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

So there you have it! Three herbal remedies that can help you win the battle against the pain and inflammation that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause. I am a firm believer in the powers of natural healing and herbal alternatives. It is a fact that herbs have the same healing powers as many over-the-counter and prescription medications! If you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, why not give herbs a try! After all, what do you have to lose? You never know, the road to a pain free life might just be paved with flaxseed! Here's to natural and HEALTHY living!

Final Note: Just as prescription and over-the-counter medications don't always work, herbal remedies sometimes fail as well. Over time, if you are still in pain or if your carpal tunnel syndrome begins to interfere (or prohibits) you from doing normal, daily activities, it would be wise to visit a physician.