Problems with the bone and muscle tissue together can create a painful and debilitating combination that requires fast and lasting relief in order to function properly. Conditions such as those listed here can be due to strains or pulls, inflammation or damage to the bone and/or muscle tissue.

Arthritis: There are two types of arthritis, osteoarthritis, which is a swelling of the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, a serious condition of joint inflammation that in most instances requires treatment by a medical professional.

What to take: Herbals such as Angelica, Black cohosh, Devils Claw, and Willow act as anti-inflammatory agents and will, depending on which remedy is chosen, provide either warmth or cooling to the inflamed area. See a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine physician for another perspective and an effective method of overcoming this illness.



Backache & Lumbago: Most common cause of backache is a pulled muscle or damaged disc. Lumbago is categorized as any lower back pain.

What to take: Both Bayberry and Juniper are good for lower back pain and help reduce swelling and stimulate a cleansing of excess lactic acid from the muscles. Homeopathic remedies to ease the pain and reduce swelling and tightness are Ruta graveolens or Rhus tox.

Cramp: Muscle spasm associated with fatigue, stress or mineral salt imbalance.

What to take: To relax the smooth muscles, a tincture of Guelder rose or Wild Mexican yam is recommended. Nutritional supplements such as Vitamin E and potassium can be effective in alleviating reoccurring muscle cramps.

Gout: Painful swelling in the big toe or the feet could be a sign of excess uric acid in the system, commonly referred to as gout.

What to take: To cleans the acid from joints, Celery seed in a water solution will clear this condition up quickly. Yarrow and Gravelroot added to the solution act as excellent diuretics. Drink several liters of water a day, and keep the foot elevated.

Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI): Repetitive physical exercise or motion can bring on RMI. Weakness and numbness in the arms, legs, hands, neck or shoulders followed by extreme pain are the usual symptoms of RMI.

What to take: Meadow sweet mixed with white willow or valerian will ease the pain and inflammation quickly. Shiitake mushroom powder mixed with Ginseng or Huang qi will reduce inflammation and help the body cope with physical stress. Several homeopathic remedies will help heal RMI including Ruta graveolens, Rhus toxicodendron, and Symphytum; check your guidebook for specific symptoms.

Tennis Elbow & Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the bursa around the elbow due to strain or over exertion will cause these very painful and debilitating ailments.

What to take: Yarrow combined with Stinging nettles and Arnica will reduce the swelling and inflammation while cooling the muscle and healing the damaged bursa. Lignum Vitae is also good for joint and tendon inflammation and is used with herbal anti-spasmodics such as Black cohosh and Guelder rose.

Sciatica: Caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve leading to pain and numbness along the right leg.

What to take: Cayenne, from the pepper, can be used in massage oil or taken as a tea mixed with Valerian or St John’s Wort. It stimulates blood flow and relieves nerve pain.

Rheumatism & Myalgia: Mainly due to injuries of a traumatic nature or perhaps a food intolerance. Characterized by muscular pain and fibrositis.

What to take: Black cohosh or Rosemary will help to reduce swelling and ease muscle stiffness.

Sprains & Strains (see Accidents)