Yarrow and Peppermint for Heel Inflammation; Also Using Psyllium
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: March 6, 1999

I was told that yarrow and peppermint combined help to relieve inflammation. I am having a problem with inflammation in my heels and am looking for a herbal remedy. Can you make any recommendations as well as let me know if the peppermint and yarrow will work? I am also interested in finding out how to use psyllium seeds.

Yarrow and Peppermint should be helpful for heel inflammation. Generally you want to improve circulation to the area to encourage the healing process, and reduce inflammation. Yarrow is anti-inflammatory, arrests internal bleeding, and improves blood circulation. Peppermint is antiseptic and improves circulation.

Both herbs are also digestive tonics.

Taken internally as a tea, a teaspoon of each of the dried herbs is steeped in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. This can be taken three times a day.

Externally an oil of peppermint can be massaged into your heel: 5-6 drops of essential oil of peppermint in 2 teaspoons of Olive or Almond oil.

Yarrow can be used externally as a foot bath by steeping a tablespoon of the dried herb in a cup of water for 15 minutes and adding the strained "tea" to the footbath water.

The following are herbal remedies used in arthritic inflammation. They include herbs which help the digestion to improve absorption of food nutrients and the herbs; anti-inflammatories; diuretics and lymphatics to encourage elimination of waste products; liver support to help in processing both toxins for elimination and nutrients for the blood circulation; circulatory stimulants to improve the blood supply of nutrients to the affected joints and analgesics for pain relief:

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, a liver tonic and lymphatic. Celery seeds are anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and a digestive aid Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is anti-inflammatory, a liver tonic, analgesic and digestive aid Dandelion root is supportive of the liver Dandelion leaf is diuretic and provides potassium, which may be eliminated with other diuretics Ginger is anti-inflammatory and stimulates digestion and circulation (take with or after meals)

Herbs used particularly in Rheumatoid arthritis are:

* Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): anti-inflammatory and liver support

* Licorice: anti-inflammatory, regulates the salt and water metabolism through the adrenal glands and liver protective (not to be used in cases of high blood pressure or for an extended period of time).

Generally herbs that are supportive of the liver and digestion should be taken before meals. If they cause any problems such as nausea, they should be taken after the meal.

Herbal teas which are helpful are Nettle, which supports the blood and circulation and Tilia (Linden or Lime flower) which is relaxing and supports circulation.

An external oil can be applied to reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation around the joint. A combination of comfrey oil with essential oils of cajaput and juniper works well.

Psyllium seeds are used mainly for chronic constipation and irritated bowels, to soften the stools, making elimination faster and easier. As with any laxative, they should not be taken long term. One to two teaspoons of the seeds can be taken in a little water and followed by a full glass of water, once or twice a day. Sufficient liquid is necessary to avoid excessive intestinal drying, which would cause constipation.

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