Suffering from a swollen painful knee joint or a swollen painful wrist joint? Try Andrographis herbal extract.
Swollen Painful Knee Joint
Common causes of swollen and painful knee joints include arthritis, infections, bursitis, tendpnitis, injury, and overuse.
ARTHRITIS: Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the knee joint over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the joint lining. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint, and pseudogout is similar to gout but caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
INFECTIONS: Septic arthritis is an infection in the knee joint leading to inflammation and swelling.
BURSITIS: Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap, often due to prolonged kneeling or injury.
TENDONITIS: Patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, common in athletes.
INJURY: Ligament injuries include ACL or MCL tears, meniscus tears are damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee, fractures are breaks in the bones of the knee joint, and dislocation is when the knee joint becomes displaced.
OVERUSE: Repetitive strain is caused by activities that put stress on the knee joint.
Swollen Painful Wrist Joint
Common causes of swollen and painful wrist joints include arthritis, infections, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, injury, and overuse and repetitive strain:
ARTHRITIS: Rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune inflammation affecting wrist joints, while osteoarthritis is degenerative changes in the wrist joint Gout and pseudogout are uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition in the wrist joint.
INFECTIONS: Septic arthritis is an infection leading to inflammation in the wrist joint.
BURSITIS: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in the joint.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: Median nerve compression is swelling in the wrist that compresses the median nerve, causing pain and swelling.
TENDONITIS: Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, often from overuse or repetitive motions. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
INJURY: Fractures can include broken bones in the wrist, and sprains can include the overstretching or tearing of ligaments.
OVERUSE AND REPETITIVE STRAIN: Repetitive motion injuries can occur from activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing or sports.
Other possible causes of swollen and painful knee joints and swollen and painful wrist joints include autoimmune disorders like lupus, which can cause joint swelling and pain. Psoriatic arthritis is also a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis.
All-Natural Support for a Swollen Painful Knee Joint or a Swollen Painful Wrist Joint
Andrographis paniculata all-natural herbal extract is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and immune support properties. The extract from Andrographis, particularly its active component andrographolide, can provide support for swollen and painful joints such as the knee and wrist in a number of ways.
Andrographis has significant anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as COX-2 and TNF-alpha. This helps decrease inflammation in the joints, reducing swelling and pain.
Further, the NF-kB pathway is a key regulator of inflammatory responses. Andrographolide inhibits this pathway, leading to a reduction in inflammatory signals and subsequent joint inflammation.
Andrographis also shows analgesic effects and can help alleviate pain associated with joint inflammation. Its analgesic properties work by inhibiting the synthesis of pain mediators and reducing the sensitivity of pain receptors, which can bring pain relief. In fact, by alleviating inflammation and pain, Andrographis can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness, making daily activities easier and less painful.
In addition, Andrographis can help modulate and regulate the immune system, helping it respond appropriately without causing excessive inflammation. This can be particularly beneficial for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. By supporting immune health, Andrographis helps the body fight off infections that could lead to septic arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions.
The antioxidant effects of Andrographis are also important to mention. Andrographis has potent antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals. This reduces oxidative stress on joint tissues, preventing further damage and promoting healing. By reducing oxidative damage, Andrographis helps protect joint tissues, cartilage, synovial fluid, and other joint structures from degradation.
Finally, Andrographis supports overall joint health. It can aid in the repair and regeneration of joint tissues by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thus promoting overall joint health. For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Andrographis helps modulate the autoimmune response, reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Andrographis: An All-Natural Herbal Wonder
Andrographis has been most widely studied for its potential to support treatment for colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Andrographis is an herbal extract used by many people to support treatment of Lyme disease. It may prove effective in assisting the immune system in the planktonic stage, which is the early, blood-borne stage of Lyme disease.
It may also help reduce inflammation and support the health of joints and soft connective tissue during a chronic Lyme infection. It is often used to provide support for a swollen painful knee joint or a swollen painful wrist joint.
Andrographis health benefits are often attributed to its active ingredient, andrographolides, which contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Andrographis is a full-bodied, bitter/bittersweet herb. It’s commonly called the “King of Bitters.” (Read why bitter is better!)
Many herbalists agree that bitter is better, especially when it comes to supporting the treatment of a wide range of health conditions. Bitter foods have been shown to aid digestion, help nutrient absorption, and stimulate immune function.
Bitter foods stimulate digestive enzymes and bile production, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption. They are also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Healthy Andrographis Smoothie
One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to incorporate Andrographis into your daily diet is in a healthy smoothie. Banana and cacao nibs help counterbalance the bitterness of the herb.
Here’s a very healthy smoothie recipe for those suffering from a swollen painful knee joint or a swollen painful wrist joint. (Makes 2 servings)
Ingredients:
1 cup of frozen berries
1/2 banana
1 1/2 cups of liquid [flaxseed milk, almond milk, or coconut water]
1/4 t Andrographis herbal extract
Optional Additions:
1/2 t Phyllanthus niruri herbal extract
1/2 t Bilberry herbal extract
1 T hemp hearts
1 T chia seeds
1 T flax seeds
1 pinch of nibs de cacao
Instructions:
- Toss frozen berries and banana into a blender with the liquid. Blend until smooth.
- Add Andrographis to the blender. Add other herbal extracts, hemp seeds, chia, flax, and cacao, as desired.
- Blend until smooth.
- Adjust consistency to your liking — add ice to thicken or add more liquid to thin it out.
- Pour into one or two glasses, and enjoy!
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Andrographis can provide all-natural support for a swollen painful knee joint or a swollen painful wrist joint. To learn more about Andrographis herbal extract, a great place to start is with our Andrographis FAQ.
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