This document summarizes 7 lesser known natural remedies for inflammation and pain: 1. Egg shell membrane from chicken eggs which contains proteins and sugars that modulate inflammation. 2. Shiitake mushrooms which contain compounds shown to reduce gum inflammation and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. 3. Andrographis paniculata herb which inhibits the NF-kB pathway and production of pro-inflammatory enzymes. 4. Caper bush berries which inhibit TNF-a and stimulate anti-inflammatory cytokines. 5. Arnica herb which contains compounds inhibiting NF-kB and reducing pain according to studies. 6. Pimenta herb containing eugenol which inhibits COX-2 and NF-kB pathways, reducing top

1. www.gonaturalpainrelief.com

2. Seven Lesser Known But Effective Natural Reme-
dies For Inflammation and Pain
How many members of your family suffer from arthritis? Do you know anyone who is
sick of living with eczema or asthma? Such diseases have the symptoms of inflamma-
tion and pain. It’s really hard to know the pain of such patients, because these symp-
toms can affect their everyday way of living. For many, they choose to either live with
the pain or medicate with the use of over-the-counter drugs specifically NSAIDs. With
our previous articles, we have already highlighted the dangerous side effects of these
medications.
Why choose natural remedies for treating inflamma-
tion and pain?
There are plenty of reasons why you should choose natural remedies instead of over-
the-counter medications. But to give you a brief explanation, let’s highlight the three ad-
vantages of using natural remedies. First is that they pose less risks when it comes to
side effects. With proper dosage and precautions, the possibility of acquiring kidney or
liver diseases is very low. Perhaps there are some exceptions, some herbs have toxic
effects to the kidney but this post didn't include those.
Second is that they can be easily found around you. If you live in an area surrounded by
forests, the chances of finding these herbs are high. There are also farmer markets
found locally where you can find these natural herbs and supplements. Further, the on-
line market is replete with the supplement form of these herbs. Third is that you can
easily find studies discussing the effectiveness of these herbs. Don’t worry as we’d also
feature them in some of the paragraphs below to guide you.
The List: Lesser Known But Effective Natural Remedies
For Treating Inflammation and Pain
1. Extracellular Matrix of Egg Shell (Chicken)
Code Name: Egg Shell Membrane
Description: The extracellular matrix, or membrane, is that thin film separating the shell
from the white part of the chicken egg. You can see it in boiled eggs, since the mem-

3. brane can be separated from the shell easily with this means of cooking. Unfortunately,
the health properties of the egg shell membrane are destroyed with cooking. In its pure,
tablet and even milled form, egg shell membrane contains important proteins,
glysaminoglycans and amino sugars. If a chicken egg is fertilized, this membrane be-
comes the protective layer until the egg is ready to hatch.
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: There have been many studies indicating the
modulatory effects of egg shell membrane to inflammation. Egg shell membrane seems
to modulate the COX-2 pathway, specifically inhibiting the production of the NF-KB en-
zyme, as this study suggests. The researchers of the study also found out that egg shell
membrane can induce the production of IL-10, which helps downgrade the production of
pro-inflammatory cytokines. Another study highlighted the effectiveness of egg shell
membrane supplement in reducing the pain and stiffness experienced by osteoarthritis
patients.
Risks: In the same study mentioned above, no side effects were noted from the pa-
tients who took the egg shell membrane supplement. Doctor Murray, a known natural
healing advocate, also highlighted in his blog that egg shell supplements have no
known adverse effects. In some patient cases, they have related mild side effects such
as difficulty of sleeping and stomach upset after taking egg shell supplements.
2. Shiitake Mushroom

4. Code Name: Oakwood Mushroom
Description: This cutely named mushroom can usually be found in dead trees. It was
cultivated first in East Asia but can now be grown anywhere in the world. Shiitake mush-
rooms are important culinary ingredients. They are very versatile, used in soups,
sautéed dishes or even pasta dishes. Pack full of nutrients such as niacin, selenium,
magnesium and potassium, shiitake mushrooms are not only healthy, they can also
work to inhibit inflammation in the body.
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: In a 2011 study by Ciric and colleagues, shi-
itake mushroom extract was found to be an effective treatment for gingivitis. Gingivitis is
an inflammatory type of gum disease. Shiitake mushroom extract helped in lowering the
pathogens associated with the disease. In another study, shiitake mushrooms were
found to have elevated levels of IL-10 in a controlled group exposed to prolonged exer-
cise. As mentioned above, IL-10 helps in reducing the production of cytokines that in-
duce inflammation and pain.
Risks: Shiitake mushrooms can cause allergic reactions due to its lentinan content es-
pecially if you do not cook it thoroughly. If you decide to ingest it in the supplement form,
other side effects that you might experience are indigestion, skin rashes and difficulty of
breathing. Notably, these side effects are only experienced in high dosages of shiitake
mushroom supplements.

5. 3. Andrographis Paniculata
Code Name: King of Bitters
Description: Andrographis paniculata is a native herb to the countries of India and Sri
Lanka. It is now being cultivated in many other regions in Asia and America as well. The
main property of this herb that reduces inflammatory actions in the body is the andro-
grapholide. This is also the very same property which gives the herb its bitter taste,
hence the code name, king of bitters.
(Image from Dinesh Valke)
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: The andrographolide in andrographis panicu-
lata affects various inflammatory mechanisms in the body. Specifically though, many
studies seem to prove that it is the NF-KB pathway that the property blocks. Subse-
quently, the production of enzymes such as TNF-A, IL-1B, and IL-6 are also inhibited
because of this. In the Great Cape blog, they have discussed the positive effects of an-
drographis paniculata for patients suffering from Lyme disease.
Risks: If you are taking medications for blood thinning or hypertension, they might in-
teract with andrographis paniculata. There are no adverse side effects if you take the

6. herb in its natural form. With supplements though, you might experience symptoms
such as rashes, diarrhea and digestive problems.
4. Capparis Spinosa
Code Name: Caper Bush
Description: The capparis spinosa, or simply caper bush, can be found in Mediter-
ranean regions mainly. It also grows in semi-arid regions of Asia and Australia. You
might be familiar with them as the berries are used in many pasta dishes and salads.
But unknown to many, caper bush itself have anti-inflammatory effects due to its proper-
ties which include polyphenols, flavonoids and sterols.
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: Capparis spinosa primarily works by inhibiting
the TNF-A production in the inflammation pathway. It also stimulates the production of
IL-4, which in turn, regulates the anti-inflammatory cytokines. It also blocks the produc-
tion of 1L-17, which in contrast, is a regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There’s this
episode in the Dr. Oz Show where they interviewed Chris Kilham, popularly known as
The Medicine Hunter, about the benefits of caper bush to one’s health.
Risks: It’s important to consult a physician prior to taking caper bush supplements if
you are under diabetes medication. This is because caper bush supplements are known

7. to lower blood sugar levels, which can result in an unusually low level if you take both
drugs at the same time.
5. Arnica
Code Name: Arni
Description: Arnica is an herb that grows in North America, Europe and Asia. Its code-
name is arni, in reference to its soft leaves that resemble that of the lamb’s fleece. Its
flower is of a bright yellow, differs in form depending on the type of arnica. It is available
in many forms such as oil, gel and tablet. It has long been established that it does have
effects in reducing swelling or bruising. However, when it comes to efficiency in modu-
lating inflammatory diseases, arnica montana is perhaps the best studied variant for
that.
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: Arnica montana has significant amounts of
sesquiterpene lactones. This is the property which gives the herb its anti-inflammatory
effects. It works by inhibiting the expression of NF-KB, which is a known factor for induc-
ing inflammation and pain. In a 2002 study by Knuesel and colleagues, they investigat-
ed the effects of topical arnica gel when used by patients with osteoarthritis. The results
yielded are positive, with about 87% of the patients being satisfied with the pain reliev-
ing effects of arnica.

8. Risks: When used topically, arnica poses little to no risks. When taken orally, arnica
might pose more dangerous risks. It can cause gut irritation, diarrhea, allergy and short-
ness of breath. In high doses, it can cause tremors and heart problems. So if you want
to be on the safe side, just use arnica topically.
6. Pimenta
Code Name: Allspice
Description: Pimenta is also known as allspice, a flowering herb native to South Ameri-
ca and Mexico. It was first discovered by Columbus during his voyage in Jamaica. Its
code name allspice was coined because its taste resembles a variety of other spices
like nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Pimenta has many properties to which it owes its
health benefits but only one claims the throne for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: That property is none other than eugenol,
which comprise about 80% to 90% of the herb. Eugenol inhibits the COX-2 pathway and
therefore also suppresses the production of NF-KB. Some studies, like this one and this
one, proved the efficiency of topical pimenta agents for reducing inflammation.
Risks: Be cautious if you are taking blood thinning medications along with pimenta
supplements. Since pimenta can lower blood clotting, you might experience unusually

9. low blood levels if you combine both. It can also cause some gastrointestinal discomfort
if you are hypersensitive.
7. Celery Seed
Code Name: Sedano Seme
Description: Celery needs no introduction, it’s a flexible vegetable used in many dish-
es. Celery is cultivated in America, Europe and Asia. Its seeds are used as spices but
not many people know of its anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, its modulatory effects
on gout has been praised by many patients suffering from the disease.
Mechanism of Action & Effectiveness: The main component of celery seeds is 3-N-
Butylphthalide (NBP) and this is where its anti-inflammatory effects can be traced from.
This property inhibits the production of NF-KB while at the same time inhibiting the pro-
duction of inflammatory cytokines. Spiro Koulouris, you can find his blog about gout
here, advocates the use of natural remedies for treating gout and one of those is celery
seed supplements.
Risks: If you are allergic to celery, you would also need to avoid celery seeds. People
suffering from allergy to celery might experience symptoms of rashes, swelling, short-

10. ness of breath and vomiting. Those taking medications for hypertension should also
avoid taking celery seed supplements.
Why not start your healing today?
If you have tried everything, from over-the-counter medications, to chemical agents, to
heal your pain, it’s time to take the natural path instead. If you have loved ones who
seem to have held on to the notion that chemical is the way to go, inspire them to try the
other way round. What if any of these alternatives would work for you? You won’t truly
know until you try.
Perhaps that's the difficulty of healing pain naturally, one solution might not work for an-
other. The good news is that you have so many options and it is highly likely that one of
those is your best healing companion. Inflammation and pain affect lots of people
around the world, from the old to the young, it’s time to take some action. Be more in-
volved with your healing and I promise you, the results would surprise you.