Inflammation and pain are a common combination, whether it’s related to arthritis, muscle sprains or strains, tendonitis, overworked joints, or similar physical trauma. But where do eggs fit into the picture? You may be surprised.
Eggs, inflammation, and pain
For more than four centuries, people in Asian countries have been using eggshell membrane from birds’ eggs as a natural bandage on cuts and burns. In recent years, scientists have analyzed the components of those membranes, and they include calcium carbonate, protein, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine. If you recognized factors associated with arthritis pain relief, inflammation, and pain in general, you would be right.
As more and more people turn to natural pain relief options, there is also interest in potential new remedies. Eggshell membrane is one of those possibilities. Among the numerous studies of the eggshell membrane and its ability to relieve pain and inflammation is one that appeared in the Journal of Inflammation Research.
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The authors of the study reported that eggshell membrane powder “and its soluble carbohydrate components possess anti-inflammatory properties.” They concluded that this natural pain reliever had “potential…as a novel biological wound dressing for treatment of chronic inflammatory wounds.”
A group of postmenopausal women were involved in a study that compared eggshell membrane versus placebo. The women took either 500 milligrams of the supplement or a placebo daily for two weeks. All of the women participated in the same exercise program on alternating days.
The researchers found that the women who took the eggshell membrane supplement experienced a rapid improvement in their joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort when compared with those who took the placebo. In addition, the supplement users had a decline in a biological indicator for cartilage degradation, which occurs in individuals with arthritis.
Other natural pain relievers
Several other natural pain relievers work well with eggshell membrane in the fight against inflammation and the pain that often accompanies it.
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Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is an herb that has been recognized for its ability to relieve inflammation for millennia. Also known as frankincense, it has the ability to inhibit the production of a molecule that causes inflammation.
For example, in a study of 30 individuals with osteoarthritis, those who took Boswellia experienced a decrease in knee pain and knee joint swelling along with improvement in knee flexion and walking distance.
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a South African herb that has been used to reduce the pain associated with tendonitis, back and neck problems, and osteoarthritis. The herb works by enhancing the inhibition of the process that causes inflammation.
In a study of 259 individuals with rheumatic conditions, 60 percent of the participants were able to either reduce or stop their pain medication after taking devil’s claw for eight weeks.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), or more precisely its active antioxidant ingredient curcumin, can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain. In one study, researchers found that curcumin can help reduce pain associated with tendonitis and autoimmune disorders as well as interfere with substances that promote inflammation.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) contains piperine, a substance that can boost the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2,000 percent, according to a report appearing in Foods.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve inflammation and pain, think eggs. Eggshell membrane supplements may provide significant relief from pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, muscle sprains, tendonitis, and other similar conditions.
Look for a supplement that provides pain-relieving natural eggshell membrane powder as well as herbs known for their pain-reducing abilities, such as turmeric, black pepper, Boswellia, and devil’s claw. This combination may help provide significant relief from a variety of inflammatory conditions and the pain that accompanies them.
[Editor's Note: New Roots Herbal makes a Joint Pain Relief formula with the ingredients mentioned here. You can learn more about it on their website or you can purchase it through Amazon.ca.]
Read next:
7 Foods That Help Fight Chronic Inflammation
How to Reverse Chronic Inflammation Naturally
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Sources
Daily JW et al. Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Medicinal Food 2016; 19(8):717–29.
Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Review of Its' Effects on Human Health. Foods 2017; 6(10):92.
Kimmatkar N et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee—a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2003; 10(1): 3–7.
Ruff KJ et al. Beneficial effects of natural eggshell membrane versus placebo in exercise-induced joint pain, stiffness, and cartilage turnover in healthy, postmenopausal women. Clinical Interventional Aging 2018; 13:285-95
Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2011; 73(3):255-61.
Warnock M. Effectiveness and safety of devils claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytotherapy Research 2007; 21(12):1228-33.
Wong C. Herbs for natural pain relief. Verywellhealth 2020 Apr 26
