4 Ways to Cure a Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is not a condition that occurs only to tennis players. If you practice physical activities that require a repetitive wrist and arm movement, then you can develop tennis elbow. This problem causes soreness and pain in your elbow’s outer part. During the wrist movement, your tendons will also be involved, meaning that they will cause pain when they get inflamed. If you practice weight lifting, tennis, fencing, racquetball, squash or badminton, then this condition can be quite common for you. People who have jobs like knitting, carpentry, raking, painting, typing or making use of plumbing tools can also be affected by this problem. The most common symptoms are pain when bending or lifting the arm, weak grasp, elbow pain and wrist pain. They can last for a couple of months if left untreated, so you should try to speed up the healing process with a few home remedies.

1. St. John’s Wort

This plant comes with anti-inflammatory properties and it is effective in healing the tennis elbow. At the same time, it offers relief for the pain due to its analgesic qualities. Prepare a tea with a cup of water and dried St. John’s Wort (2 teaspoons). Let it steep for about 10 minutes and after you have strained it you can drink two cups of this tea. You can also add some honey for extra taste. The St. John’s Wort oil is also effective. Apply it topically on the problematic area and repeat the process a few times per day until you notice the improvement.

2. Fenugreek

Another product with anti-inflammatory properties is the fenugreek. These seeds are able to reduce both the inflammation and the swelling. Thus, you will be able to speed up the healing process. Grind fenugreek seeds (about 2 tablespoons) and mix them with some milk to prepare a thick paste. Use it to apply on the affected area and wash it off after almost 2 hours. Eating ground fenugreek seeds is also helpful. Consume it every morning and drink a cup of lukewarm water afterwards.

3. Comfrey Leaves

The comfrey leaves have healing properties and they are mild painkillers. Use some hot water to soak these leaves and wait until they are soft. Take them out of the water and apply them warm on the affected areas. Use a cloth to wrap the leaves around the arm and leave them overnight. Use this treatment on a daily basis until you see the inflammation and the swelling disappear.

4. White Willow Bark

This herb is a natural painkiller and can immediately help you with a tennis elbow. The salicin in the white willow bark will be of great help in reducing the pain. Mix some boiling water with dried white willow bark (1 teaspoon) and let the tea steep for about 15 minutes. After that, you can strain it and consume it. Drink it daily, until you get relief from the pain.

Other home remedies for tennis elbow include the use of garlic, ginger, turmeric, ice and massage therapy.