Bunion: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A bunion is a bony protrusion that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, often causing pain and discomfort.

It is caused by a combination of genetics, poor footwear, and repetitive stress on the joint. If left untreated, bunions can lead to arthritis, difficulty walking, and even diabetes.

Herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, and arnica can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. To use these herbs, apply turmeric paste or ginger oil to the affected area, or take arnica supplements after consulting a healthcare professional.

However, always consult a doctor before using herbal remedies, especially if you have allergies or underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of bunion, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of bunion?

The main causes of bunion are genetic predisposition, which accounts for 60% of cases, followed by abnormal pronation and supination of the foot, which puts pressure on the joint.

Additionally, wearing shoes that are too tight, especially those with high heels or pointed toes, can lead to bunions by causing the big toe to be pushed towards the second toe. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can also contribute to the development of bunions by causing inflammation and degeneration of the joint. Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and polio, can increase the risk of developing bunions due to muscle imbalances and joint instability.

The likelihood of developing a bunion is also higher in individuals with a history of trauma or injury to the foot.

• Wearing High Heels: Wearing high heels, especially those with pointed toes, forces the foot to be pushed into an unnatural position, leading to strain on the big toe joint and eventually causing bunions.
• Genetic Predisposition: People with a family history of bunions are more likely to develop the condition due to inherited traits that affect the shape and structure of the foot, particularly the big toe joint.
• Poor Foot Mechanics: Abnormal gait or foot mechanics, such as overpronation or supination, can put uneven stress on the foot, causing the big toe joint to rub against other bones and leading to bunion formation.
• Injury to the Big Toe: Trauma or injury to the big toe joint, such as a fracture or dislocation, can cause bunion formation by disrupting the normal alignment and function of the joint.
• Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and degeneration of the big toe joint, leading to bunion formation and deformity.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional stress on the foot, particularly the big toe joint, leading to bunion formation and exacerbating existing conditions.
• Wearing Shoes that are Too Tight: Wearing shoes that are too tight, especially those with narrow toe boxes, can cause pressure and friction on the big toe joint, leading to bunion formation and deformity.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for bunion?

The main medicinal herbs used for bunion are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Arnica montana, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Equisetum arvense, Aloe vera, Cinchona officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Urtica dioica, Hamamelis virginiana.

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with bunions. Arnica montana and Aloe barbadensis have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while Curcuma longa's curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Equisetum arvense and Aloe vera also reduce inflammation and promote healing, while Cinchona officinalis and Hamamelis virginiana have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Urtica dioica's nettle root extract may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its saponins, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its sesquiterpene lactones, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its aloin and aloe-emodin, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its curcumin, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its equisetin, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its aloin and aloe-emodin, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis is not directly used to alleviate bunion pain, but its alkaloids, particularly quinine, may help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its sesquiterpene lactones, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its caffeic acid and isorhapontigenin, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana is used to help alleviate bunion pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, particularly its tannins, which may reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with bunions.

What are the main herbal preparations used for bunion?

The main herbal preparations used for bunion are Decoction, Tincture, Ointment, Cream, Salve, Gel, Capsule, Poultice, Tea, Suppository.

Decoction is made from Burdock root and Dandelion root which have anti-inflammatory properties reducing swelling and pain. Tincture of Willow bark and Turmeric is used to reduce inflammation and pain due to salicylic acid content. Ointments and creams like Capsaicin and Menthol reduce pain by blocking nerve endings and providing cooling sensation.

Poultices and teas made from Aloe vera, Epsom salt and Ginger reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area, while Suppositories of Capsaicin provide direct pain relief.

• Decoction: A decoction of Aloe barbadensis reduces inflammation and pain associated with bunions by releasing its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, into the skin.
• Tincture: A tincture of Arnica montana, rich in flavonoids and terpenes, is used topically to reduce inflammation and pain in bunions by promoting blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
• Ointment: An ointment of Plantago major, rich in mucilages and flavonoids, is applied topically to bunions to reduce inflammation and pain by protecting the skin from irritation and promoting wound healing.
• Cream: A cream of Calendula officinalis, rich in triterpenoids and flavonoids, is used topically to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in bunions by protecting the skin from irritation and promoting tissue repair.
• Salve: A salve of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), rich in allantoin and flavonoids, is applied topically to bunions to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation by stimulating tissue repair and reducing oxidative stress.
• Gel: A gel of Aloe barbadensis, rich in aloin and aloe-emodin, is used topically to reduce inflammation and pain associated with bunions by releasing its anti-inflammatory compounds into the skin.
• Capsule: A capsule of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), rich in curcumin, is taken orally to reduce inflammation and pain in bunions by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing oxidative stress.
• Poultice: A poultice of Epsom salt, rich in magnesium sulfate, is applied topically to bunions to reduce inflammation and pain by promoting relaxation, reducing muscle spasms, and improving circulation.
• Tea: A tea of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), rich in gingerols and shogaols, is consumed orally to reduce inflammation and pain in bunions by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing oxidative stress.
• Suppository: A suppository of Aloe vera, rich in aloin and aloe-emodin, is inserted into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain associated with bunions by releasing its anti-inflammatory compounds into the skin.