Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of mobility and stiffness in the shoulder joint, resulting from inflammation and scarring of the surrounding tissues.

It is often caused by injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility, and can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion, negatively impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. To alleviate frozen shoulder, herbal remedies such as turmeric, ginger, and willow bark can be used to reduce inflammation and pain, while medicinal preparations like arnica oil and capsaicin cream can provide topical relief.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow recommended dosages to avoid adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of frozen shoulder, 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 frozen shoulder?

The main causes of frozen shoulder are a combination of inflammation, scarring, and reduced mobility of the shoulder joint.

Research suggests that the condition is often triggered by a decrease in the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, leading to friction and pain. Age is a significant risk factor, with the condition most commonly affecting individuals between 40 and 60 years old. Other contributing factors include injury or trauma to the shoulder, diabetes, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Parkinson's disease.

Additionally, surgery, immobilization, or prolonged periods of inactivity can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

• Trauma: Trauma is the most common cause of frozen shoulder, particularly after a shoulder injury or surgery, which can lead to inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing frozen shoulder, as high blood sugar levels can cause inflammation and damage to the tendons and ligaments in the shoulder joint.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, which can cause inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, resulting in frozen shoulder.
• Infection: Infection, such as septic arthritis, can cause inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, leading to frozen shoulder.
• Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can cause inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, leading to frozen shoulder.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, leading to frozen shoulder.
• Steroid Use: Long-term use of steroids can cause inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, leading to frozen shoulder.
• Aging: Aging is a risk factor for developing frozen shoulder, as the tendons and ligaments in the shoulder joint can become weaker and more prone to inflammation and scarring with age.
• Repetitive Motion: Repetitive motion, such as that experienced by athletes or individuals with jobs that require heavy lifting or overhead activities, can cause inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint, leading to frozen shoulder.
• Poor Posture: Poor posture can cause strain on the shoulder joint, leading to inflammation and scarring, and ultimately frozen shoulder.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for frozen shoulder?

The main medicinal herbs used for frozen shoulder are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Capsicum annuum, Elettaria cardamomum, Boswellia serrata, Withania somnifera, Cinnamomum verum, Angelica sinensis, Ginkgo biloba.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin, which inhibits NF-kappa B activation and reduces inflammation, thus alleviating pain and stiffness associated with frozen shoulder. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while Glycyrrhiza glabra and Elettaria cardamomum exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, respectively. Boswellia serrata has been shown to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, which is involved in the production of leukotrienes, pro-inflammatory mediators contributing to frozen shoulder.

Additionally, Withania somnifera, Cinnamomum verum, Angelica sinensis, and Ginkgo biloba have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which can aid in the management of frozen shoulder symptoms.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with frozen shoulder due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, alleviates frozen shoulder symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, improving joint mobility and range of motion.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and promoting adrenal function, which can help alleviate symptoms of frozen shoulder caused by hormonal imbalances.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, also known as cayenne pepper, helps with frozen shoulder due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint, improving joint mobility and range of motion.
• Elettaria cardamomum: Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as cardamom, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joint, alleviating symptoms of frozen shoulder.
• Boswellia serrata: Boswellia serrata, also known as frankincense, helps with frozen shoulder due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint, improving joint mobility and range of motion.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and promoting joint health, alleviating symptoms of frozen shoulder and improving overall joint function.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, also known as cinnamon, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joint, alleviating symptoms of frozen shoulder.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis, commonly known as dong quai, helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and promoting joint health, alleviating symptoms of frozen shoulder and improving overall joint function, particularly in women.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, helps with frozen shoulder due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected joint, alleviating symptoms of frozen shoulder.

What are the main herbal preparations used for frozen shoulder?

The main herbal preparations used for frozen shoulder are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Salve, Cream, Gel, Ointment, Poultice, Suppository, Oil.

Decoction of herbs like Turmeric and Ginger reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting COX-2 enzyme, a key player in inflammation. Tincture of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and Tincture of Willow Bark (Salix alba) contain salicin, which acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Capsules of herbs like Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contain anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Salve and Ointment of herbs like Arnica and St. John's Wort contain anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds that reduce pain and inflammation when applied topically.

• Decoction: A decoction of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and pain due to its high content of curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of Willow Bark (Salix alba) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing pain and inflammation due to its high content of salicin, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin.
• Capsules: Capsules of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) help with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and pain due to its high content of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Salve: A salve of Arnica (Arnica montana) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and pain due to its high content of arnica oil, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Cream: A cream of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and pain due to its high content of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Gel: A gel of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing pain and inflammation due to its high content of hyperforin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing pain and inflammation due to its high content of capsaicin, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of Epsom Salt (Magnesium sulfate) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and pain due to its high content of magnesium, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of Willow Bark (Salix alba) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing pain and inflammation due to its high content of salicin, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin.
• Oil: An oil of Frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera) helps with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and pain due to its high content of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.