Most people are surprised when I tell them that in Canada alone two people a day will die as a result of bleeding due to anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. As a result of these tragedies, the drug companies produced the supposed answer to this dilemma. The Cox 2 Inhibitors such as Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra were supposed to be a far safer and effective medication. However, in late 2004 and early in 2005 the Cox 2 inhibitors were found to have serious adverse reactions.

In September of 2004, Vioxx was pulled from the market after a study showed that patients taking the drug had twice the risk of suffering a heart attack. In December, 2004, Pfizer announced that Celebrex more than doubled the risk of heart attack in a long term cancer trial. In addition, Bextra was also found to double the incidence of heart attack and stroke.

In light of all of these significant warning signs, increasing numbers of patients, particularly those with arthritis, are seeking pain relief through alternative methods -- and they're in luck. Patients can work with their own knowledgeable health care professional who understands natural medicine, to develop the best combination of herbal alternatives for them.

Alternatives to Anti-Inflammatory Medication:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids From Fish Oils: The omega-3 fats EPA and DHA found in fish oil have been found by many animal and clinical studies to possess anti-inflammatory properties that promote joint lubrication and decrease joint inflammation. Animal based omega-3 fats form the precursors to the molecules that actually produce or inhibit inflammation in your body (prostaglandins). That is why it is essential to make sure you are getting enough. It is also vital to understand that you need to reduce omega-6 fats like vegetable oils seeds and nuts, as it is actually the ratio of omega 6:3 fats that determines how much inflammation is present. You could theoretically consume enough omega-3 fish oils to work but then ruin the effect by consuming too many omega-6 fats.

2. Ginger: This herb is anti-inflammatory and offers pain relief and stomach-settling properties. Fresh ginger works well steeped in boiling water as a tea or grated into vegetable juice.

3. Bromelain Enzymes: This enzyme, found in pineapples, is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can be taken in supplement form, but eating fresh pineapple may also be helpful.

4. Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO): This oil, found in fish and dairy butter, acts as a "joint lubricant" and an anti-inflammatory. In one study of 106 people with various types of arthritis who did not respond to NSAIDs, 63.5 percent of those who took CMO orally and applied the cream topically (it's available both in oral supplement and cream forms) improved, compared to only 14.5 percent of those taking a placebo.

5. Boswellia: aka