Naturopathy lists more than 100 herbs that are natural analgesics, that is, they help provide relief from pain that can be the result of various causes. However, of these listed herbs there are some that amazingly stand out for their effectiveness in treating pain. Let us look at some of the most popular herbal remedies for pain.
10 Best Herbal Remedies For Relieving Pain
Devil’s ClawÂ
This herb is native of South Africa and is known for the medicinal properties of its roots. Medicine prepared using the herb is known to ease muscular pain of the neck, back and the shoulders. This makes the herb very useful in treating osteoarthritic pain as well as rheumatoid arthritic pain. The herb is a rich source of harpagide and harpagoside. Both are naturally occurring chemicals that are known for their anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties.
The herb is considered absolutely safe for the treatment of muscular as well as joint pain. Daily dosage of the herb should not exceed 750 mg. Taking the herb three times a day for a period of two months is known to provide immense relief from arthritic pain. Many users have also reported ease in their mobility because of the regular intake of the herb. However, like with all other herbs, devil’s claw should also be taken under supervision of a doctor and an herbalist. The herb is not recommended for pregnant women and should never be mixed with prescription medication for pain.
Cayenne PepperÂ
Capsaicin is the natural ingredient that is responsible for giving the pepper its hot and distinct flavor. However, capsaicin is also a natural analgesic. Consuming capsaicin helps the body release endorphins. These endorphins are the feel-good hormones that alleviate the pain by making us happy. Many of the commercially available pain relieving creams also contain capsaicin. Creams that contain at least .025 percent of capsaicin in them can help alleviate the osteoarthritic pain to a considerable extent.
Creams with capsaicin are also great for relieving nerve pain. However, in this case the percentage of capsaicin should be at least .075 if not more. Capsaicin creams are majorly used for relieving pain caused by nerve damage (as in the case of diabetics). Capsaicin can also be used for treating pain caused by HIV as well as for treating the post cancer surgery pain.
You will have to use the capsaicin creams with great care since they can burn the eyes and other sensitive areas of the skin. In some cases capsaicin capsules are prescribed for treating nausea, bloating and even dyspepsia.
Willow Bark
Bark of white willow has been used since centuries in Chinese medicine for treating excruciating pain. In fact, records have shown that many people used this as a home remedy for relieving all sorts of pain including osteoarthritic pain, back pain and nerve pain. The bark of white willow contains salicylic acid, salicin and apigenin. All these chemicals are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, these natural analgesic chemicals are also anti-neuralgic. Regular use of these is known to show considerable improvement in a matter of four weeks.
People with osteoarthritis have shown commendable improvement after using willow bark. The herb is available in many health stores and is marketed as tea. However, you will have to drink plenty of willow bark tea to relieve the painful symptoms. This herbal tea should not be given to treat pain in children. The herb should be avoided when taking prescription medications.
PeppermintÂ
Peppermint tea is commonly used for relieving painful cramps during menstruation. The herb has anti-spasmodic qualities that make it very popular for relieving pain. Peppermint essential oil is used for relieving toothache.
The oil is also used for relieving colic pain in adults. But it should not be used for treating colic in infants and toddlers as it can cause jaundice. Capsules of peppermint are very helpful in treating the abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Chewing on peppermint leaves can relieve painful gas caused by indigestion and bloating.
BoswelliaÂ
This herb is marketed in the form of capsules that are mainly used for treating pain and inflammation of the bones including the joints. The herb is also useful for treating injuries caused by playing sports. Boswellia capsules should be taken regularly for three months at least to alleviate pain.
ArnicaÂ
The oil prepared from this herb is used for treating chronic headaches and migraines. However, arnica capsules are very effective in the treatment of osteoarthritic pain as well as for treating the pain that results after surgery of carpal-tunnel.
Arnica has naturally occurring analgesic-helenin. This natural chemical compound helps the body get rid of pain. Creams containing helenin are available over-the-counter and should be used as mentioned in the package.
FeverfewÂ
This herb is commonly used in many houses for alleviating pain caused due to headaches and migraines. The chemicals present in the herb arrest the intensity of the pain. Regular use of the herb lessens the frequency of the occurrence of migraines. Commercially, the herb is sold in capsule form and in powder form. You can use the feverfew powder for preparing herbal tea for yourself whenever you feel the onset of headache or migraine.
Clove oilÂ
This is commonly used herbal oil for treating headaches and toothaches. Massaging your gums and tooth cavity with clove oil will reduce the inflammation and the pain. Rubbing warm clove oil on the tummy of infants is known to relieve them of painful gas. Adding a piece of clove to your regular tea will help treat abdominal cramping.
GingerrootÂ
This herb is both analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory in nature. It is widely used for treating cramps caused due to incomplete digestion of food in the intestines. Herbal concoction prepared using gingerroot can also treat the mild pain resulting from fibromyalgia. Drink two cups of tea prepared from fresh root of the herb. Adding powdered gingerroot to your food will prevent abdominal cramping.
Licorice RootÂ
This is a good herb for curing the pain caused as a result of sore throat. Drinking tea prepared suing licorice root will not only alleviate the pain but also treat the soreness of your throat. However, do not consume the herb if you suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
