According to Ayurvedic Medicine there are more than hundred herbs that contain naturally occurring chemicals for providing relief from pain. Some of these herbs are easily found in health stores and can be used at home for instant relief from pain of all kinds. But the herbs should not be used in combination with OTC or prescribed painkillers.
Best Herbs for Pain
Arnica
Arnica is a common ingredient in hair oils and shampoos because it is known to improve the problem of headaches and migraine. However, the herb is known to provide immediate relief from pain felt during osteoarthritis as well as from post carpal tunnel surgery pain.
Arnica contains the compound helenin that is a natural analgesic and can be used for treating pain in any part of the body. Many topical creams contain extracts of helenin and these creams are easily available over-the-counter in leading drug stores.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has been used widely for weight loss ever since Beyonce Knowles let out the secret to her fab figure. The herb, which is treated as a spice, contains large amounts of capsaicin, a natural analgesic that is excellent for treating muscular pain. Consumption of capsaicin releases endorphins in the blood stream that send out positive signal to the brain. Endorphin, also known as the feel good hormone, suppresses the feelings of pain and stress and promotes feelings of happiness and well-being.
Capsaicin is a common ingredient in topical creams used for the treatment of muscular and joint pains. Creams containing .025 per cent of capsaicin are prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These creams not only reduce pain and inflammation of the muscles but also soothe and calm the nerves. .075 per cent of capsaicin containing creams are recommended for treating nerve pains. Creams containing strong dose of capsaicin are used for alleviating pain post surgery as well as for relieving the painful symptoms associated with HIV. In some cases capsaicin cream is also rubbed onto the belly of a woman who has had c-section to ease the post surgery pain.
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw is native of South Africa is popularly used as a medicinal herb; the roots of the plant are used for treating muscular pain in the shoulders, neck and the back. Herbal creams prepared using the roots of devil’s claw are used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatism. The herb is a rich source of harpagide and harpagoside that are natural analgesics and have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
One has to be very careful while consuming devil’s claw to treat muscular pain; the daily dose of the herbal medicine should not go beyond 750mg or it can result in blood poisoning. To get rid of the arthritic pains completely take three capsules of the herb daily for eight weeks. Pregnant women should not use the herb or its extracts for relieving muscular pain that is quite common during pregnancy.
Boswellia
The herb Boswellia is exclusively used for relieving muscular pain as well as inflammation of the muscles. It is available in capsule form and is often prescribed by ayurvedic doctors to alleviate inflammation and the pain associated with it.
The herb is very safe for use and is not addictive; therefore, it is used by sportspeople all over the world to treat painful symptoms of various forms of injuries. The herbal medication needs to be taken regularly for three months to treat muscular pain.
Peppermint
Many people simply treat peppermint as a flavoring and aromatic herb and are not aware of its pain alleviating properties. Drinking several cups of peppermint tea during the day is a great way of treating headache and menstrual pain. The herb is known to soothe and relax the muscles by bringing down their inflammation.
It has excellent anti-spasmodic qualities that effectively treat spasmodic pain associated with painful periods. The essential oil of peppermint is greatly helpful in relieving toothaches as well as for treating colic in adults. But the oil should not be given to infants and toddlers as it can cause jaundice in them. Capsules of peppermint are sold in the market for treating painful symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Gingerroot
Ginger root is quite a popular herb that is mainly used in the treatment of abdominal cramps during painful periods in women. The herb has medicinal properties that are analgesic and anti-inflammatory in nature. Ginger root has been successfully used for treating painful symptoms of fibromyalgia as well.
The herb is mainly taken in tea form but chewing on raw pieces of ginger root will also help relieve pain and reduce indigestion problems thereby eliminating chances of abdominal cramping.
Willow Bark
Willow bark has analgesic properties that make the herb very useful in the treatment of pain especially that of osteoarthritis. Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of the willow bark for treating backaches and nerve pain. The herb contains naturally occurring salicylic acid, apigenin and salicin that work in combination to soothe the inflamed muscles. The anti-inflammatory properties occur along with anti-neuralgic properties making the herb ideal for treatment of muscular and joint pain.
Studies have shown that regular use of willow bark provides immense relief from pain due to osteoarthritis. The herb is available in powder form in many herbal and ayurvedic food stores and drinking 5-6 cups of the herbal tea will greatly improve the condition of your muscles. However, the herbal tea is not recommended for pregnant women and young children.
Clove oil
Clove is an herb that is commonly used as a spice in cooking and it is quite a popular herb when it comes to treating toothaches and headaches. Massaging the gums with clove oil each night is known to provide immense relief from pain in the tooth. Rubbing the oil on your temples will relieve headache to quite an extent.
The enzymes present in the clove oil actively work on the inflammation and help soothe the muscles thus reducing pain. Many people also rub warm clove oil on the stomach of infants and toddlers to alleviate episodes of painful gas. Adding a few pieces of raw clove to boiling water and drinking it as tea will take care of abdominal and pelvic cramping due to periods.
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.
