Herbal Remedies

Archive for the ‘Herbal Pain Relievers’ Category

All of us suffer from pain at some time or the other. The pain can be of different types. Sometimes we may not realize, that we are actually in pain. We often opt for prescriptions drugs or over-the-counter to relieve the pain. However, these drugs have a number of side effects and cause potential damaging condition, if they are used for an extended period of time. Therefore, it is better to turn towards herbal pain relievers. Some of the herbs are also used as food, hence are devoid of side effects, which is not the case with the pain killers, as they are made from chemicals, hormones, etc.

Natural Pain Relievers – Herbal Pain Relievers

The pain can be caused either by injuries or by trauma. More often than not pain is accompanied by inflammation. Therefore, we will see the herbal pain relievers, which will not only bring relief from pain, but also from inflammation.

Capsaicin
It is not per say a herbal pain killers, nevertheless it proves to be beneficial in treating pain. It is present in all types of hot peppers. It is actually the chemical, that is responsible for heat causing element in peppers. Capsaicin helps to reduce the sensitivity temporarily of the nerve receptions in the areas being affected with pain. It is said to reduce pain caused by arthritis, migraine pain, etc.

Fish Oil
Although there is a lot of hype around fish oil for treating pain, research has indeed proved, that fish oil does indeed help to treat pain. The research also point to the fact, that people were able to stop taking prescription pain killers completely, after they started taking fish oil supplements everyday.

Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used in the Indian sub-continent, to make curry. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful ingredient, which helps in fighting against chronic inflammatory conditions. Therefore, turmeric is often used with other herbal pain remedies to bring relief from pain.

Devil’s Claw
It is used in rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. It is used for natural pain relief for osteoarthritis, tendonitis, neck pain, back pains, etc. Patients were able to go off painkillers, after starting taking devil’s claw. It not only helps in relieving pain, but it is also useful in improving the overall quality of life of the patients.

Boswelia
This herbal pain relief medicine is very effective in preventing and suppressing inflammation causing chemical reactions. It is made from frankincense tree bark resin. Boswelia is often recommended in Ayurveda for arthritis treatment and also treating inflammatory bowel problems.

White Willow Bark
It is a natural pain reliever. The makers of aspirin were inspired by this herb to make a synthetic version of the herb. However, the natural white willow bark does not cause gastric side effects, which are often seen in patients taking aspirin. Along with pain relief, it also helps to reduce inflammation in the joints.

Ginger Root
Ginger root is a widely used herbal remedy as it has warming properties and also helps to improve blood circulation. It is helpful not only in treating pain associated with arthritis, but also menstrual cramps and backache. It can also be used to treat sore throat. It is not only an analgesic, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Valerian Root
Valerian root is used as a skeletal relaxant and for chronic pain relief. It can also be used to treat headache, cramps, insomnia, shingles, neuralgia, stress and trauma. It has antispasmodic properties, along with it being a sedative as well.

Arnica
This homeopathic pain relief is said to be especially useful in treating soft tissue injuries and bruising. It helps in alleviating general muscle pain relief and the pain caused by sprains. Arnica can also be used externally as a preventative medicine to avoid injury, before exercising or racing. Therefore, it is seen, that arnica is used as a topical agent, but care should be taken in not applying it on open or broken skin.

Before taking any one of the herbal pain relievers, it is important to have a word with the health care professional, to avoid it reacting with the prescription drugs. In some cases, the effect of the prescription drugs may be reduced, due to the use of these herbal pain relief agents. If you are on prescription, do not stop the use of prescription drugs, without consulting your physician.