Herbal pain remedies are preferred by many rather than taking prescription pain killers or over-the-counter medications. In an effort to find natural cures, many people prefer herbal pain relief because there are fewer side effects and toxins in herbs than some of the medications.
Which herbs are the best for herbal pain relief? Let’s talk about some of them and help alleviate whatever type of pain you’re experiencing.
White Willow Bark
Salix alba, commonly known as white willow bark, is often used by many who prefer herbal remedies for their body’s aches and pains and is often called “herbal aspirin” because of its effectiveness.
But while aspirin may cause blood-thinning or intestinal bleeding, white willow bark doesn’t have these side effects. It is one of the most effective herbal remedies for back pain and headaches as well as chronic or acute pains in the joints due to inflammation.
White willow bark commonly comes in 400-mg capsules, so one capsule taken up to three times a day makes it an effective herbal pain remedy.
Skullcap
Chronic pain sufferers can take 10-15 drops of skullcap tincture four to six times per day or drink four to six cups of skullcap infusion daily. Skullcap calms your nervous system, which is the primary source of pain responses.
You can also combine skullcap, St. Johns wort, and oatstraw in thirds and make this same formula for herbal pain relief since it reacts in the nervous system in the same way.
Topical Pain Relief
If you’re looking for a topical pain remedy for your joints due to arthritis or rheumatism, essential oils are a great choice to help you find relief. Among the herbs to look for are lavender, jasmine, peppermint, rosemary, ginger, cinnamon, and rose oils.
For soothing relief, mix 10-12 drops of the herb of your choice with olive oil or coconut oil and rub into the affected joints to help ease pain and inflammation.
Another pain remedy that is rich in anti-inflammatory properties to ease painful joints utilizes a tincture of 20-30 drops of ginseng, angelica, wild yam, or black cohosh.
Still more anti-inflammatory herbal remedies for pain include cayenne, eucalyptus, aloe vera gel, saffron, kava kava, hops, wild lettuce, and cat’s claw. Cat’s claw is also an antioxidant and therefore strengthens the immune system.
Ginger is another strong antioxidant that is great for skin disorders and pain associated with rashes or irritations.
Cayenne is good herbal pain relief for skin disorders when made into a cream and applied.
Turmeric is used for inflammation relief and other treatments.
When it comes to herbal pain remedies, using ground herbs that are 100% pure are the best for medicinal purposes. You can buy them in capsule form and just empty the powder out to make a topical cream or add to tea to drink, whichever application applies.
Dosage and Side Effects
One thing to keep in mind is that herbal pain medicine can have some side effects in certain people depending on how much you take. It is important that you test for allergies before taking substantial amounts of any herbal pain relief.
On the other hand, if you don’t take enough, you won’t get effective relief from some herbs, so it is best to know the recommended dosages and method of delivery on the herbs you are taking. Many of the pharmacies sell herbal pain remedies, so read the labels carefully for content and dosage requirements.
As you can see, there are many different herbal pain remedies. We have only touched on a few, and many holistic or homeopathic alternative medicine practitioners can give you advice on ones they recommend.
Because herbs are so easy to grow on your own, many people find their favorite ones and grow them for an endless supply when they need them.
HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF REMEDIES