Pain is a common unpleasant sensation experienced by almost everyone. Some pain cases may be triggered by severe medical conditions, such as arthritis, while others may result from incorrect sitting posture. Whether you are feeling a minor pain or a serious one, it is advisable to treat it promptly. When it comes to getting rid of pain, there are many options to choose from. There are a wide variety of over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines that can cure pain within a few hours.
However, such drugs are associated with side effects. This is where herbal remedies come in handy. Here are some of the most effective herbal pain relievers:-
Capsaicin: This is not a pain reliever as such but can prove useful in treating pain. This natural chemical is found in hot peppers and is behind the mouth-burning effects associated with peppers. Capsaicin is beneficial in reducing the sensitivity of nerves that relay pain to the affected area. It is particularly effective in reducing pain caused by migraine, arthritis, and so on.
Valerian Root: This skeletal relaxant is used to relieve chronic pains such as headaches, insomnia, cramps, trauma, stress, neuralgia and shingles. Valerian root has sedative and antispasmodic properties.
White Willow Bark: This natural aspirin helps to cure headaches, back pain and arthritis. You can use it as capsules or a poultice made by putting shredded willow bark in boiling water for 1-2 hours. Apply the willow bark poultice on the affected area.
Boswellia: The resin found in the frankincense tree is behind the pain-curing properties of the Boswellia herb. This herb can hinder the chemical reactions responsible for causing inflammation. It can be used to cure general pains, morning stiffness and swelling.
Feverfew: This is an excellent herbal remedy for curing headaches caused by migraine. Its pain-relieving properties may also prove beneficial in curing muscle cramps, toothache, and arthritis.
Ginger Root: Ginger contains natural compounds that hinder inflammation. It can also help in treating physical injury by enhancing the blood circulation of the inflamed part. Some studies have proven its effectiveness in relieving rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Turmeric: Apart from ginger, another spice that’s effective in curing pain is turmeric. Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, cures pain by overpowering the pro-inflammatory proteins, known as cytokines.
Cayenne: You can enjoy the pain-relieving benefits of cayenne by adding some cayenne powder to food or juice. You can also use it topically by mixing cayenne powder with body cream. It is effective in curing joint pain, muscle pain, and pain caused by shingles.
Bromelain: This is a protease enzyme found in the pineapple plant. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in reducing musculoskeletal tension, pain triggered by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as well as inflammation caused by trauma.
Basil: Basil features in the list of natural remedies for a number of conditions. Apart from curing colds and coughs, the consumption of basil leaves can alleviate pain in the head and eyes.
Arnica: This natural pain reliever is more effective in alleviating soft tissue bruises and injuries. It helps to treat sprains and muscle pain. It can also be used topically as a preventive agent for injuries before racing or exercising.
Devil’s Claw: This is majorly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neck pain, tendinitis, back pains, and so on. Apart from helping with pain relief, this herb can also improve the overall health of the patients.
Spearmint Oil: Spearmint herb, which falls in the mint family, is popular for its therapeutic properties. Spearmint oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, hence is used to alleviate a number of conditions such as fever, bronchitis, nasal congestion, and headache. It can also be used to relieve pain thanks to its strong anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint Oil: Peppermint herb also falls in the mint family and has therapeutic properties. Just like spearmint, peppermint also has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It can be beneficial in treating menstrual cramps, abdominal cramps and headaches.
Before using any herbal pain reliever, it’s advisable to talk to a medical expert. This is because some herbs may react with prescription drugs while others may reduce the effects of prescription medicines. But to get the most out of these herbal painkillers, you should use them regularly.