Natural Pain Relief – Herbal Medicines

Natural Pain Relief – The Alternative Treatment To Medications

Herbal medicines provide excellent natural pain relief. For years, artificially prepared medications have been the norm for various injuries and illnesses. Often pain is associated with inflammation, such as arthritis, gout and even headaches.

There is no doubt that over the counter pain relievers do work in getting rid of pain but they may also cause negative side effects especially when used for prolonged periods.

They are not recommended for regular usage and are designed to provide relief for only a temporary problem.

Unlike artificial medications that can cause substance dependency or other negative effects on your health, natural pain relievers and herbal medicines are safe to use for these longer time periods.

The primary advantage that you can enjoy from using natural pain relief medicines is that they do not cause negative side effects from prolonged use, if anything they can benefit your health along the way.

There are herbal supplements that you can take daily for example, that relieve inflammation pain and promote healing. There are also homeopathic formulations that can relieve pain.

The only time there will be a disadvantage is if you suffer from side effects from these treatments. For example if you are allergic to any of the herbs.

Due to the large number of options when it comes to natural remedies for pain, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which one is the best to use. Furthermore, everyone reacts differently to herbal medicines or supplements.

You can continue using natural pain relievers, without worrying about long-term consequences to your health. Of course you should check with your health care professional first. For example, bromelain is excellent for reducing inflammation, but it can also thin your blood, so you need to be aware of what you are taking.

• Bromelain is one supplement I have used for back pain, but is also used for reducing arthritis inflammation. My uncle is now taking this natural supplement after my own experiences and is no longer feeling any arthritis pain. It is an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems and it reduces our levels of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormones that induce inflammation. The enzyme in Bromelain may also promote the healing of the connective tissues.

Herbs and Pain Relief Supplements

Brigette Mars, an herbalist provides the following list of herbs for pain relief.

Herbs that help pain can be classified in several ways. Analgesics help allay pain when used internally without affecting consciousness. Anesthetics numb existing pain either locally or generally. Anodynes are sedating and help keep pain from being transmitted. Antispasmodics relax muscle spasms. Sedatives promote rest and peace.

• Cayenne pepper – stimulates endorphin production and is an anti-inflammatory agent. Topically it is used diluted in salves, as it blocks transmission of substance P, which transports pain messages to brain.

• Corydalis root – a relative of Poppy helps relieve pain from traumatic injury. Corydalis binds with opium receptors in the body and slows down the breakdown of choline. It is analgesic, antispasmodic and sedative.

• Cramp Bark – is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative. It can calm menstrual cramps, rheumatism and spasms of legs and lower back.

• Feverfew herb – inhibits certain inflammatory type hormones known as prostaglandins and prevents blood platelet aggregation (clumping together). Used on a regular basis it helps prevent migraines, relieve arthritis and menstrual cramps. Feverfew is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.

• Ginger root – is warming and improves circulation. It can improve the pain of arthritis, backache, and menstrual cramps. Chew a piece of fresh root for sore throat. Ginger is analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

• Kava kava root – enjoyed by many tropical island natives is a skeletal and muscle relaxant. It improves anxiety, cramps, gout, insomnia, neuralgia, pain and rheumatism. It is an analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative.

• Passionflower – doesn’t make you more passionate, but slows the breakdown of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Try it for cramps, headache, insomnia, muscle spasms, neuralgia, shingles and stress. It is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative.

• Skullcap herb – sedates the brain and spinal column and encourages endorphin production. It is used for arthritis, delirium, emotional trauma, headache, insomnia, neuralgia, and restlessness. It is antispasmodic and sedative.

• Valerian root – is a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant. Try it for cramps, headache, insomnia, neuralgia, shingles, stress and trauma. Valerian is anodyne, antispasmodic, and sedative.

• White Willow bark – contains salicin; one of the original aspirin compounds and is a traditional herb for arthritis, backache, gout, headache, joint inflammation, migraine, and general pain. It is an analgesic, anodyne, and anti-inflammatory.

• Vitamin B1 and Calcium – raise one’s pain threshold. Vitamins C and E are necessary for the production of endorphins. Magnesium can help relax muscle spasms. Source.

If you are taking other forms of medications or undergoing treatment for another health problem, you might also want to consult with your doctor before you use any natural pain relief remedy.