Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Herbal Remedies against Pain

Many herbs have been used for centuries for their pain-relieving properties. Some of the best include:

Angelica, black haw, cramp bark, kava kava, rosemary and valerian root are good for pain relief related to cramps and muscle spasms.

A tea made of blue violet, catnip, chamomile, gotu kola, licorice, rosemary, white willow, or wood betony is effective in relieving tension and nerve pain. DLPA complex by Nature’s Plus, containing white willow bark plus DL-phenylalanine and bromelain, is a good natural pain reliever. Caution: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed. Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row, and avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure. Do not take a product containing phenylalanine if you are pregnant or nursing a baby; if you take a MAO inhibitor drug or you suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have high blood pressure, start with the lowest dosage and monitor your blood pressure before increasing the dose.

Take DPLA with white willow bark capsules and bromelain capsules or fresh pineapple (contains bromelain).

HerbalRemedies: Bromelain 2000 GDU Supplement, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 90 Tabs

HerbalRemedies: White Willow Bark, Standardized Extract, Nature’s Way, 450 mg, 60 Caps

HerbalRemedies: White Willow Bark, 100% Natural, Nature’s Way, 400 mg, 100 Caps

HerbalRemedies: Natural Aspirin Alternative, White Willow Bark Extract, 390 mg, 60 Tabs

Capsaicin, an ingredient in cayenne (capsicum), can provide pain relief when regularly applied to the affected area. Capsaicin can be found and is available in Zostrix, an over-the-counter topical cream. Capsaicin is thought to relieve pain by limiting the production of a neural pain transmitter called substance P. Although the application of capsaicin may cause a burning sensation at first, repeated use keeps the nerves from replenishing their supply of substance P, so that pain is not transmitted to the brain. In studies, capsaicin has been used to control the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, rhematoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and cluster headaches. Other painful conditions that capsaicin relieves include post-mastectomy pain and is very good for shingles. Cayenne may also help alleviate pain if taken orally.

Eucalyptus is widely used in liniments and salves to treat sore joints and muscles. It can be used in conjunction with a natural oil base and other herbs to offer the body a quick method of reducing painful conditions. It can be used in aromatherapy to help clear nasal passages.

Hops, kava kava, passion flower, valerian root, wild lettuce and wood betony have muscle-relaxing properties, and may help relieve lower back pain.

Ginger is an herb that stimulates blood circulation and enhances the healing process for skin irritations such as cuts, insect stings/bites, and bruising. It is a strong antioxidant and is an effective anti-microbial agent for sores and wounds.

Essential oils of jasmine, juniper, lavendar, peppermint, rose, rosemary, and thyme have been effective in the treatment of a variety of types of pain.

Lavender is effective for rheumatism and joint pain associated with arthritis. Lavender contains medicinal components such as perillyl alcohol, geraniol, and linalool. Other attributes are that Lavender is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It is very good for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Lobelia is an old herb that has been used to relieve sprains, strains, and muscle aches.

Migraine Pain Reliever from Natural Care is an herbal blend that has been effective in relieving migraines. Read label before using.

Fresh papaya juice and/or fresh pineapple is highly recommended for the treatment of inflammation, heartburn, ulcers, back pain, and digestive disorders.

Neem (known as the Pharmacy Tree) is used for a variety of conditions from aches to gum disease. It can be taken internally or used topically for skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Yellow dock acts as a blood purifier and is excellent for skin rashes, hives, eczema, psoriasis, and warts.

Aloe vera gel fresh from the plant (peel off outer skin) is recommended for burns, cuts and other wounds. It soothes the injury and promotes healing. Fresh pieces of aloe vera removed from the skin and placed on maternity sanitary pads can be placed against the sore perineum after the baby is born. This is very soothing for tears that occasionally occur during childbirth and for any suturing of tissue.

Saffron has been found to be effective in treating abdominal pain after childbirth. Do not use saffron during pregnancy. Motherwort tea or tincture will help the relief of the afterpains of childbirth. However, the tea made from the herb is quite bitter. Catnip leaves is a well known menstrual cramp brew and relieves the afterpains of childbirth. It keeps the lochia flow moving freely and clot free and relaxes nervous tension as well as working as a pain reliever. Ground Ivy infusion eases afterpains and promotes good uterine tone.

Skullcap tincture is a favorite for pain of all kinds. It can be used for headaches or for the discomfort of contractions during labor when the cervix is dilating. St. Joan’s Wort (St. John’s Wort) can control spasms in the uterus, the back and sides. Both of these herbs can be used together to ease pain.

Arnica is a natural pain relieving herb for bruises, sprains and wounds.

Burdock is used to purify the blood and to stimulate the immune system. It is used for skin disorders such as boils, acne, and eczema. It has been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 3,000 years in the treatment of inflammation, tumors, and infections, both bacterial and fungal.

Calendula is excellent for most skin disorders including diaper rash, sun burns, bruises, and insect stings/bits. It has a soothing effect on irritated skin and reduces inflammation and fights infections from bacterial, fungal, and viral sources. It assists the skin to heal itself after a wound.

Cats claw (una de gato) is an herb from South America that inhances the immune system and aids in the healing process of cuts, bruises, and other skin irritations. It is a vigorous antioxidant that contains glycosides that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It is good for lupus, bursitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Yucca is an herb that acts like a blood purifier and is used for the relief of pain associated with arthritis, osteoporosis, and most inflammatory disorders.

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