Best and effective herbs for pain relief

The plant kingdom has very effective anti-pain remedies with few side effects. Medicinal plants are at the origin of drugs such as aspirin or morphine.

Herbs for pain

Arnica

The flowers and roots of Arnica montana are used to prepare tinctures and creams to treat bumps, sprains, and cases of arthritis using compresses (soaked in a glass of water with a spoonful of tincture). They should never be applied to wounds. Arnica is also used to make a homeopathic medicine that can be taken at a rate of 4 granules to 30 potencies in traumatic pain. They are taken every two hours a day.

Marijuana

Patients with intense pain, such as cancer patients, can take advantage of the analgesic effect of Cannabis sativa, as long as it is used in the right dose: if it is low, it is not appreciated if it is high, the pain increases. Its action is due to combining the active principles THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive substance) and CBD (cannabidiol). It is advisable to choose a variety with a low THC ratio and high CBD ratio. The most advisable form of administration is by the vaporizer.

Willow

Salix Alba contains salicylic acid from which acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is made. Compared to the drug, which can cause intestinal bleeding, it is much safer. 240 mg of extract daily is effective in treating low back pain or pain caused by arthritis.

Cayenne

Creams with fluid Capsicum frutescens extract are an almost infallible remedy against musculoskeletal pain. The active ingredient is capsaicin, responsible for the spicy taste of some varieties of pepper. The cream causes an intense burning after application and then there is great pain relief.

Clove

Eugenia caryophyllata oilhas a long history of use for the relief of, for example, toothache. Its local application using gauze or cotton swabs is useful after dental extractions. Be careful not to ingest the oil for its exciting and neurotoxic effects.

Chamomile

The Matricaria chamomilla has anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and analgesic properties that justify the indication of infusion in cases of digestive distress. The active ingredient responsible seems to be chamazulene, present in the oil.

Devil’s claw

Back and joint pain can be relieved with Harpagophyrum procumbens extract at a dose of 480 mg twice a day. The improvement can be seen after two to six weeks of treatment.

A GOOD ALTERNATIVE OR A GOOD SUPPORT

Compared to the use of conventional analgesics and anti-inflammatories, medicinal plants can be a good alternative or, at least, good support.

1. ARNICA

The best pain reliever is arnica and it is also the most effective anti-inflammatory. It is used to calm joint inflammation, myalgia and dislocations. It relaxes the muscle, reduces inflammation, is rubefacient and activates circulation.

2. VIBURNUM

The viburnum and its American relative have salicylic acid and are good support against pain in the neck, back and joints of the hands. They have great anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic power.

The most common way to use it is in the decoction of the bark and a lesser extent of the leaves, taking 2 to 3 cups a day. It can also be used topically in liquid extract or tincture.

You can combine them with willow and valerian.

3. DEVIL’S CLAW

Another great ally, similar in efficacy to clinical anti-inflammatories due to its triple function: strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic, is devil’s claw. It is recommended, especially in chronic processes, to treat pain in the neck, wrists, fingers, lower back, neuralgia, etc.

The part that is used is the tuber. Take the powder in decoction 3 cups a day, in capsules or in the liquid extract.

4. ST. JOHN’S WORT

The hypericum oil has been shown effective long-term to relieve muscle pain. It should be applied with perseverance with a gentle massage on the painful area.

5. CAYENNE

Cayenne is very effective topically to alleviate neuralgia and pain in muscles, tendons and cervicals. Powders or oleoresin (minimum 8% capsaicin), in the form of cream or ointment or compresses, are the most common applications. It should be used in moderation, as it can irritate sensitive skin.