We spend millions of dollars a year as a country in the USA on pain relief. With the rise of narcotic addiction and dangerous side effects from over the counter pain relievers, many people are turning to herbal therapies. Herbs are generally safe and gentle yet effective if used correctly. Herbal analgesics are cost effective and are non addictive. It is also thought that growing your own medicine can also be a catalyst for healing.
Pain is defined as neuralgia, an unpleasant sensory experience associated with tissue damage. The nerves in your body send a response to the brain which allows the body to feel pain. Pain can constant (chronic) or fleeting and come and go (acute). All of us have suffered from pain at one or another whether it be from injury, childbirth, sore muscles or headaches. Sometimes you can ignore pain but many times you may need something to help you along.
There are many herbs that are very useful and effective for pain relief. Many are safe for everyone but some should be avoided during pregnancy or while nursing. If you have any health issues currently it would be wise to research an herbs you plan to use and consult a qualified herbalist.
The following are 10 common and most effective herbal analgesics and what they are indicated for.
Cramp Bark-(viburnum opulus) Is used for muscle spasms, uterine and stomach cramping. Great for relieving menstrual pain and muscle pain. Works rapidly. Also lowers blood pressure as it relaxes the walls of the blood vessels. Used as a tincture or a tea. Can also take in capsule form.
White Willow-(salix alba) not actually n herb but a tree. White willow is a bark as is considered natures aspirin. Modern day aspirin is actually a synthetic version of willow bark. It is great for pain associated with inflammation from muscle issues to toothaches and headaches. Does not pose any side effects like actual aspirin and is very safe. Unlike aspirin it will not effect blood platelets so will not work as a blood thinner. Works well for both chronic and acute pain. Used in tincture form. The dosage will vary from 20-60 drops.
Motherwort-(leogrus cardiaca) Motherwort is a member of the mint family effective for pain in childbirth as well as afterbirth pain. It is also effective for stomach aches, gas pain and menstrual cramps. The tincture form is most effective but it can also be taken in capsules.
Skullcap-(scutellaria baicalensis) Skullcap is another member of the mint family. The tincture is super effective for tension headaches, migraines and mild to intermediate muscle pain. great for intestinal inflammation.
Cannabis-(cannabis sativa) not legal in most places but very effective as a pain reliever. It is immediate relief in all forms but the tea and tincture is a very great way to use cannabis for pain relief and is a bit longer lasting than smoking. Not to mention better for your lungs! It is often used by those who are terminally ill and those suffering from chronic pain. 16% of cannabis users use it soley for pain relief.
Kava Kava-very effective for treating joint pain, migraines, muscle spasms, back pain, and the neuralgia related to cystic fibrosis. It should be avoided by pregnant women and those with liver problems. I is taken through tincture or a tea. You can also get it in capsule form but that is less effective. It is a sedative so be sure to take that into account before using.
Arnica-(Arnica Montana) arnica is used topically in a salve or an infused oil. It is a grief remedy for strains, sprains, bruising and arthritic or inflamed joints. It works almost immediately and is used by many in sports therapy and massage therapy.
Angelica-(angelica sinensis) also known as dong quai. It is a Chinese herb and is an anti inflammatory. Used a as tincture it is effective for treating pain associated with the respiratory system.
California Poppy-(escholzia californica) A cousin of the opium poppy, California poppy is a mild nervine and analgesic. It is very gentle but works great. It is especially useful for treating children. It is non addictive and is used in a tea. It tastes good combined in a tea with mint and lemon balm. Skullcap can also be added for even more effective pain relief.
Valerian-(valeriana officinalis) #1 remedy for headaches. Both tension and migraines respond well to valerian. Also is good for minor aches and pains. Taken as a tea, tincture or capsule.
Many of these herbs, with the exception of the cannabis, can be found at your local health food store or co-op. You can also order bulk herbs through mail order and the internet.
You may wish to choose to make your own herbal analgesics yourself or you can buy you herbs already prepared in the form of teas, tinctures, salves and capsules.
Any one herb may be effective for you personally for pain relief. Sometimes you have to play around with dosages a bit and combine herbs to get the desired effect. The great thing about herbal medicine is that herbs are nourishing to the body so you are not only taking your medicine but actually promoting health.
Regular exercise and massage can also help greatly in conjunction with herbal analgesics depending on the nature of your pain.
Herbal medicine is cheaper, gentle on the body and nourishing to the soul. You will not suffer from nasty side effects like with many popular pain medicines. Overall herbal analgesics just make sense.
