Herbal Pain Remedies

Types of Herbal Pain Remedies

Herbal remedies come in several forms. Each form has different positive qualities and works in a slightly different way, although what type of remedy you take depends largely on personal preference in most cases:

• Balm or salve- a solid herbal mixture of beeswax, oil, and an herbal infusion that is used externally.
• Liniment- a liquid mixture that is used externally.
• Capsule- concentrated dried herbs in a gelatin capsule to be taken by mouth.
• Tea-dried herbs that are steeped in boiling water and drunk.
• Tincture-a herbal concentrate that usually has an alcohol base and works very quickly.

Use of Specific Herbs

Just like synthetic medicines, herbal pain remedies are varied. Different herbs act in different ways on the body and what may help with one type of pain may be totally ineffective on another. One person may find relief with one remedy, and another person may do better with another. Be willing to try new things and different combinations and companies for best results.

Muscle Pain

External

• Arnica salve
• Cayenne Pepper salve
• Calendula salve
• St. John’s Wort salve

You can make a simple, effective homemade herbal salve with essential oils. It is great for rubbing on sore muscles, joints, and even on the temples to help with a headache. This herbal recipe is similar to Tiger Balm.

Homemade Rub

• Peppermint oil 25 drops
• Camphor oil 15 drops
• Wintergreen oil 20 drops
• Lavender oil 15 drops
• Eucalyptus oil 15 drops
• Organic Extra Virgin Coconut oil 1/4 c

Melt the coconut oil over low heat. Mix in essential oils. Allow to cool and solidify, and rub on sore muscles as needed.

Internal

Valerian

• Valerian
• Skullcap
• Passionflower
• White Willow Bark
• Lobelia
• Kava Kava
• Wild Yam

Arthritis and Joint Pain

• Alfalfa
• Ginger
• Cayenne
• Garlic
• Ginko Biloba
• Devils Claw
• Cats Claw
• Feverfew
• White Willow
• Stinging Nettle
• Turmeric

Lobelia

Headache and Migraine

• White Willow
• Feverfew
• Angelica
• Vitex
• Dong-quai
• Ginko Biloba
• Guarana (cluster headaches)
• Skullcap (tension)
• Lavender
• Lobelia
• Wood Betony

Dosages and Interactions

Take these herbs as directed on the bottle. Generally the dose is two capsules after each meal. These may be used singly or in combination. Many companies have created combination pain formulas, which often work better than the single herb.

Herbs can interact with other herbs and medications, as well as be dangerous in certain medical conditions. Always let your health care professional know what herbs you are currently taking, and check with them before taking any new ones.

Some common herbal side effects and interactions:

• Feverfew- can cause sever bleeding if taken with anti-clotting medications.
• Kava-kava may increase the effects of certain anti-seizure medications.
• Valerian -may increase the effects of certain anti-seizure medications.
• Alfalfa-excessive use can interfere with drug therapy.
• Chamomile-may inhibit iron absorption; may interfere with drug effects when taken with anticoagulants.
• Ginko Biloba- Increased risk of seizure when taken with Tricyclic antidepressants.

For more information on possible interactions Drug Digest has a very user friendly data base which includes herbs and medications, their interactions with each other, and with foods and beverages.

Herbal Resources

Herbal pain remedies are available in every health food store in the United States, as well as many pharmacies, grocery stores, and super centers. Nutritional stores like Vitamin Shoppe, and GNC specialize in nutritional herbs, and many times the sales people are more knowledgeable about the use of herbs than sales people in a grocery store.

You can also find herbs online:

• iHerb is an easy to use site. The lack of pictures on the homepage makes it easy to load. Just click on what you need to look at or read.
• Smallflower carries herbal pain relievers and medications as well as a full line of natural products.
• Vitacost has the most affordable herbs that I have found. You do need to know what you want because there is not a lot of description.
• Home Herb carries a large selection of herbal capsules, medicinal herb tinctures, and nutritional products of all types.

If you don’t know which herbs to use, check out the online herbal guide. In it you will find the names of the herbs, plus what they are used for, as well as enough information to help you make an educated choice in selection herbs for your individual needs.

Using herbs for pain relief is a natural, and gentle, way to care for your body. The herbal medications will not always work exactly like their chemical counterparts. Be aware that the herbs may take longer to work, or work in a different way than you normally experience with your regular pain medication. For acute pain tinctures will work the fastest, while capsules or tea may be better for long term use. Educate yourself on your medical condition and use the herbs specifically recommended for it to achieve the bet results.