Top Herbal Remedies for Pain

With anywhere from 11% to 40% of adults suffering from chronic pain, it is little wonder that people are seeking a variety of alternative forms of pain relief. Some of these pain relief methods are through herbal remedies and time-tested herbal formulas. Here are some of the top herbal pain relief options available today.

CBD 

While relatively new on the market, CBD oil is showing promising results. One of the more popular ways to take CBD oil is by using an electronic cigarette or vape. Companies are now carrying a specific CBD vape juice for pain, and there are significant studies showing that it may be effective. It is important to note that CBD products have not been thoroughly evaluated for this use. They have, however, been approved for other uses, including the treatment of seizure disorders. Some users have commented that using CBD vape juice is the fastest way to feel relief from pain and anxiety. 

Clove 

Clove is not just for hams anymore. Cloves and clove oil are used in herbal treatment for pain. It, mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, can dull the pain of a toothache or relieve chronic muscle pain and fatigue. If you are using clove on the skin or in your mouth, you have to mix it with something because pure clove oil is very potent and will cause the burning of sensitive tissues. 

Lavender 

Lavender is a good all-around herbal, but lavender oil is used to treat chronic pain through aromatherapy and as an essential oil. It is said to be particularly good for alleviating migraines and other types of headaches. Lavender oil is another oil that needs to be used with a carrier if you are using it on your skin. There are also lavender teas available.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is well known for pain relief. It is also well known because it is what makes chili peppers hot. Be very careful with raw capsaicin, it can burn your skin or mouth just as easily as hot peppers do. Topical creams containing this substance are known for managing chronic pain and muscle aches. The use of capsaicin as a topical ointment is approved by the FDA and can be found in a variety of drug and grocery stores. Many people do choose to make their own using capsaicin oil and a carrier lotion or oil. 

Willow Bark

Willow bark is also known as “witch’s aspirin.” It has been used for thousands of years. You can brew willow bark tea by soaking the bark in hot water for around five minutes, straining off the bark and then drinking the tea. Willow bark tea is effective for pain relief and works similar to aspirin for headaches, body aches and muscle pain. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent. Willow bark is great for relieving pain but because it is similar to ibuprofen is dangerous to pets.

Feverfew

Feverfew is another analgesic herb. Traditionally it has been useful in treating migraines and rheumatoid arthritis as well as stomach aches and problems with menstruation. At least one use of this herb is prophylactic in that it can help stop a migraine if taken in time. It has a long history dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. People knew it as aspirin or medieval aspirin in the 1800s. 

Peppermint

Peppermint is known for its stomach calming qualities, but it is also great for stomach pain as well as achy muscles. It was used as early as the 1600s to treat toothaches and a variety of other painful conditions. Peppermint is also an anti-inflammatory and can numb nerve endings. As in the case of clove, peppermint needs a carrier oil like coconut oil to be safe. It can easily burn gums if used incorrectly.

A Word of Caution

If you are seeking pain relief, these herbal remedies are a great place to start but are not a substitute for seeing a doctor. If you are taking any other medications or have another health condition, you should tell your doctor about any herbal substances that you are taking. Some of these remedies may have severe reactions with other medications. 

Herbal remedies have been used to treat pain for centuries, and most are far less addictive than traditional opioid medications. Try these herbs and oils for the relief of mild to moderate pain. 

Photo. Devanath