Pain Management With Herbal Medicine

Treatment Options For Pain Management 

Pain is a vital part of survival. When an injury occurs, the body releases prostaglandins, hormones that induce tissue swelling around the injured area. Immune cells immediately travel to the site of injury to clear debris and bacteria, as well as mend skin or bone tissue. Heat will also increase around the injured area. Pain is a way to create awareness of an injury so that we will take measures to get more rest and protect the injured area while it heals.

A 2019 survey shows that 32,000 American adults suffer from chronic and high-impact pain. Although pain is essential for survival, it is hard to tolerate. Over-the-counter painkillers restrict the body's production of prostaglandins, which limits pain symptoms. However, these painkillers have severe side effects, especially for those suffering from chronic pain. With long-term use, mainstream painkillers can have a negative impact on a patient’s mood and liver. In some cases, these painkillers can also be life-threatening.

Fortunately there are many natural herbal medicines with potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs can help manage chronic pain without any adverse side effects. Phytochemicals, the chemicals produced by plants, are easily absorbed by the body and have an excellent safety profile. Herbal medicine has a long history of use and is highly popular in countries all over the world. Botanical herbs promote healing through a holistic approach, which means that plant medicines work in harmony with the body to bring it back to homeostasis. In this article, we will take a look at various medicinal herbs used to manage pain.

Herbs For Inflammatory Pain

Turmeric 

Recent studies show that curcumin, an active compound in turmeric root, reduces inflammatory pain. Turmeric is often used to treat osteoarthritis.

Boswellia 

The resin from the Boswellia tree has been used to treat inflammatory pain for many centuries. Boswellia can be used to treat arthritis, asthma, and IBS. Clinical trials have shown that the effects of boswellia are similar to NSAIDs, but do not have any harmful side effects. Research studies have also shown that boswellia is an effective and safe treatment for osteoarthritis.

Herbs For Pain Relief

Cayenne Pepper 

Cayenne pepper is one of the most well-researched plant medicines for pain relief. Cayenne is rich in capsaicin, a phytochemical that blocks nerve transmission for pain. Cayenne pepper is also chock-full of nutrients and can be added to soups, stews, and juices to enhance taste.

Cat's Claw

Cat’s claw is a woody vine grown in the Amazon forest. Cat's claw reduces pain symptoms by decreasing the production of inflammatory cells and blocking nerve transmission for pain.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw is used to treat throbbing pain. This herb reduces the progression of pain and inflammation, thereby reducing heat and throbbing around the injury. Devil’s claw is also used as an analgesic to numb the sensation of pain.

White Willow Bark

Aspirin is developed from white willow bark. However, this herb was used to manage pain long before researchers created Aspirin. White willow has a blood thinning effect, which reduces the intensity of throbbing, pain and heat around an injury. It is regularly used to treat sports injuries and back pain.

California Poppy

California poppy is an all-natural pain reliever that is a safe alternative to prescription medication. It contains analgesic and antispasmodic properties to provide relief from acute nerve and muscle pain.

Corydalis

The corydalis root has various active compounds for pain relief. Some studies have shown that corydalis is as effective as opioids for the management of pain. However, unlike opioids, corydalis has no adverse side effects.

Jamaican Dogwood

Jamaican dogwood has traditionally been used for treating menstrual cramps, migraines, and nerve pain. Recent studies have shown that the extract of Jamaican dogwood bark has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger

Ginger is traditionally used in food for its warming, digestive and pain-relieving properties. This herb stimulates circulation to promote healing and repair. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce muscle and joint pain.

The best pain management regimen consists of a nutritious diet that includes natural herbal supplements and a healthy exercise routine to reduce inflammation and improve overall strength.