Herbal Supplements for Pain Management
When your body is experiencing some discomfort, you should first consider herbal supplements for pain. Nature has its own way of healing. Instead of going for over-the-counter medicines that may be detrimental for your health in the long run, it is advisable that you go for the natural alternatives. Herbs are effective, easily available, and generally safe. Many of them are even clinically proven to offer relief from all types of pain. So before you pop on those pharmacological solutions, look around for the best supplement for your condition.
Effects of OTC Medicines
There is no doubt that OTC medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective in addressing pain. However, long-term use may increase the body’s tolerance to these drugs. If previously, a single tablet is sufficient to alleviate symptoms, prolonged use may require a higher dosage to achieve the same effect. Regular use of drugs has also serious health effects. Researches have noted liver failure and intestinal damage among patients who have been dependent on them.
In order to avoid the side effects of OTC painkillers, it is highly advisable that you consider herbal supplements for pain like the EvenFlo. These natural products are designed to manage both acute and chronic pain conditions. They can address migraine, pain from menstrual cramps, joint ache, fatigue, muscle soreness, and even nerve pains.
Using Herbal Supplements for Pain
Just like other medicines, supplements have undergone rigid scientific research. Each capsule or tablet is packed with the needed nutrients and vitamins. Since they are highly concentrated forms, you do not have to take kilograms or packs of the herb just to enjoy its benefits. One tablet or capsule is filled with active ingredients that can improve your general wellness and offer natural pain relief.
Here are some of the most common natural painkillers to help you address your health issue:
1. Ginger
Ginger is probably one of the oldest natural alternatives in managing different types of body aches. Scientifically speaking, it has anti-inflammatory action. It blocks the messengers of pain like the prostaglandin and leukotrienes. Without these two substances, the brain will not detect the symptoms of soreness occurring inside.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a very close relative of ginger. It prevents inflammation and has anti-cancer and anti-clotting properties. It improves blood circulation and effectively blocks the inflammatory receptors in the body.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a potent painkiller because of its active ingredient, capsaicin. The substance prevents the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin is often incorporated in different painkilling creams. Cayenne pepper is very effective in treating the discomforts brought about by muscle tension, skin infection and arthritis.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is very popular in offering relief from bone, joint, and muscle pain. It is a mainstay natural herbal supplement for pain among athletes. Soaking the affected body part with Epsom salt or doing a sitz bath can reduce the soreness. Aside from sports enthusiasts, Epsom salt is often used by women who just gave birth to reduce the pain brought about by childbirth.
5. Valerian Root
A cup of valerian tea is dubbed as a natural tranquilizer. It can effectively alleviate nerve pains, stress, and even insomnia.
6. Cats Claw
Cats Claw is a native woody vine in South America. Just like ginger and turmeric, it blocks the release of prostaglandin, the agent responsible for pain and inflammation in the body.
7. Boswellia
Boswellia’s ability to reduce pain comes from its active ingredient, resin. In other parts of the world, the herb is known as Indian frankincense. Aside from taking it orally, Boswellia can also be applied directly to the skin to reduce soreness.
8. White Willow Bark
White willow bark contains the same ingredients as that of Aspirin. It has the same action as that of the drug. It reduces fever, has an anti-clotting effect and pain reduction properties.
9. Essential Oils
Essential oils should be mainstays in every household. Each bottle contains the best herbal supplements for pain. Be it chamomile, sage, or lavender, essential oils rubbed in different areas of the body can be relaxing. If they are mixed with aromatherapy, they can offer one of the best natural solutions to target pain. Other common essential oils used to manage a variety of conditions are Evening Primrose for menstrual pain because of its hormone balancing effect, and peppermint oil for headache. Rubbing and massaging a few drops in the forehead, lower abdomen and temples can offer long-lasting relief from body aches.
10. Arnica
Arnica, also known as mountain daisy, is a yellow-orange flower native to Siberia and Europe. The plant is processed as cream or its oil extracted to treat bruises. It is effective for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Massaging arnica on the hand, wrist, and areas with bruises can reduce the overall pain by improving blood circulation. But as a word of caution, arnica should only be used topically.
11. Aloe Vera
More popular as a remedy for baldness and skin abrasions, aloe vera is also an effective herbal supplement for pain. Its healing properties can be used to soothe aching joints, treat diarrhea and decrease blood glucose levels. Most formulations of aloe vera are creams and gels. However, there are also oral supplements, aloe extracts or aloe juice available.
12. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is very popular among patients with arthritis. The dried leaves and oil extract contain tannins that help reduce swelling. Most patients complement the use of the herbal supplement with a heating pad to boost the healing power of eucalyptus. Aside from its ability to reduce pain, eucalyptus is also popular for treating respiratory tract infections, cough, ulcers, and even cancer.
13. Green Tea
Green tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. The herbal supplement is prepared from the leave, steam, and leaf buds of the plant. As one of the favorite beverages in the world, green tea is often used for digestive upsets, cancer, kidney problems, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is often taken by mouth but some apply it directly on the skin especially for tired eyes and headache. The beneficial effects come from the important molecule, polyphenols. The substance prevents inflammation and swelling and protects the bone and joints against degeneration.
14. Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine is a native of Asia and it is one of the oldest Oriental herbs. It is used in Chinese medicine to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. However, only the roots are made into extracts. The leaves and flowers are toxic and should not be used because of their lethal effect.
15. Licorice Root
The use of licorice root as an herbal supplement can be dated back to thousands of years. Early people used the herb to treat a variety of ailments. Today, the root is very popular in treating eczema, stomach discomfort, sore throat, and tooth decay. Licorice is available as a capsule, powder, liquid extract or chewable tablet.
16. White Peony
White peony is not only a beautiful plant from the outside but also very impressive on the inside. The roots have been used by Chinese herbalists to deal with painful periods, muscle cramps and spasm, and upset stomach. As the old adage says, “anyone who takes the white peony becomes as beautiful as the flower itself”.
Corydalis is known for its other names like Corydale, Dai Ding, Squirrel Corn, and Fumitory. Herbalists use the tuber and root for its medicinal properties. The plant has the ability to relax intestinal spasm and cause a sedative effect. It is also used for patients with severe nerve damage, high blood pressure, and emotional disturbances.
18. Dong Quai
Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese remedy to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Ancient Chinese turn to the herb to balance the female hormone and increase sexual libido. As a supplement, it is available as tea, capsule or liquid extract. A daily dose of Dong Quai strengthens the bone, normalizes blood sugar, and promotes a healthy heart. Clinical studies have shown that the herb can effectively reduce the markers of inflammation.
19. Codonopsis Extract
Codonopsis extract has a wide range of uses. Recently, it has received attention because of its potential to treat HIV infection, the ability to protect against radiation and treat brain disorders. Traditionally, the plant is given to those who suffer from diarrhea, asthma, cough, loss of appetite and chronic fatigue.
Should You Buy the Supplements Individually?
As the list of herbal supplements for pain continues to increase, you might be wondering whether you need all 19 different products to enjoy all the benefits of the herbal supplements for pain.
But this is not the case.
There are manufacturers that offer products that contain most of them. EvenFlo has 11 different herbs to deal with various pains and health conditions. The all-natural product has concentrated extracts of Codonopsis, Dong Quia, Corydalis, licorice root, white peony and a lot more. The combination of these herbs is effective in addressing all sorts of body aches.
Bottomline
Pain is more than just an annoyance to your everyday activities. It can take over your thoughts and impair your overall quality of life. As positive as you try to be, when the symptoms strike, it can be impossible to be at your best. It becomes harder to enjoy life and you become easily irritated by simple things. Chronic pain does not only ruin your health but it can affect your relationships as well.
Luckily, there are ways to help you manage the condition and take control of your health. While your first impulse is to take OTC drugs because of their availability, their use may not be the wisest move. They are addictive, expensive and hazardous to one’s health.
For pain and other health concerns, it is still best to turn to nature. Herbal medicines have been used for thousands of years and they are in fact, the basis of modern medicine. Many herbs offer several health benefits alongside its ability to relieve pain. It can act as an antioxidant and boost the immune system to keep you in the best shape. Unlock the power of herbal supplements today and you will be surprised with what nature can do to help you get better.
References:
- Boyaji, Shafik. “More Opioids, More Pain: Fueling the Fire.” Harvard Health Blog, 27 June 2019.
- Daily, James W et al. “Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Journal of medicinal food vol. 19,8 (2016): 717-29. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.3705
- Al-Nahain, Abdullah et al. “Zingiber officinale: A Potential Plant against Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Arthritis vol. 2014 (2014): 159089. doi:10.1155/2014/159089
- Lukaczer, D., Darland, G., Tripp, M., Liska, D.A., Lerman, R.H., Schiltz, B. and Bland, J.S. (2005), A Pilot trial evaluating meta050, a proprietary combination of reduced iso‐alpha acids, rosemary extract and oleanolic acid in patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Phytother. Res., 19: 864-869. doi:10.1002/ptr.1709
- Ernst. “Frankincense: Systematic Review.” The BMJ, British Medical Journal Publishing Group, 18 Dec. 2008.
- “Supplement and Herb Guide for Arthritis Symptoms .” Supplement and Herb Guide for Arthritis Symptoms | Arthritis Foundation.
