Synthetic painkilling drugs can be convenient and effective, but can also cause a variety of unwanted, unpleasant side effects. Even over-the-counter drugs can be addictive and they lose their effectiveness over time. Medicinal herbs for pain provide a safer alternative to synthetic drugs, and have little to no side effects. They can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores, but a wider selection of medicinal herbs can be found at natural health stores and online. Some of the more popular types of medicinal herbs for pain include white willow bark, feverfew, lavender, ginger and cat's claw.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark comes from the white willow tree (scientifically known as salix alba) and contains the compound salicin. Salicin has been used for centuries to relieve pain and is an active ingredient in the commercial pain-relieving drug aspirin. For this reason, white willow bark is sometimes called herbal aspirin. It is used to relieve both acute and chronic pain in the joints, lower back, head and teeth, and is affective against arthritis symptoms, inflammation, and fevers.
Feverfew
Feverfew--scientifically known as tanecetum parthenium--is a popular herbal painkiller used to both prevent and treat headaches and migraines. It contains compounds that help prevent excessive blood clotting, and help lower the production of inflammatory, pain-causing chemicals. Feverfew also helps relax blood vessels, which increases blood circulation and helps blood flow to the brain.
Lavender
Lavender is an herb that has historically been used in baths to clean and purify the spirit and body. It produces a highly effective oil, and can be used to cure insomnia, depression, and anxiety, as well as pain. Lavender is particularly useful in reducing rheumatism and joint pain, and also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Ginger
Ginger is the thick, underground stem of the plant Zingiber, and has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia for over 2,000 tears. It has strong antioxidant qualities and is used to relieve pain associated with skin conditions and irritations. Ginger has also been known to help treat diarrhea, colic, heart conditions and arthritis.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw, also called uncaria tomentosa, comes from the bark of a tree found in Central and South America. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. The medicinal herb also improves the overall effectiveness of the immune system. In Peru, cat's claw was traditionally used as a treatment for pain related to gastro-intestinal disorders.
Other Medicinal Herbs for Pain
There are a wide variety of other medicinal herbs used to treat pain, including eucalyptus, cayenne, lobelia, aloe vera, saffron, neem, burdock, kava kava, wood betony, wild lettuce, passion flower and valerian root.
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