Herbs for pain relief
In today's society, the best herbal remedies for pain are illegal. Opium, morphine, and other strong opioids are addictive, and are only prescribed to patients dying of terminal illnesses.
So what is the average person with period cramps and toothache pain supposed to do? Believe it or not, there are natural remedies that help!
People in pain need help!
Opiods relieve pain, but they are addictive and hard to come by with changing laws and government regulations making doctors afraid to write prescriptions. Have you tried to get pain pills lately? It requires an act of congress!
It is a shame that drug addiction has made access to many pain relievers almost impossible. Even Codeine that used to be readily available at pharmacies, is hard to come by nowadays.
Even though the most effective pain relieving herbs are illegal, there are others that can help.
If you are in pain, try herbs.
Most people can find help with herbal medicine, especially when the herbs are of high quality, and used in the right combinations and dosages. Everyone is different, so don't give up if the first thing you try doesn't seem to be effective.
White willow bark and a few sleep inducing herbs can help stop pain, but not once it gets to moderate or severe levels. When pain starts, treat it immediately for best overall results.
Keep on trying various herbal remedies and lifestyle changes, and soon you will be on the road to a pain free life. Of course, if you have severe stomach pain, any pain that lasts over a few hours, or severe pain, seek medical help as soon as possible. Pain is a sign that something is wrong!
Pain is a signal that something is wrong, and literally can't be ignored.
This post is not for people with serious wounds, chest pain, sharp pain in the abdomen, pain with swelling, or any other pain that could be life threatening if left untreated.
It is for people with occasional mild to moderate toothaches, joint pain, cramps, sprains, and other everyday conditions.
Headache and migraines have a page to themselves. Read more about herbal remedies for headache pain here.
Read about using herbs to treat muscle pain here.
Read more about herbs for toothache pain, mouth sores, and gum disease.
See more about treating earache pain with herbs.
Other types of specific pain:
Treating arthritis pain with herbs.
Treating bruises with herbs.
Treating burns with herbs.
Treating hangovers with herbs.
Treating osteoporosis pain with herbs.
Treating the pain from shingle outbreaks with herbs.
Treating sore throat pain with herbs.
Anyone suffering from chronic pain should cut back on sugar and salt.
They should also avoid MSG ( monosodium glutamate) and caffeine. Diet can be very important when fighting pain. Try to eat as healthy as possible and you will be better for it.
Medicinal herbs like bee balm can relieve pain.
Many herbs can help people suffering with pain. Bee Balm, lemon balm, valerian, passion flower, St. John's wort, lavender, chamomile, hops, rosemary, catnip, spearmint, wild lettuce, marshmallow, and white willow bark are the most well known.
White willow bark acts like aspirin without the side effects. Take in tea or tincture form, or use in creams and lotions.
Tips for using passion flower to treat pain
Passion flower is an excellent remedy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, abdominal cramps, and headache. Passion flower is used for relieving back pain, shingles, and more. Combine with valerian or lemon balm for best results.
Cannabis for pain
Cannabis and cannabis oil can be a great help when treating pain, but it is not legal in all parts of the United States, or the world. Check local laws before purchasing cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.
Essential oils can help treat pain.
Try marjoram essential oil in conjunction with aromatherapy. The aroma of marjoram is very relaxing when combined with deep breathing.
Frankincense essential oil can be used to stop sore muscle pain, arthritis pain, and more. Dilute with a good carrier oil like cold-pressed olive oil, and massage the area with gentle circular motions. Frankincense is my go-to for pain relief. It works quickly and lasts a long time.
Clove oil for toothache pain
Clove essential oil can stop mild or moderate toothache pain. Just dab a drop on the offending tooth for pretty much instant relief. Severe toothache pain requires a visit to the dentist!
Deep breathing can help.
Breathing exercises have been shown to help relieve mild pain. Take ten deep breaths, wait five minutes while breathing normally, and then take ten more deep breaths. Good breathing habits can really help with pain management.
Other tips for pain relief
Gentle massage can reduce pain. Use a light carrier oil mixed with lavender, rosemary, or chamomile essential oil. Dab a little on the bottom of the feet and on the temples for added benefits.
Remember that loving hands can heal. A loving massage may be all a person needs to get rid of pain, especially if it is brought on by anxiety.
A warm Epsom salts bath can reduce pain considerably. Combine with aromatherapy for best results.
Mild earache pain can be successfully treated with home remedies. Mullein flower drops are especially useful.
Other alternative medicines to try include reflexology and acupuncture. They are excellent methods for treating most types of pain.
Science, herbs, and pain management
Herbal medicine is shown to be effective when treating mild to moderate muscle pain, joint pain, arthritis, and migraine.
Some of the most well known medicinal herbs for pain include:
- St. John's Wort which contains hyperforin and hypericin, is a proven sedative, antidepressant, and analgesic. Note that St. John's Wort has potential for adverse drug interaction when taken with some prescription drugs.
- Ginger, found in tropical countries, is useful for treating pain due to swelling, arthritis, and digestive problems.
- Turmeric is very anti-inflammatory and can help relieve pain from wounds, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Turmeric can interact with other drugs so do some research before taking therapeutic amounts.
- Chili pepper extract burns when first applied, but nerves endings lose their ability to send pain signals after use. The nerve ending recover after a few weeks and treatment may need to be repeated.
- Feverfew is known to treat fever, headache, and inflammation.
- Willow bark extract is proven to have many medicinal properties that relieve pain. It works a lot like aspirin, so should not be taken with some over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Pain statistics
Studies show that 50 million adults experience chronic pain on a daily basis. Almost 20 million report that they experience high impact chronic pain that interferes with daily life.
In the United States alone, cost for pain management is approximately $600 billion dollars per year!
Many prescription pain relievers are addictive, expensive, and have major side effects.
Efforts are currently underway to find alternative medicines to fight pain that are safe, affordable, and effective. Herbal medicine is a good start.
*Avoid Passion flower during pregnancy. Do not use Passion Flower if taking MAO inhibiting anti-depressants drugs. Many herbs that are used for pain relief can increase the risk of bleeding. Always talk to your healthcare professional before self-treating.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedies especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7918078/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8187106/
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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