How Can Herbs Relieve Pain?





The complex process that produces the physical sensation we know as pain involves the transmission of pain signals to the brain via chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Fortunately, there is another group of neurotransmitters the body manufactures that are able to relieve pain naturally these include serotonin, norepinephrine, encephalins and endorphins; they are analgesic in nature, killing pain instead of causing it.

To eliminate pain, millions of people take over-the-counter (OTC) products such as aspirin which inhibits the production of chemicals in the body that result in pain and inflammation. However, using these kinds of pain killers over a long period of time can lead to side effects that most of us would rather avoid. Using the right kind of anti-inflammatory herbs, on the other hand, produces the same benefits that are achieved by OTC products, but without harmful side effects.The following herbs are highly effective in reducing muscle and joint pain.

Eucalyptus oil works extremely well to prevent pain and suppress muscle spasms. It is also used as a sedative. When rubbed on the affected area, it increases blood flow and oxygen. Many people use it to eliminate muscle and joint pain, as well as headaches. In addition to its pain-relieving ability, eucalyptus oil is a common treatment for diabetes, fever, and respiratory ailments.

Many herbalists depend on the meadowsweet plant to relieve pain naturally because it does not irritate the stomach like aspirin can. It is also used to treat stomach ulcers, based on studies showing its effectiveness in helping guard against ulcers and stomach irritation.

Most of us are familiar with peppermint, a member of the mint family, as an ingredient that is added to flavor many candies. But it has also been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It helps prevent muscles spasms, relieves pain, and many people rely on this herbal supplement to treat menstrual and abdominal cramps and headaches.

Another natural analgesic that is used to reduce joint and muscle pain is wintergreen oil. The Food and Drug Administration has given its seal of approval for its external use, making it available for purchase over the counter. In addition to preventing pain, it also reduces inflammation and can therefore be safely used to treat pain caused by arthritis.

Ginger is another of the popular anti inflammatory herbs that have analgesic properties. When applied in oil form, it helps increase blood flow to areas affected by arthritis, resulting in reduced pain and inflammation. It has been shown in research studies to provide pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. People afflicted with osteoarthritis who use ginger oil experience no harmful side effects as this natural remedy gives them relief from pain and inflammation.

Yet another herb from the mint family that has medicinal properties is spearmint. We are most familiar with its taste in chewing gum and toothpaste. Because spearmint is extremely effective in eliminating certain bacteria and fungus, it is often used to treat such conditions as nasal congestion, bronchitis, fever, and headache. When used in oil form, spearmint works well to reduce pain caused by inflammation and muscle spasms.

Despite the fact that the external supplementation and use of these herbals will not result in harmful side effects, it is always a good idea to speak with a herbalist or your health care provider before using them.

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- Eric

Photo Credit: Summer Tomato

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