One style of medication that individuals can miss quite the other in a very grid down state of affairs is painkillers, thus pain relief goes to be the most focus of this list. You won’t notice something as sturdy as Vicodin below, however if nothing else these herbs will create the pain a lot of tolerable. Here, then, square measure eleven medicative herbs that square measure natural painkillers.
1. Arnica
This beautiful mountain plant is highly recommended for the treatment of bruises and general inflammation. While some companies sell arnica pills for consumption, home harvested arnica should only be used topically.
Arnica works best on closed injuries, such as bruises and sprains. Harvest arnica flowers at their prime, and macerate the in oil. Combine arnica oil with St. John`s Wort and Balm of Gilead for an awesome pain relieving concoction.
2. Balm of Gilead
This is made from the buds of the cottonwood tree, macerated in oil. Normally used as a topical salve, Balm of Gilead is effective at relieving pain from bruises, sprains, burns, sunburns, and other injuries. It can also speed the healing of fractured bones if used in conjunction with “Bone Set” (aka Comfrey).
Balm of Gilead, if extracted in an alcohol base, can be taken internally. However, it is most commonly used on external wounds and injuries.
To make Balm of Gilead, harvest the buds sometime between late winter and early spring, just as the sap begins to run. If you pinch the buds and see orangish resin inside, it's time to gather them. Once you've filled up half a mason jar, it's time to make the balm.
3. Chamomile and Oxeye Daisy
These two beautiful plants have the same soothing effect, though like mint they can have an excitatory effect on certain people. Chamomile works well with St. John`s Wort to reduce pain and induce sleep.
Both Chamomile and Oxeye Daisy should have the flowers harvested and dried, with newly opened flowers being the most potent. After drying, the flowers can be added to tea.
4. Cloves
Cloves are most commonly used as additions in a variety of meals, including pies and meat-based dishes. However, simple ground cloves serve a critical role for medicinal purposes as well.
Studies have found that cloves can be used to help treat the common cold, reduce feelings of nausea, and relieve inflammation from arthritis or even in your teeth. You can either consume the cloves directly as an herbal supplement, or you can take them as an essential oil.
Furthermore, you can use cloves as a topical pain reliever as well. If you develop any fungal issues or light open wounds such as scrapes, you can apply cloves directly to the affected site to help reduce the pain.
5. Echinacea
Another herb that can help to reduce inflammation is echinacea. Studies have shown that participants with osteoarthritis who took supplements containing strong levels of echinacea experience significantly reduced swelling and inflammation (as well as reduced pain).
Studies are also being conducted to determine echinacea’s effectiveness on upper respiratory issues, such as difficulty with breathing.
6. Feverfew
Feverfew has been used as a remedy for headaches for literally centuries, and it’s a common ingredient in medicine used to treat migraines as well.
Additionally, feverfew can be used to reduce inflammation. While there need to be more studies conducted on this, feverfew is used by many to help reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis or even toothaches.
Take note that feverfew is known to have a few potential side effects, such as irritation to the skin or the lips, so use it with caution (especially if you will be consuming it directly).
7. Ginger
This has the same properties as turmeric, and while you can easily access its benefits by cooking with it, Ginger has the added benefit of being a delicious candy.
8. Hawthorn
The berries, bark, and flowers of this tree are effective at relieving cramps caused by women`s complaints. It can also help with other cramps, though it is less effective. Berries or flowers can be dried and used as a tea. The bark can also be used in tea, or turned into a tincture if you want.
For tea, generally half a tsp. of Hawthorn to a tsp. and a half of other herbs (like peppermint and marshmallow) are used.
9. Hot Peppers
These hot spicy fiends are actually your allies in the fight against pain. Hot Peppers, or the capsaicin within them, are an effective pain reliever, analgesic, and general anti-inflammatory agent. Consume hot peppers in food to access some of their benefits.
Topical capsaicin ointments can also help relieve inflammation from sprains, chronic arthritis, and other inflammatory pain issues. The consumption of hot peppers can also act as a mood booster.
10. Lavender
When used topically, lavender oil–or just a lavender frond rubbed on the skin–will relieve pain from burns, insect bites, and stings. To use, either apply lavender oil, or rub a sprig of lavender directly on the bite, burn, or sting.
Within a few moments, the pain should lessen and within five to ten minutes it should be totally gone from most mild burns, wasp stings, or insect bites. A hornet sting is the only sting that may need more treatment than straight lavender to relieve. Spider bites are also likely to need more care depending on the type of spider.
11. Mint
This herb is a sweet herb, and can enhance the benefits of some of the bitter pain-relieving herbs. It can also act as a soother, and can help reduce heat-related inflammation due to its cooling properties. However, for some people mint is an exciter rather than a soother.
Observation is always necessary when utilizing natural herbs. Mint should be harvested in its prime, just before the flowers begin to appear. Then it should be dried and kept in a cool, dark, and dry place until needed to blend with other herbs for tea, or just for tea on its own.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before using any of the herbs and/or remedies mentioned in this article.