When people feel pain, they often reach for the first over-the-counter pain reliever available. However, there is a whole world of pain relief found in pain relief herbs. This form of pain relief is both natural and effective.
15 Pain Relief Herbs That Work
Most pain relievers simply mask the pain for a few hours. When they wear off, the pain returns, but not without a cost. Relying on over-the-counter options not only provides temporary pain relief, but overuse can lead to severe side effects, such as liver damage. Pain relief herbs work not only to relieve your pain but help prevent it altogether.
1. Alfalfa Leaf
The alfalfa plant, also known as the "father of plants" is a vitamin and nutrient-rich plant full of calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, and carotene. When taken in herbal form, alfalfa helps the body heal arthritis, reduces swelling caused by fluid retention, and helps with endocrine-related issues. It also nourishes the urinary, glandular, and skeletal systems.
2. Boswellia Serrata
The key components of Boswellia Serrata are found in its powerful acids. Boswellic acid is an anti-inflammatory and is very effective in inflammatory diseases. Boswellia Serrata may help with:
- Asthma
- Joint inflammation and stiffness
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Osteoarthritis in the knees
- Back pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Cayenne Pepper
Also known by its alias, capsicum, this herb isn't just for flavoring your chili. Cayenne pepper has been deemed as the world's greatest herb for its powerful pain-relieving and healing capabilities. Cayenne pepper is one of the best pain relief herbs that also help with circulation and promotes faster wound healing. It is also known to stop and prevent the following:
- Internal and external bleeding
- Ulcers
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Shock
4. Chamomile Flower
You are probably familiar with chamomile tea for its calming effect. While it does help with irritability and anxiety, it also heals wounds. Chamomile relieves pain and calms the entire body system in the following ways:
- Relieves pain caused by fever, colds, and flu
- Relieves headaches
- Promotes better sleep
- Reduces anxiety and irritability
- Calms the central nervous system
- Positively affects stress levels
- Improves digestion
- Aids in treating irritable bowel syndrome
- Promotes perspiration
5. Chondroitin
If you haven't heard of chondroitin, it's time for a science lesson. Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) and is also known as a mucopolysaccharide. Joint cartilage is made up of three components: chondroitin, collagen, and water. Chondroitin has been shown to help relieve knee pain and reduce inflammation. Those who suffer from osteoarthritis may find relief as well as improved cartilage function
6. Dandelion Leaf
Not only can you put dandelion in your salad bowl, but you can also take it herbally. Dandelion contains vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron, copper, and beta carotene. When used by the body, dandelion does the following:
- Acts as a healthy, general tonic
- Improves bile flow
- Reduces inflammation (due to hepatitis and cirrhosis)
- Helps build blood supply
7. Guggul
This herb is native to India and has historically been used in traditional medicines. Guggul has both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help it do the following:
- Relieves arthritis pain
- Eases irritable bowel syndrome
- Aids digestion
- Relieves cramps caused by PMS and IBS
- Relieves bloating
- Eases sports injury pain
- Relieves back pain
- Provides headache relief
8. Lemongrass Leaf
This herb can be used both internally and externally. When applied externally, it helps treat fungal infections like athletes foot. It also helps with sprains, arthritic pain, and helps heal cuts and lesions. Internally, lemongrass provides relief for the following issues:
- Digestive tract issues
- Nausea
- Menstrual problems
- High fevers
- Cholesterol
- High blood pressure
9. Mullein Leaf
This herb primarily helps reduce mucus. Areas that have mucus are usually areas experiencing some type of pain. Mullein leaf also helps the body in the following ways:
- Creates a therapeutic effect on joint and muscle pain
- Reduces swelling and inflammation caused by arthritis
- Treats symptoms associated with stress (nervous tension, anxiety, apathy, insomnia)
10. Oat Straw
Oat straw is another herb that contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium. It benefits the body when both taken internally and applied externally. Known as a natural aphrodisiac, oat straw can help to stabilize blood sugar levels, lower
When taken internally, oat straw:
- Acts as a natural aphrodisiac
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Lowers cholesterol
- Relieves bladder, uterine and digestive pain
- Strengthens bones, hair, and skin
- Restores the elasticity of blood vessels
11. Turmeric Root
If you've ever cooked with turmeric, you know that it can easily stain your countertops. Turmeric does more than just add color and flavor to your food. Studies show it is more powerful than hydrocortisone due to its significant antioxidant and antibacterial attributes. Turmeric helps the body by:
- Treating sinus pain
- Relieving headaches
- Providing pain relief from stomach aches
- Helping with arthritic pain
- Treating external and internal injuries
12. White Willow Bark
This herb comes from the Willow tree. The active ingredient in white willow bark is called salicin and its acetylsalicylic acid essentially makes it nature's form of aspirin. Studies show that the pain-relieving effects of white willow bark may last even longer than aspirin, minus the stomach-irritating side effect. Willow bark relieves pain caused by:
- Headaches, toothaches, and backaches
- Osteoarthritis
- PMS and menstrual cramps
- Muscular pains and strains
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Cuts, wounds, and burns
- Colds and flu
- Inflammatory disorders (bursitis, arthritis, painful joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis)
13. Wild Lettuce Leaf
Not only does wild lettuce leaf act as a natural pain reliever, but it also helps with anxiety and emotional distress. It is a popular herb prescribed in treating children, helping with excitement and nervousness as well as helping with sleep.
14. Yellow Dock Root
This iron-packed herb helps with everything from skin conditions to digestive issues. Yellow dock root will help treat:
- Chronic skin conditions (swelling, scabby eruptions, sores, itching, acne)
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Liver disfunction
15. Yucca Root
This herb is another one you can serve for dinner, yet in herbal form, it acts as a natural pain reliever for skeletal system pain, such as arthritis. Yucca contains an antioxidant called resveratrol which helps protect you from free radicals in the environment that wreak havoc on your blood vessels.
The capabilities of these fifteen herbs prove that nature is powerful. You can find these amazing herbs in our herbal blend, "Ultra Relief". Visit our 'Learn" page for more helpful information about how to get started with herbs and our common-sense approach to lasting health!