9 Herbal Ways to Manage Pain and Inflammation

When we have a headache or backache, our first impulse is to reach for a pill. However, pharmaceutical drugs are not the only path to pain relief. There are many natural ways to combat pain and inflammation.  

Adding a few herbs and natural remedies to our regimen may help ease any discomfort we’re feeling, especially when combined with a good diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques (you have permission to treat yourself to that massage).  

Alternative medicine is gaining popularity as more people wake up to the advantages offered to us by Mother Nature. Over and above consuming herbal remedies for their anti-inflammatory and pain management properties, there are other forms of alternative treatment like yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, and aromatherapy that can be just as effective in managing pain and promoting wellness in our bodies. 

Did you know? 
The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. 

Herbal Preparations for Pain and Inflammation

Here are nine herbal ways to manage pain and inflammation: 

1. Trusty Turmeric  

Turmeric is a powerful, yellow, ayurvedic spice common in Indian cuisine that can be found in any grocery store. It has been used to treat wounds, infections, colds, and liver disease for centuries. Turmeric is packed with over 300 active compounds. The main compound in turmeric is an antioxidant called curcumin, which has brilliant anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation by acting on the nervous system. Various studies have shown that turmeric could potentially control inflammatory proteins called cytokines. If the cytokines in the body are out of control, a condition known as cytokine storm syndrome can develop and is associated with serious inflammation and illness. Turmeric can also help decrease pain linked to autoimmune diseases and tendonitis. Turmeric can be added to your food, but turmeric capsules are a good supplement to have on hand to reap its benefits. 

2. Gentle Ginger 

We all know that sipping ginger tea helps relieve cold-related congestion, but supplementing with ginger can also help soothe arthritis, joint, and muscle pain by lowering the prostaglandin levels in the body. A study done in 2015 suggests that ginger could even reduce pain and inflammation as effectively as anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. However, more research is still needed. Outside of the standard uses of ginger when cooking, people have used it for thousands of years in traditional medicines to treat numerous conditions like migraines, colds, nausea, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Ginger contains more than 100 active compounds like zingerone, gingerol, shogaol, and zingiberene, to name a few. These compounds are responsible for reducing pain and inflammation in your body. Ginger is very versatile and can be used in dishes like stirfry, salads, and stews. Alternatively, you could also purchase a ginger supplement.  

3. Wonderous White Willow Bark 

Traditionally, people used to chew on the bark of a white willow tree to relieve pain and fever. Nowadays, willow bark is sold as a dried herb that can be brewed like tea. White willow bark contains salicin, which is an aspirin-like compound. Research has shown that using willow bark can be as effective as taking conventional anti-inflammatory medication to relieve musculoskeletal and knee pain. White willow bark also contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which are plant compounds that support basic body functioning and reduce inflammation. The combination of material in white willow bark makes it effective at easing muscle pain, treating headaches, and calming inflammation.
 

4. Capable Clove 

Ground cloves are often used in pies (and my granny’s famous cookies), while whole cloves are used to spice rice and meat dishes. However, they’re good for more than just flavoring food. Cloves can be used to treat a wide range of conditions like flu and nausea, as well as relieve the pain associated with toothache, headaches, and arthritic inflammation. The active ingredient in cloves is eugenol. This is a natural pain reliever that is also used in some over-the-counter pain creams. Cloves can be found in powder or capsule form from your local pharmacy. 

5. Benevolent Boswellia 

Boswellia comes from the resin found in the bark of the frankincense tree. Boswellia oil is used to manufacture cosmetics, soaps, food, and drinks, and when taken for pain, it is commonly found in the form of a capsule or pill. Ayurveda practitioners have long used Boswellia to relieve muscle and joint pain. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Boswellia and indicate that it can reduce pain and improve mobility in people with osteoarthritis. Creams made from Boswellia oil have been shown to ease painful skin caused by sun damage or radiation treatment. 

6. Gallant Garlic 

Garlic is a common and popular spice with a strong taste and smell. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat infections, constipation, arthritis, and toothaches. Most of the benefits of garlic come from the sulfur compounds like diallyl disulfide and allicin. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study done with over 830 participants found that the people who took garlic supplements experienced significantly decreased blood levels of the inflammatory marker. Other studies have shown that garlic can help raise antioxidants in the body while regulating inflammation-promoting markers. Garlic is a very useful ingredient when it comes to cooking. You can also purchase concentrated and aged garlic supplements from your local health store. 

7. Reliable Resveratrol 

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in blueberries, grapes, and other fruits with purple skin. It is also found in peanuts, dark chocolate, and red wine (who said chocolate and wine weren’t good for you?). Resveratrol has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory potential in people with chronic conditions like obesity, liver disease, ulcerative colitis, as well as in people without chronic conditions. Resveratrol is available in capsule or pill form. 

8. Dynamic Devil’s Claw 

Devil’s claw is native to South Africa, where it has been used traditionally to soothe the pain from conditions like tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and back or neck issues. Devil’s claw contains chemicals that can decrease swelling, which is why it is used to treat conditions involving pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that devil’s claw contains powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and has been shown to improve symptoms of arthritis. People who take devil’s claw supplements have reported that it has improved their quality of life and ability to live with certain conditions. Devil’s claw can be purchased in pill or capsule form. 

9. Great Green Tea 

Green tea is already well-known for its preventative effects against cancer and cardiovascular disease, but more recent studies have proposed that green tea may also be an effective anti-inflammatory. Green tea is great for reducing the pain associated with arthritis as well as reducing the inflammation of the digestive tract, which could help with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The polyphenols in green tea are beneficial for anti-inflammatory health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, gum disease, and certain cancers. Green tea is packed with healthy compounds that have been linked to benefits for the brain and heart. You can sip 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day, or green tea extract can be found in pill form. There are also decaffeinated green teas for those who don’t want caffeine. 

In summary 

Pain and inflammation can be a real damper on life, especially if you don’t want to take pharmaceutical medication that can cause unwanted side effects or addiction. The good news is that many natural supplements on the market can help manage pain and reduce inflammation, and more studies are being done every day on the benefits of herbs and plants. 

It is important to remember that you should consult your healthcare practitioner before trying any new supplements. Certain herbs and plants may react with one another or other medication you may be taking. Always buy your supplements from a reputable supplier and follow the correct dosage on the packaging or given to you by your medical provider.