Emma Taylor
12 October 2021
If you suffer from arthritis, back pain, inflammation, or swelling, this is definitely something you will be interested in learning about. It is likely that at some point you will because in Australia alone, about 80% of people have back pain at least one time in their life.
It’s common for these people to seek prescription medications but unfortunately those may have serious side effects and it’s very common for these types of pills to lead to addiction. Due to these adverse effects of taking medication, people are starting to look for all-natural methods which can be even more beneficial.
There are numerous options of healthy herbs and there is scientific research to back it. There are a few different methods of using herbs to help get relief for back pain.
You can take capsules or pills which are the most convenient and fastest way to use them. You can consume them in tea and this requires you to purchase dried herb and then steep it into a tea to drink.
Herbs can also be found in powder form and should be mixed with water or another liquid in order to consume it. These are the three most common ways to use herbs to alleviate back pain.
Consider which method is easiest for you and also choose the herb that you prefer. If you aren’t used to using healthy herbs, it is easier to start with capsules or pills. Some herbs can even be found in creams so that they can be applied topically. No matter which method you choose to administer the herbs, be sure to carefully follow the dosage instructions.
Never consume or use more of an herb than is recommended. You can overdose on them. However, you do want to use enough so that it is helpful.
Aloe Vera
This is often used by people who want to get relief for arthritis-related back pain. It is in liquid form and you can consume it just like you would any other juice. It is available at health food stores already ready to drink.
It can also be applied topically when using fresh aloe. Just apply it to the affected area and massage. Never drink aloe straight from an aloe vera plant. This can result in adverse reactions such as high blood sugar or gastrointestinal issues.
Boswellia
As a potent anti-inflammatory, this healthy herbs blocks leukotrienes which attack joints (including the spine), which causes pain and a decreased range of motion. It is commonly taken orally in tablet form. You can also use topical creams to apply directly to the affected area.
Cat’s Claw
This is a powerful herb that you must follow instructions carefully. There is a risk of over-stimulating your immune system. However, it is a great anti-inflammatory herb which can reduce pain by reducing welling.
This helps with back problems such as sacroiliac joint inflammation, herniated discs, and spinal arthritis. The responses are positive because the herb will try to get to the cause of the pain. You can consume cat’s claw orally in a tea or in a pill or capsule.
Eucalyptus
While you may first think of fighting colds and the flu with eucalyptus, it is also great to be used topically because it works on back pain just like ice does because it has a cooling sensation. The leaf of the eucalyptus plant has a component called tannins which reduces pain by eliminating inflammation and swelling.
It is a great idea to directly apply the herb to the area in pain and then use heat afterwards to help relax the muscles while dulling the pain.
Ginger
While this herb is typically used for nausea and digestion, it is one of the most effective herbs to calm inflammation and alleviate pain. There are substances within ginger that calm down the inflammation just as well as any over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Ginger is best for back pain that is caused by inflammation in situations where there is spinal arthritis or muscle injuries.
Turmeric
For back pain, this is one of the most popular herbal remedies and it seems that according to research, benefits are most obtained when the herb is taken orally by drinking it in a tea or taking it in the form of a capsule or pill for the best results.
Valerian Root
This herb is commonly used for treating insomnia and anxiety due to its relaxing components. However, since it does have properties that are relaxing, it can reach into the muscle sand reduce the sensitivity of nerves.
This is a great option for people who have muscle-related pains such as tightness, spasms, or injuries such as sprains and strains. It is recommended to take this at night because it can make you drowsy. However, since you never know when back pain can be at its worst, always be prepared.
White Willow Bark
The use of this herb as a pain treatment dates back to the time of Hippocrates. It is best used on pain related to inflammation. In ancient times, people used to chew on the bark to get the benefits. Now you can actually use it in a tea or take it as a tablet.
You should note to pay close attention to the dosage recommendation because overdose is possible and dangerous. An overdose can increase inflammation which will end up causing worse pain and could even cause other severe health problems.
In Summary
Now that you are familiar with these herbs and their benefits for pain, try them out to see which one fits the needs specific to your type of back pain. Remember that herbs are powerful and not everyone can use them.
It is recommended to talk to your health practitioner to see if a pain-relieving herb is the best option for you and a pharmacist can even assist in choosing a healthy herbs brand that is high quality.
