Natural Herbs for Pain Relief

Four out of 10 people live with chronic pain, which can worsen with cold or wet weather. If joint pain has you feeling older than your years, you will be happy to know that many natural healing herbs can bring relief without harsh side effects. Here are some natural herbs that you may find in your kitchen.

Ginger Gives Freedom from Nausea and Aches

Ginger, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese to remedy pain. Ginger helps ease nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness, and on these colder days, ginger can help warm your circulation, too! A perfect complement to vegetables, marinades, and sweets, ginger is also delicious in tea. To make fresh ginger tea, cut the root into ¼” slices, boil for 10 minutes, strain the water, and voilà— tasty ginger tea. In a pinch, you can use ginger tea bags, available in health food stores.

Tame Pain with Turmeric

Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its distinctive flavor and coloring, can relieve joint pain. New research suggests that turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and can help improve circulation and prevent blood clotting. Traditional medicinals use turmeric to ease the pain of sprains, bruises, and joint inflammation and treat skin and digestive issues. The healing power of turmeric comes from its active ingredient, curcumin, which lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. 

Herbal Oil Soothes Pain Away

Tonic and Tension oils, which consist of oils of camphor, peppermint, eucalyptus, fennel, and wintergreen, can be used for relief from headaches. Simply apply the oil to your forehead and rub gently in a circular motion. You can also apply tonic oil to any body part to relieve minor aches and pains. 

White Willow Bark Brings Relief

This anti-inflammatory herb is traditionally used to relieve painful inflammation in the joints. White willow bark's pain-relieving properties come from its salicin content, the same compound found in aspirin. While the actions of white willow bark may be slower-acting than over-the-counter aspirin, the results last longer. A significant advantage of using willow bark over its pharmaceutical cousin is that it does not cause gastric upset and erode the stomach lining. White willow bark has also helped reduce the intensity of migraine attacks. It can be found in our Pain Free Patches and Tonic Oil.

May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!