Every year, more than 65 million Americans suffer from pain & inflammation, resulting in decreased productivity at work and higher healthcare costs. Back and neck pain can be caused by stress, physical injury, disease, bad posture, and other things. Standard medical treatment includes physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery, among other treatment methods. Supplementing regular treatment with herbal remedies may be more successful than using them as a stand-alone remedy for persistent back and neck pain.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) root, Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum) rhizome, wood betony (Pedicularis spp) Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), butterbur (Petasites hybridus) rhizome, Sichuan teasel (Dipsacus asper) root are some of the particular herbs used to treat pain & inflammation.
Herbs for Pain & Inflammation Relief
Several anti-inflammatory herbs can help with back and neck pain & inflammation relief. These include the roots of ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and the roots of European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea).
Prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs are stronger and have more powerful effects than herbal remedies. Several analgesic plants have also been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. Many plants can help with pain, such as willow (Salix alba, S. purpurea, S. fragilis) bark, mulberry (Morus spp.) bark, Jamaica dogwood bark, and wintergreen (Filipendula ulmaria), tuber (Gaultheria procumbens).
Several herbal antispasmodics, such as ginseng, chamomile, and valerian, are also sedatives. Among the antispasmodic plants include the roots of black cohosh, butterbur, skunk cabbage, valerian, kava, and California poppy. Various herbal nervines and sedatives are employed to alleviate nervous tension and relax the muscles. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), and California poppy root (Lavandula angustifolia) are just a few examples.
Herbs for Topical Application
The following herbs are used topically to alleviate back and neck pain:
- Distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark/leaf
- Arnica flowers
- Ginger rhizome
- Balsam poplar buds
- Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)
- Medicine sage (Artemisia ludoviciana)
- Capsaicin extract from cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Herbs for Back Pain Relief
Consider using Valerian root, herbal oil, turmeric, ginger, or white willow bark to alleviate your back pain naturally. If you don't give them a chance, you'll never know!
o Root of Valerian
Valerian root has been used for generations as a traditional remedy for stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. You may hear it called "nature's tranquilizer" since it has a powerful effect on your nervous system. A cup of tea steeped with valerian root can provide natural pain relief when consumed in this manner.
o Oil of Herbs
Headaches and small aches and pains can be effectively treated with herbal oil. Using a circular motion, oils are applied to the body and rubbed gently. Camphor, peppermint, eucalyptus, wintergreen, and fennel are some of the ingredients of tonic oil, which is famous for reducing pain.
o Turmeric
This potent spice has been used for centuries as a cancer-fighting agent and anti-inflammatory. Joint inflammation, sprains, and bruising are all made better with this remedy. Turmeric is available as a supplement and can be added to food or consumed as a tea.
o Ginger
Gingko Biloba, traditional Chinese medicine used for thousands of years to treat various ailments, is also an anti-inflammatory. Stir-fries, marinades, teas, and smoothies can all benefit from the addition of ginger.
o The bark of the White Willow
The anti-inflammatory properties of white willow bark make it a good choice for relieving pain in the joints. Salicin, the active ingredient of aspirin, can be found in the bark of white willow trees. White willow bark should not be used by those who are allergic to aspirin. If you do use it, you'll get longer-lasting results than aspirin!
Herbs for Sciatica Pain Relief
Several herbs can be used to treat sciatica, including sweet clover (Melilotus), the root of bai zhu atractylodes (Atractylodes macrocephala), and the bark of the Southern prickly ash (Zanthoxylum Clava-Hercules). Specific plants for neck discomfort and whiplash include Kudzu (Pueraria sp.) root, lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), lichen, butterbur, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), corydalis tuber, Saint John's wort flowering tops, arnica (Arnica montana) flowers, and kava root.
The use of kidney yin and yang tonics for treating low back pain and sciatica is common in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Wintergreen essential oil, lavender essential oil, and juniper (Juniperus communis) essential oil can all be added to massage oils to assist in alleviating discomfort. Adaptogens and herbal antidepressants should be prescribed if stress is the cause of persistent back and neck pain, as stress accounts for 50% of all cases of back pain.
Final Thoughts
Exercise and a nutritious diet, in addition to natural pain treatments, can help alleviate your symptoms. Try any of these herbs mentioned above to alleviate your aches and pains until you consult with your doctor. Natural pain relief with no side effects is what you can expect while using these herbs. You can also visit Real Science Nutrition; try from their wide range of products to fit your lifestyle and see the magical results!