Herbal Pain Relievers

Whether you suffer from creaky knees, tennis elbow, or a stiff back, there are a number of herbal remedies that can help. Taken topically or orally, a cure for your aches and pains could be as close as your backyard garden. Here’s a look at some of the most common pain-relieving herbs:

• Arnica: A flowering herb related to sunflowers, arnica is now widely available in both topical and oral forms. It contains helenin, an analgesic and anti-inflammatory and has long been used for joint and muscle pain.

• Boswellia: A flowering tree best known for producing the fragrant resin used to make frankincense, boswellia is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic used to soothe pain from arthritis and sports injuries.

• Cayenne Pepper: Peppers contain capsaicin, a circulatory stimulant that triggers the body to release endorphins, or feel good hormones, thereby reliving pain.

• Ginger: This spicy root has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties used to treat arthritis pain and cramping.

• Gotu kola: Also known as penny wort this herb was traditionally used to help repair connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. It is an anti-inflammatory that also strengthens the collagen in the joints for greater comfort and flexibility.

• Nettles: This stinging plant was traditionally used to relieve arthritis pain – arthritis sufferers used to swat aching joints with the leaves, thereby injecting pain-relieving histamines into the skin. Today, nettle leaf extracts are used for the same purpose, and to prevent cartilige degradation and inflammation.

• Oregano: This popular culinary herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can be brewed into a tea, along with rosemary and thyme.

• Rosemary: This popular culinary herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can be brewed into a tea, along with oregano and thyme.

• Thyme: This popular culinary herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can be brewed into a tea, along with rosemary and oregano.