Herbal Pain Killers

So many of us suffer with aches and pains almost all the time. And sometimes, we just need a pain reliever to get rid of that nagging, dull headache or help with cold and flu body aches. Hopefully, today's offering will help you with whatever your needs are.**

TURMERIC {Curcumin}

I'll just start with what seems to be everyone's favorite pain and inflammation reliever ~ Turmeric. THIS is the go-to product. Turmeric greatly decreases inflammation in the joints and, when the inflammation goes down, pain relief comes with it. It is actually stronger than hydrocortisone, as found in two different studies. It has been very successfully tested as being beneficial as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for arthritis sufferers. Turmeric is also credited as a cancer fighter ~ specifically colon cancer. The Curcumin in Turmeric is highly antioxidant. Turmeric is also known to lower cholesterol levels ~ reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks ~ and increases bile flow in the liver and stomach. When used topically, in a salve or ointment, it's antibacterial properties make it very effective for athlete's food and a topical anti-inflammatory.

WHITE WILLOW

Another wonderful anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Very popular for easing the pain AND swelling of arthritis, swollen/painful joints, lower back and even helps with night sweats and hot flashes. White willow has some of the same properties as aspirin, so IF you have no allergies to aspirin OR IF you are NOT on any BLOOD THINNERS, it can be a very effective go-to headache and general pain reliever. 

FEVERFEW

This Bitter Herb is one of the best remedies for migraines and nagging headaches. My favorite pain relief tea is white willow, feverfew, St. John's Wort with either a little chamomile or jasmine. Luscious. But I digress . . . :-) . . . Feverfew, white willow and a little rosemary (either ground up and made into a capsule OR in a tea) works very well as a menstrual pain reliever. Another benefit is that, if you have irregular periods, feverfew may help induce your flow as well as help with the pain.

DEVIL'S CLAW

Another Bitter Herb that is very well-known for it's anti-inflammatory help with arthritis and swollen joints. Very good as a back pain reliever; not only does it helps with joints, but it also helps with muscle pain. Devil's claw also helps with digestive disorders ~ much as digestive enzymes do ~ because it actually helps with the digestion process; also aids the gallbladder. 

BOSWELLIA

A relative to Frankincense, Boswellia heals in a similar way. Of course, as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatroy for arthritis, gout and even colitis. Taken as a tea, it is very effective for sore throats, fever blisters (canker sores), hay fever, asthma ~ gargling a strong tea will help with sore throat and laryngitis. Tea with Boswellia, Ashwaganda and Holy Basil with a little local or Manuka honey makes a great, soothing adrenal support. Drink it during stressful times, for menopausal symptoms or before your go to bed.

ARNICA

Probably the best-known Homeopathic pain and bruise remedy, you can also make your own ointments and simple compresses from dried Arnica. This herb is awesome as an anti-inflammatory and for relief of bruises, sprains, strains and general muscle pains. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY unless you use the Homeopathic.

CLOVES

I have written extensively about the benefits of Cloves HERE, but since it is surprisingly good pain relief, I felt I needed to add it to this post.

BAY LAUREL

You may even have this in your own herb garden! Very well known in Mediterranean countries for easing arthritis, gout and the pain of Plantar Fasciitis when used as an ointment or oil. When used in food or as a tea, it will not only help with digestive disorders (similar to digestive enzymes) but, much like rosemary, it makes a good health "tonic" ~ making your digestive tract work at it's best will help with an all-over well feeling. And, of course, it's wonderful seasoning in many of your foods!

We all want to take care of our families and our own health, and pain relief is a major part of all-over health. If you are in pain, nothing else matters. I hope these simple and effective pain relievers will be of great benefit to you and your family.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
**See disclaimer at bottom of blog page**