Life accompanies occasional gushes of pain. It can be a slight headache, maybe only a bruise, or it may feel unbearable. And more often than not, we find ourselves whisking for answers in synthetic medications. Unfortunately, although advisable in many conditions, the majority of these pharmaceuticals come with their aftermaths. On the contrary, you can search for relief in mother nature. Therefore, below we compiled a list of the ten best pain-relieving herbs and spices. These will alleviate your pain and aren’t even nearly as much of a threat when it comes to sending your future health down the pipe. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
1. Devil’s Claw
The herb’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities are the significant advantages of a compound called harpagoside. It can do wonders, especially in certain conditions such as osteoarthritis, joint pains, back pain, healing burns, sores, and so on.
It is available in various forms, e.g., capsules, extracts, tinctures, powder, etc. For the safest option, we recommend that you buy from trustable sources. The devil’s claw is readily accessible in most stores.
How to use the devil’s claw as a pain-relieving herb
You can make a nice cup of pain-soothing tea out of it! Here’s how-
- Add 1.5g to 4.5g of the herb in powdered form to two cups of boiling water.
- Let it sink and dissolve its essence for about 8 hours.
- Strain and remove the extra bits, and then it’s ready. You can now drink it in multiple doses throughout the day.
When consumed in moderation (50 to 100mg of harpagoside), this herb is beneficial. But too much of anything is detrimental. Also, beware of taking it while consuming other medicines such as stomach acid reducers, etc. It may intrude.
2. White Willow bark
Thanks to the salicin in the bark of the willow tree, millions use it to relieve pain, inflammation, etc. It is available in numerous forms and readily accessible in trusted stores that provide herbs and spices.
How to use the willow bark as a pain-relieving herb
- The recommended intake for the willow bark taken in capsules will be 240mg a day.
- You can also chew on it or process it to form tea. For this, immerse the piece of bark in boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes. After, you can take it out, and the tea is ready.
It barely has any adverse effects, so there’s scarcely any precaution. Other than rare allergies, however, excessive use can also lead to cramping and bleeding in the stomach.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known pain reliever due to the presence of an antioxidant compound called curcumin. You can use various amounts of turmeric each day. However, it should be less than 2000mg per day and between 300 to 600mg if your goal is to relieve pain. In addition, it can lessen down pain in diseases such as stomach illnesses, cancer, etc. Turmeric supplements are available online as well as in physical stores.
How to use turmeric as a pain-relieving spice
Turmeric is best in liquid form.
- Add ¼ teaspoon turmeric in powdered form in ½ or 1 cup of warm water.
- Add two tablespoons of lime. You can also add a sweetener to suit your taste.
- Turmeric can also be sprinkled over everyday dishes and added to your go-to drinks and shakes.
Tumeric is highly unadvisable for people with bleeding disorders.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary can do wonders when it comes to freeing you from the clutches of pain, which is why it is an essential ingredient when soothing the pain of arthritis. Also, it is a pain remover to resolve headaches, sprains, bone pains, and the list is long. It is available as an essential oil commonly in stores and sites such as Amazon.
How to use rosemary as a pain-relieving herb
Rosemary as a painkiller is present mainly in the form of essential oil.
- Mix 1 drop of base oil and 4 to 5 drops of rosemary.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area.
Sometimes, although it is rare, it may cause allergies, skin redness, and irritability. Along with this, excessive usage may result in vomiting and an unstable stomach. However, taken by mouth, 6g per day is more than enough in most situations.
5. Peppermint
The methanol-containing herb is significant analgesia. Primarily present in oil form, the recommended quantity of peppermint oil is 0.2 to 0.5ml, depending on the age. For children below 8, the amount is 0.1 or 0.2ml. For adults, it can increase.
How to use peppermint as a pain-relieving herb
- Its use as oil is simple. First, add a few drops of the peppermint oil in a few drops of carrier oil, keeping the ratio in favor of the peppermint oil. Then you can apply it on any surface.
- Depending on the amount of oil you’re supposed to use, three capsules three times a day should suffice.
Do not overdose, as it can be toxic due to the presence of pulegone.
6. Cloves
Close own a different fanbase when it comes to herbs that are effective painkillers. They can settle down toothaches and are suitable for other pains as well. They are majorly found in either oil form or used as such in the whole state. As they are rich in antioxidants, we recommend taking 2 to 3 cloves on average per day. This figure varies from person to person.
How to use cloves as pain-relieving herbs
- For toothache, you can place the whole clove on the affected area.
- You can also directly apply the clove oil to the affected area.
Like other herbs, clovers taken in excess won’t do any good. These can be potent. Generally, clove oil isn’t recommended to be taken directly through the mouth.
7. Ginger
Ginger is an easy choice for this list because it is one of the best natural pain relievers available.
You can use it to tackle muscle pains, convulsions, etc. Recent studies suggest that an amount of 2g per day of ginger can relieve muscle pain significantly.
You can use ginger as it is in your meals, in its powdered, dried, or liquid form. It is an ingredient that you’ll have no trouble finding in your grocery shops.
How to use ginger as a pain-relieving herb
- You can use ginger in your curries and meals by either chopping it up, cooking it, or adding it in raw!
- You can add the liquid form into your simple shakes and drinks.
Excess use of ginger might result in heartburn and associated stomach discomforts. Therefore, especially during pregnancy, you should take more significant amounts with caution.
8. Cayenne
Capsaicin, present in cayenne, is an analgesic that knows its way around healing sores and keeping the shadow of the pain away. Its most famous use is upon joints and sore muscles in liquid form.
How to use cayenne as a pain-relieving herb
Cayenne pepper is mainly applied as an oil.
- Add ½ teaspoon of the herb in a carrier oil and mix. The carrier can be olive oil, almond oil, etc.
- You can also sprinkle it on your meals. A half teaspoon will be approximately 120mg of capsaicin or, according to necessity, without overdoing it.
It is spicy and might cause trouble if you are intolerant towards spice. Excess intake of cayenne pepper can also cause heartburn.
9. Nutmeg
Nutmeg holds a plethora of essential oils, which are wizards of the analgesic world. As a result, it can relieve considerable pains, including some chronic joint pains. Primarily, nutmegs work in the form of oil or are added to various dishes as it is, without the coating.
How to use nutmeg as a pain-relieving herb
- You can add it to your everyday dishes. For example, sprinkle over them or add them while cooking your meal.
- Mix nutmeg oil with another carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
Excessive use of nutmeg can get toxic to the point that a quantity of more than even two teaspoons is unadvisable.
Cinnamon
We all know cinnamon to be a delicious addition to our food. However, it is a great ambassador of analgesics as well! Being rich in antioxidants, it is a companion for people with arthritis as well. Cinnamon in powdered form is available at every grocery store and used in every home.
How to use cinnamon as a pain-relieving spice
- Add some cinnamon to a tablespoon of honey, which can be a deliciously healthy combination.
- You can also add this mix to warm water. Please leave it in there for some time, strain, and drink.
- You can also add it to meals at random.
Everything is ideal when in moderation. Too much of even cinnamon can add to blood thinning, and if you’re taking related medications, it is sure to interfere.
Where to Buy
The Takeaway
Nature has the best solutions, and all that is required chiefly is looking for it. The list mentioned above has some herbs and spices to help you cope with and relieve the pain.
Note: Seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet. Because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medications.
Disclaimer: The information given here is exclusively for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be used in place of medical care from your doctor. Consult an appropriate healthcare professional on any issue concerning your health or well-being before engaging in any health-related activity.