The 9 Best Herbs to Relieve All Kinds of Pain

We present the 9 best herbs to relieve all types of pain that has been a common practice for thousands of years, and there are many traditional pain relief remedies that use a variety of herbs. While pharmaceutical pain relievers have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years, there are many side effects to using these treatments, including chemical dependency on pain relievers. For chronic pain, the use of narcotics or other pain relievers is effective, but after only a few months, there can be symptoms of dependence, as well as unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Herbs for pain, on the other hand, may not be as effective right away, but the analgesic effects of herbs have been extensively studied and are backed by centuries of anecdotal evidence. Many of the herbs listed below have powerful anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, relaxant, and analgesic properties, making them ideal for relieving pain, regardless of the source. That said, the use of herbs does come with a host of possible side effects, based on your individual sensitivities and allergies. Caution is always advised when using herbs for pain, especially if you are pregnant, have a chronic illness, or are already taking certain medications.

Herbs for Pain Relief
Popular herbs for pain include rosemary, St. John's wort, devil's claw, ginger, turmeric, feverfew, oregano, kava kava, capsaicin, and valerian root, among others.

Many people don't realize that curry powder is a compound of numerous herbs and spices, including turmeric. As a result, if you're missing turmeric as a base ingredient in a recipe, curry powder can provide not only the coloring and spice to a dish, but also some of the same health benefits. Curry powder also contains cumin and chili powder and is therefore higher in capsaicin, but lower in curcumin, manganese, and iron, some of the most valuable components of turmeric powder.
Known as one of the best anti-inflammatory substances in traditional medicine, ginger is a great way to relieve pain. Inflammation can often cause pain as it causes tissues to swell and triggers pain receptors. The use of ginger is recommended for the symptoms of arthritis, as well as for upset stomachs and even chronic pain. Some of the best ways to use ginger are in tea form or as topical poultices. However, ginger supplements are also widely available.

Kava Kava
Kava kava is high in antioxidants and active ingredients, such as kavalactone, which can work as a pain reliever in the body. It is normally used to reduce inflammation in key organ systems, but a natural side effect of this is an analgesic property. Kava kava is derived from the kava root and is most commonly consumed in the form of a powder. The powder is mixed with milk or in other fruit smoothies, as the taste alone can be quite unpleasant.

When replacing a fresh herb, the first thing you should try is finding a dried variety. In the case of parsley, most culinary experts say that the potency is multiplied 3 times in the dried form, so if your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead. The flavor combination will be almost identical, although some slight changes occur when the herb is dried.
With one of the densest antioxidant profiles of any herb, oregano has been trusted to soothe inflammation and pain for centuries. From headaches and fresh wounds to arthritis and chronic pain, oregano's stimulating properties can stimulate circulation to speed healing. These properties also help suppress inflammation and pain receptors, and work as an excellent topical and internal pain reliever. Oregano can be consumed in a variety of dishes in culinary applications, but oregano oil is much more popular and much more concentrated if you are looking for quick pain relief.

Grass of San Juan
While St. John's wort is often associated with depression and mood, it can also help reduce pain throughout the body. It is well known for calming inflammation, which is often a precursor to pain, and the oil derived from this herb can be used as a topical treatment for wounds and wounds. This has a calming and numbing effect, making St. John's wort one of the most widely available, and most effective, herbs for pain. You can buy St. John's wort capsules at health food stores and from natural healers throughout the world.

devil's claw
This herb has been a key part of the medical tradition of relieving pain for thousands of years. Mainly used topically for muscle and joint pain, as well as inflammation, careful consumption of devil's claw can also help soothe pain in other parts of the body. The most recent research on this herb relates to its potential effects on eliminating arthritis pain. Devil's claw contains a number of unique components, including harpagoside and other pain-relieving compounds. You can consume devil's claw in the form of an extract, or if needed, powdered devil's claw is also available.

Use a very small amount of saffron to replace nutmeg as it is significantly more pungent. Fortunately, when using this in a sweet or savory recipe, it's hard to tell the difference.
One of the best anti-inflammatory herbs for pain, turmeric is rich in an active ingredient called curcumin. This substance is able to inhibit certain pain receptor communications and inflammatory triggers, which can reduce stress on the immune system, while helping to relieve chronic and acute pain. Turmeric is often added to foods as a culinary spice, but it can also be made into a potent tea or mixed into a paste for topical application to areas that cause pain.

Feverfew
Called the "natural headache reliever" by many traditional medicine practitioners, feverfew contains pinnae, flavonoids, and various sesquiterpenes, including parthenolide. These compounds can help rapidly reduce inflammation, which also reduces pain in the affected areas. Feverfew leaves can be eaten like any other salad green to enjoy these benefits, although poultices and more concentrated essential oils of this herb are also commonly used.

YOU CAN ALSO SEE: Surprising benefits of cloves.

Capsaicin
Capsaicin is an herbal remedy that can interfere with the transmission of pain and inflammatory messages to the brain. While the initial pain in an area may worsen after applying a capsaicin cream or ointment, the intensity will quickly subside, leaving you pain free. Capsaicin achieves this pain relief by draining the body of its supply of substance P, which is required to send pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin is found in an extract, but many people also use a powdered variety in their food, just as capsaicin usually enters our system – by eating bell peppers!

valerian root
One of the most legendary herbs for pain relief is valerian root, as it is known to calm the body and mind, allowing tension to dissipate and neutralizing inflammation throughout the body. This effect also extends to relieving pain, regardless of whether it is chronic or acute. Most people get valerian root in tincture or capsule form, but brewing a steaming cup of valerian root tea is also a delicious way to relieve the pain you're suffering from.