7 Most Efficient Herbal Pain Relievers

• Herbal pain relievers can be a good choice for dealing with chronic pain without the risk of addiction
• Capsaicin and fish oil have been effective in treating inflammation
• Several Indian herbs work against inflammation, too, and can reduce pain

Pain, especially chronic pain, can impact our quality of life dramatically. Getting rid of pain can become a number one priority and most of us would be willing to try almost anything to alleviate the throbbing and aching. Before you run to your doctor for a prescription that could turn you into an addict, you might want to try some herbal pain relievers first. Many of these herbs and compounds have been effective at helping others, so they might be able to help you as well.

7. Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Although these are two separate compounds, they are commonly discussed together and are normally found together in supplements. Both have been studied since the 1980s and have been shown to be effective at reducing the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Whether these compounds can help with other types of pain has not been as thoroughly studied, but they may help with many types of inflammation.

6. Capsaicin

While not necessary an herbal treatment for pain, capsaicin is an all-natural remedy that has also proven to be effective. You’ll find capsaicin in all types of hot peppers – it’s the chemical that causes their heat. What is also does is reduce the sensitivity temporarily of the nerve receptions in the areas being afflicted with the pain. Several major studies have shown it works to reduce arthritis and migraine pain.

5. Fish Oil

The hype around fish oil might make you doubt its success in treating pain but research has shown that it works. Two-thirds of patients in one 10-week study were able to stop taking prescription pain relievers completely after taking cod liver oil supplements daily. All of the patients involved suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Bosweillia

The Indian herb Bosweillia is also an excellent pain reliever. In fact, it provides help for pain in two different ways. First, it contains ingredients that reduce inflammation, one of the leading causes of pain in the body. Second, it helps open up blood vessels which constrict and lead to headaches.

3. Arnica

Possibly because this example of herbal pain relievers comes from a European flower, it has mainly been studied in Britain and Germany. Both countries, however, have produced research that shows arnica can reduce the pain associated with some types of surgery and with knee injuries. Additional research may reveal even more pain relief properties.

2. Tumeric

Most commonly found in curry, this spice contains curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful ingredient that can also be useful in fighting against chronic inflammatory conditions. Studies at one Midwestern facility found curcumin effective against both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Today, turmeric is often added to supplements used as herbal pain medication.

1. Holy Basil

Holy basil is another Indian herb with a strong reputation for being one of the herbal pain relievers. The reason it works comes down to a compound in the herb called ursolic acid that has been shown to fight the enzymes which are responsible for causing inflammation in the body. Not only does holy basil prevent inflammation but also swelling.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.