According to a Canadian Pain Task Force report, over 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain. While pain for some people is temporary and usually signals something wrong with our bodies, chronic pain, on the other hand, is characterized by ongoing physical agony that doesn’t have any identifiable cause.
This can lead to high dissatisfaction with life and, if left unmanaged, can affect all facets of an individual’s life.
While there are conventional medicines and Over The Counter medicines that can be used to manage chronic pain, most of them are usually riddled with adverse side effects that can leave one feeling worse than before.
Herbs/traditional medicines, on the other hand, are effective in helping to alleviate pain and inflammation. In this article, we will look at five herbs that can help to relieve pain: Kratom, Willow bark, Valerian, Turmeric, and Boswellia.
Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Asia that has been used for centuries to cure many ailments. While in most Asian countries, it’s used to combat fatigue and increase work productivity for day laborers, Kratom offers more than these benefits.
This wonder plant has gained popularity in the west thanks to its pain-relieving components. This is all thanks to mitragynine, an alkaloid in the plant that binds to μ-opioid receptors in the brain. Another compound found in Kratom, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, is believed to be 13 times more potent than morphine which may be responsible for its pain relief qualities.
At times, you would want to try your hands on specific kratom goods. Since the supplement comprises several potential health advantages, there are several certified Canadian Kratom vendors, such as BC Kratom, you can try.
How can I consume Kratom?
There are various forms that one can use to ingest Kratom: pills, and capsules are the most common form. However, they can also be taken through extracts, powders, and brewed as a tea. The tea has a bitter earthy taste and may not be for everyone. Additionally, always start with a low dose and work your way up as you build your tolerance.
Willow Bark
The use of Willow bark as a remedy date back to 400 BC; during this time, people used to chew on the bark to reduce conditions such as high fever and inflammation in the body. More recently, however, research has shown that Willow bark can be an effective therapy for conditions such as low back pain, headache, tendinitis, and osteoarthritis. This may be due to salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin, making willow bark an excellent pain reliever.
There are various ways to get the pain-relieving properties of willow bark. However, it will depend on the location of the pain and the method you prefer. They include brewing it as tea or ingesting it through a capsule or pill as a supplement. Additionally, you can drink it with other herbs, as certain users have reported getting better results in combinations with herbs such as turmeric and devil’s claw.
Valerian
Native to Europe and Asia, Valerian is a herb used as a natural remedy for various ailments ranging from insomnia, trembling, headaches, nervousness, and heart palpitations. Extracted from the plant of the root, Valerian contains several compounds, valeric acid and Valeranone, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Valerian is also believed to increase the levels of Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the body. In modern times, it’s used to treat several conditions, such as headaches, muscle and tendon strain, and menstrual cramps.
Valerian may also have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects on the body thanks to Valepotriates present.
How can I consume Valerian?
Valerian is available in various forms, such as teas, extracts, capsules, and tablets.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another herb used for centuries for its healing properties. While many people know of turmeric as a spice used in curries and numerous other dishes, turmeric can also be used for its healing properties.
Turmeric gets many of its inflammatory properties from curcumin, an active ingredient. Curcumin has been shown to offer anti-inflammatory properties in people with arthritis or inflammatory conditions. Turmeric can be eaten raw, blended into smoothies, or taken in capsule form as a supplement.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a herb derived from beneath the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree. Traditional healers used Boswellia to help women recover from childbirth and treat conditions like indigestion, breathing problems, and coughing.
Some of the compounds found in Boswellia are responsible for their anti-inflammatory properties, thus making it great for reducing pain in people with arthritis and Colitis.
Boswellia is available in several forms, including incense, capsule or pill, essential oil, and incense.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may find that one form works better than another.
Final Thoughts
Herbs have been in use as an alternative therapy for hundreds of years. Not only do these herbs provide relief from pain, but they also offer other added benefits to the body. However, it’s crucial that before you start using them, you talk to a healthcare professional and let them know as some of these herbs may counteract with some medicines. Nonetheless, herbs offer several benefits and are an alternative for individuals looking for a more natural way to manage pain.
