“The greatest evil is physical pain.”
-Saint Augustine
Recently a
friend of mine came out of back surgery asking what kind of natural
remedies there are to help him cope with his back pain.
Ever since he
asked, I realized the obvious: There are a lot of people desperate to
alleviate their pain.
What
Matters About Pain
The cause
of the pain, more times than not, begs earnest investigation. Some, but not all sources of pain are
grounded in life’s little habits, which many people refuse to change. This is where the holistic part of plant
medicine (mind, body, spirit) comes into play.
Before you brush this off as hippie-speak, do me a favor and tell me that
you have never experienced the physical effects of stress.
West
Virginia in particular has many people addicted to pain medications. If I were to recommend a holistic approach to
managing a pain-pill addict’s pain, would he be satisfied with just his pain
being alleviated, or is he more addicted to the thrill of acquiring pain
pharmaceuticals? If acquiring pain meds
to snort up his nose is just something he likes to do, even though it drags his
life through the mud, then chances are that I would have a difficult time
gaining his cooperation in something that would benefit him: It is not help he
seeks.
Sometimes,
the factors at play are less obvious, but somehow, somewhere, deep under all
the layers, there is a victim at work, refusing to change his circumstance. We all fall into this role sometimes. What is important is that we choke it out
with integrity. Integrity, honesty, and
a commitment to a better life.
That being
said, not all of our pain is self-inflicted. Pain is part of the human experience,
but we can do our best to get rid of all the unnecessary pain; so shall we? Plants can help our bodies alleviate the physical pain that
perpetuates emotional pain - anger and anxiety, for example - which morphs back
into physical pain. Plants can help us
to get out of this rut in subtle and effective ways.
The list I
am presenting is not all-inclusive by any stretch. It is just a short list of ailments that I
frequently hear about, and some of the herbs that have been successfully used
to manage them. This is something that I
will come back to and update often.
(Old Willow Trees
Closeup Wrinkled Bark, 2014)
Willow bark (Salix alba L., Salix purpurea L., Salix fragilis L., and several other species)
This is
the original source of aspirin, but unlike aspirin, Willow bark does not cause
gastritis or ulcer bleeding. It costs
less, too. Please note that “those who
have aspirin-induced asthma or anaphylaxes should not use Willow" (Teitelbaum,
2005). Begin with 240 mg/salicin per day
for six weeks when maximum benefit occurs, then back it off to 120. This herb has been effective on chronic lower back pain (Chrubasik S, et al., 2000).
Frankincense
(Boswellia serrata)
This is another herb that has been used to treat
inflammation and pain, without the ulcer-causing risk that aspirin
carries. Studies show frankincense to be
effective for those who suffer with arthritis
(Etzel, 1996) and osteoarthritis
(Kimmatkar, Thawani, & Hingorani, 2003) (Teitelbaum, 2005).
Turmeric
(Curcuma
longa)
Frequently used as a spice, this anti-inflammatory
is used for tennis elbow and joint pain. One of my classmates says that when her
tennis elbow flares up, she uses this herb and the pain subsides; but our
instructor recommends taking it over time to see if the entire inflammatory
process can be put to an end.
Peppermint
(Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint is one of those herbs that is useful in
many situations, to include the infamous headache. It is important to note that it is the
topical use of peppermint oil, and
not necessarily the whole herb, that is effectively used for easing headaches (NaturalStandard, 2014). That is to say, get yourself a bottle of
peppermint essential oil and add it to your medicine cabinet. Try putting a drop on your temples the next
time you get a headache and see how it works.
The Natural Standard says, “As an inhalant,
peppermint oil is used as an aromatic, for symptomatic treatment of cough and
colds, and as an analgesic for pain.” Analgesic is just another word for something
that eases or relieves pain (McDonald, 2012).
Peppermint oil can be used in this context by adding a few drops to a
pot of recently boiled water, cover the pot and your head with a towel, and
inhale.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
I wanted to find an herb that is used for muscle
pain, and I found Arnica. Once again,
turning to the Natural Standard, Arnica “is used for the inflammation and
immune system stimulation associated with bruises,
aches, and sprains” (NaturalStandard, Arnica, 2014). Though the Natural Standard found Arnica
worthy of inclusion on its list, it is noted that there is not sufficient
evidence to say with certainty how effective this remedy is.* That being said,
people use it, and have used it effectively, so don’t let that discourage you
from finding something that works for you.
Pineapple
(Ananas
comosus)
One German study found that Bromelain, found in
pineapple, is in fact effective for
sports injuries such as bruising and
edema; muscle strains and sprains,
and speeding up healing time (Masson, 1995).
Hocus
Pocus
It amazes me how many people will try pharmaceutical
after pharmaceutical to no avail, but remain unwilling to give these natural
remedies a try. I am curious – why is
that? Hard-boiled warriors rely on this
stuff for even the most extreme situations, but the situation doesn’t have to
be extreme for plants to work their magic.
If you have any questions about herbs for other
sources of pain that I did not mention, or are interested in learning about how
to use these herbs, please feel free to contact me. I’d love to chat.
* The FDA doesn’t like to pay for herbal medicine
research, and it never will.
Chrubasik S, et al. (2000).
Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a
randomized double-blind study. Am J Med. Jul;102(1): 9-14
Etzel R. (1996). Phytomedicine; 3(1): 91-94
Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L et al. (2003). Phytomedicine; 10(1): 3-7
Masson M. (1995). Bromelain in the
treatment of blunt injuries to the musculoskeletal system: A case observation
study by an orthopedic surgeon in private practice. Fortschr Med;113:303–306.
McDonald, J. (2012). Herbal Properties and Actions.
Retrieved from herbcraft.org: http://www.herbcraft.org/properties.html
NaturalStandard. (2014). Arnica. Retrieved
from Natural Standard: The Authority of Integrative Medicine:
https://0-naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.muih.iii.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=721
NaturalStandard. (2014). Peppermint. Retrieved
from The Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine:
https://0-naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.muih.iii.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=705
Old Willow Trees Closeup Wrinkled Bark. (2014). Retrieved from publicphoto.org:
http://publicphoto.org/plants/willow-trees-closeup-wrinkled-bark/attachment/old-willow-trees_closeup-wrinkled-bark__img_4021/#
Teitelbaum, J. (2005). Best of Natural Herbal/ Nutritional Pain Therapies. Townsend Letter For Doctors & Patients, (259/260), 144-147.
