From Pillar to Pain

“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.