Herbs for Pain

There are many natural treatments for pain and inflammation

Chronic pain is commonly associated with inflammation. Tissue swelling due to inflammation causes pressure on nerve endings - as in bruising – or on nerve fibres – as in sciatica.

There are many causes of pain, so it is important to seek medical advice if it is serious or prolonged. However, pain can be associated with common, everyday ailments, which include headaches and mild joint pain, and these can respond to natural medicine.

Devil´s Claw

This herb comes from desert regions of Southern Africa and is so called because of its viciously-barbed seedpods which can attach to the feet of animals. Compounds in the root tubers are very anti-inflammatory and have been traditionally used for reducing joint pain. Two high-quality trials have found Devil’s claw to reduce back pain and muscle stiffness. Another trial showed its effects to be equivalent to a modern painkiller. Because Devil’s claw stimulates bile production, it is not suitable for people with gallstones or stomach acidity, but otherwise it has been found to be much better tolerated than anti-inflammatory drugs.

Rosehips

Although well-known as an exceptional source of vitamin C, it’s only recently that an extract of rosehips has emerged as a remedy to support joint health. Two studies with a total of over 200 people have shown that the herb can reduce joint pain and improve impaired hip flexion after 3 months of daily use.

Feverfew

Feverfew also has anti-inflammatory properties, but the traditional use of this herb has focused on the alleviation of headaches. While two trials did not find any benefit, five well-conducted trials have shown feverfew’s effectiveness for reducing the frequency of migraine headaches.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from the stem of the pineapple plant. Most enzymes are broken down in the digestive tract, but those in bromelain are absorbed intact. This allows the enzymes to block the production of bradykinin – a substance responsible for generating pain. Hence, bromelain is a general-purpose anti-inflammatory agent with marked pain-relieving properties. I was personally involved in one study on bromelain which showed a significant reduction in acute knee pain. 4 In fact, bromelain’s uses are wide ranging for the alleviation of soft tissue damage: recovery from surgery, athletic injuries and to reduce symptoms of sinusitis and phlebitis. These uses are backed by small-scale clinical trials.

Conclusion

Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties can relieve pain in a wide range of circumstances. Generally, they are very well tolerated, with minimal side effects, unlike anti-inflammatory drugs, which have major side effects making them unusable by many people.

If your pain does not respond to self-help, or if your health problem is complex – seek professional help.

References

1. Gagnier JJ et al. 2007 Spine, 32:82.
2. Rossnagel K et al. 2007 MMW Fortschr Med, 149:51.
3. Diener HC et al. 2005 Cephalalgia., 25:1031.
4. Walker AF et al. 2002 Phytomedicine, 9:681.

Author: Dr Ann Walker

Dr Ann Walker is Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at The University of Reading. She is a member of the national Institute of Medical Herblists and of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy. She is the author of several books on human nutrition.