By means of Amy Allen
The act of living often results in some form of pain: emotional, physical, or some combination of the above. Whether it’s breaking a leg or cutting paper, it hurts. So how do we deal with it? This is another case where herbal options can be helpful.
But first the Disclaimer. I know, you’ve seen this before! It’s not for you; it’s for the FCC/FDA. And all other curious eyes who would like to close a site that offers alternatives to the standard story.
I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on TV. Nothing I say in this article should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your doctor before changing medications, and if you are in dire need, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
I remember breaking my leg in 2007. I was walking home from a bus stop just after sunset. I slipped and fell on a patch of ice on a shoveled sidewalk. Snow tends to melt a little during the day and then turns to ice very quickly when the sun sets. It was cold and dark, so I walked quickly to get home to the warmth and light. I hit an ice patch and I went down! I heard a loud SNAP over the music playing in my ears and fell hard.
Then I got up and walked home.
Okay, it was more of a bump. I put on an Ace bandage and hobbled around all weekend. Still in pain Monday morning, I stumbled into the clinic for an x-ray. Sure enough, that SNAP I had heard was my left fibula, which was now in two parts. The doctor set it up and gave me a prescription for both crutches and Vicodin until I could get in to see the orthopedist.
And wow! Did it hurt! In order for the leg to heal properly, it had to be positioned in such a way that it hurt to put it down. I couldn’t put any weight on it for at least a whole week. Cooking and all the other acts of daily life that we take for granted became much more complicated. I have a two-story house. Think of stairs.
And wow! Did it hurt! (Did I mention that yet?) I could only take so much Vicodin. I wish I had known more about herbal therapies back then! It was a painful three months, even after the bone had hardened and I was in regular casts. This article discusses these options and the scientific evidence of their effectiveness. If, heaven forbid, this ever happens to me again, I will be PREPARED. And you too!
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Herbs as painkillers
According to Prepper’s Natural MedicineThere are a number of herbs that can be used as painkillers. Her list:
- arnica
- California poppy
- cayenne
- Cordopsis
- comfrey
- Echinacea
- ginger
- goldenrod
- lavender
- ma huang
- torch
- nettle
- peppermint
- St. John’s wort
- Spilanthes
- thyme
- turmeric
- usnea
- valerian
- white willow
Interesting. I discussed some of these in the last two articles about mental wellbeing support And respiratory support, especially St. John’s wort, mullein, comfrey, ginger, lavender and echinacea. In my small space I prefer to grow things that serve different purposes. I can only overwinter a limited number of pots indoors.
Here’s the science.
But what about a scientific basis for the effectiveness of these herbs in pain management?
Arnica is quite commonly used for bruises and is easily available in cream formulations. However, there are some warnings: DO NOT take this internally, and if you are allergic to anything in the Aster family, do not use arnica. Some of the black belts at my aikido school carried this in their gi bag, which in my opinion is a vote for effectiveness. (source)
Mullein is one that, although it contains active compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, requires more clinical studies on humans to confirm the efficacy of traditional use. Do your due diligence and make your personal choices accordingly. (source)
While St. John’s wort has been proven effective for mild to moderate depression, its use for pain management is still being researched. As I noted in my Mental Wellness article, it also interacts with a number of other medications. Are applied locally for this purpose, but again, do your due diligence. (source)
What did you think about California poppy? Again the evidence is mixed. says RxList there is insufficient clinical evidence to validate its use for pain. Healthline agrees with this assessment and warns that it may interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medications. (source)
Spilanthes It is not without reason that it is nicknamed the ‘toothache plant’. This herb is placed directly on the tissue as a tincture. Studies in this PubMed review confirm the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this herb, possibly due to interactions with various pro-inflammatory mediators.
White willow is indeed useful, according to Mount Sinai. The main active ingredient is salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin. willow bark It has proven to be effective for headaches, lower back pain and osteoarthritis, among other things.
Comfrey is a handy plant to have on hand and all too easy to grow. In fact, in my garden it will take over the universe if I let it! However, my bumblebees like it and research shows it is effective in pain management. This is another herb that comes with a warning: it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and should not be taken internally. I have used this as a compress and ointment. The latter is much less messy and ointments are very easy to make. I have tried to preserve this leaf by drying it. No dice. It is a very thick leaf with a lot of moisture and also a bit prickly. Mine cast. The cream took years.
What about Echinacea? Yep, it’s effective! Mount Sinai calls it effective for boosting the immune system, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and a number of other antiviral and antibacterial properties. And it is a perennial, easy to grow! (source)
Valerian there is another one commonly used plants that have not been properly investigated. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, non-validated uses include pain management, muscle spasms/cramps and insomnia. Apparently cats like it too, because it resembles catnip. However, there are some medical interactions to be aware of, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (source)
Turmeric is another one of those trendy herbs that are touted as beneficial for a number of things. According to Mayo Clinic, it can be effective in treating arthritis pain. The active ingredient is curcumin and it is available OTC in a number of formulations. I have used Curamine from Terry Naturals and found relief for my lower back pain. Mayo suggests not to exceed 8 grams per day. (source)
Gingeraccording to to PubMed, has been validated as effective in pain management. It can be taken or used topically, but I don’t find it the easiest stuff to grow. In my last article I mentioned that I tried it in a shallow bowl of water. Gardener’s Path Lists some good advice for growing it indoors.
Thyme is one of those useful culinary herbs that isn’t really medically validated for its advertised uses. It also has a number of side effects, including headaches, dizziness, allergic reactions and asthma, to name a few. (source)
Why some are not validated
Usnea is a lichen that grows on trees. This one deserves great caution! Cat’s book lists it as current, and that’s probably wise to pay attention to. Taking usnea internally can lead to a host of problems, including liver failure. According to Healthline, usnea may promote wound healing and weight loss, among other things, but there is little scientific research validating these claims and the side effects are a serious concern. (source)
Goldenrod has a number of traditional uses, none of them have been scientifically validated. Lavender can help relieve post-tonsillectomy pain in children. Nettle has a number of uses other than pain relief has not been validated, ditto peppermint. All are in common use, but none have been scientifically validated. Warning emptor.
I’ve written about some things where the standard medical narrative suggests caution due to a lack of clinical research. That’s good to know, but I would like to point out that clinical research is expensive. Organizations conducting such research therefore need appropriate motivation. That’s often linked to potential profits, especially when it comes to Big Pharma.
I have presented the information truthfully and to the best of my ability regarding herbs listed in the herbalist’s standard formulary. However, nothing can replace your own due diligence! Do your research and make your selection based on that knowledge. The old ways also have their good points. Consult your local herbalist, if you have one.
Herbs for pain relief are an important tool.
The more options we have, the better off we are. Consider adding more herbs to your pain management toolbox, with your doctor’s approval, of course. Do not stop taking medications without your doctor’s help, and always check for possible interactions before taking herbal remedies with pharmaceutical medications.
Herbs have an important place in your prepper’s medicine cabinet. Pain management is another aspect of this.
Do you use herbal remedies to help you through life’s aches and pains? Are there any that you can vouch for or that you think are ineffective? Let us know in the comments section.
Source: The biological prepper
Amy Allen is a professional bookworm and student of Life, the Universe, and Everything. She is also a Master Gardener with a bachelor’s degree in biology and has been growing food on her small urban plot since 2010.