Herbs that Help Alleviate Back Pain

Sharon Moore April 16, 2015

Back pain is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their life. There are many causes of back pain, and the most common are incorrect posture, obesity and lack of exercise. In some cases, this condition improves after several days. But often, it can last for weeks, even months. Whilst taking painkillers can provide relief, the benefits are only temporary and their side effects are another important thing to consider.

Whether the pill is not working, or you can’t tolerate its side effects, you can consider taking the natural approach. There are herbs that have back pain-relieving properties, and they include the following:

Ginger

The next time your low back aches, have some ginger tea. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory property. This popular herb, which is mainly used for cooking, contains 12 powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, some of which have some aspirin-like effects. Apart from consuming it, you can also reap relief from pain by applying a ginger compress to the affected area.

Rosemary

This very aromatic herb contains four anti-inflammatory compounds – oleanolic acid, camosol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid – which work the same way with steroids and aspirin, but without the side effects.

Peppermint

This refreshing herb contains menthol and camphor, which you will find in the ingredient list of many over-the-counter medications and topical solutions for back pain. Menthol is also present in most other varieties of mint, whilst camphor is present in other plants like lavender, hyssop and coriander.

Willow Bark

The use of willow bark as a natural painkiller dates back to over 2,400 years ago, in ancient Greece. This herb contains salicin – a very powerful pain-relieving compound, of which discovery led to the invention of aspirin in 1899. Willow bark also contains anti-inflammatory compounds.

Turmeric

This popular Indian spice, which is the secret ingredient in sumptuous curry dishes, provides plenty of pain-relief benefits. Research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties too. For thousands of years, turmeric has been used to treat sprains, strains, bruises and joint inflammation, as well as digestive issues. Such pain-relieving benefits can be attributed to curcumin – the active compound present in turmeric that works by lowering the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.

Valerian Root

This herb has been used for centuries to relieve tension, irritability, stress, insomnia and anxiety, and regulate the nervous system. Valerian root is also used for its pain-alleviating property, since it has the ability to reduce the sensitivity of the nerves, so you don’t feel pain much. Try a cup of valerian tea the next time you are troubled by back pain.

Chile

Capsaicin – the compound in chilies that is responsible for their hot and peppery flavour, has been scientifically found to be helpful in relieving pain. It works by depleting a compound in the body that conveys the pain sensation from the peripheral to the central nervous system.

All these herbal remedies may not only help you with pain relief, but can also promote your overall health due to their powerful nutritional profile. But even though they are considered safe and natural, herbal remedies for pain may not always work, depending on the cause of your back pain. It is important to always check with your GP, to find out the real cause of your condition.