Inflammation is at the root of many pain-causing conditions such asarthritis,back pain, andtendonitis.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammationis the body’s natural response to infection, injury, or illness.
Illustration by Paige McLaughlin for Verywell Health
The immune system sends chemicals in the bloodstream to the area where you’ve been hurt or infected.
These chemicals create “good” inflammation to protect your body from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Sometimes, though, the body sends these chemicals when you don’t have a problem.
Other times, the inflammatory process lasts longer than it needs to.
In addition to salicin, willow bark contains compounds calledpolyphenolsandflavonoids.
These plant compounds are an important part of a healthy diet because they support basic body functions.
They also have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation.
White willow bark may also alleviate acute back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.
Also, it shouldn’t be used by children.
Boswellia
Boswelliacomes from a resin found in the bark of the frankincense tree.
Boswellia oil is used in the manufacturing of food, cosmetics, soaps, and drinks.
When used medicinally for pain, though, it is often taken by mouth as a pill.
Practitioners ofAyurveda, a healing practice from India, have long used Boswellia to relieve joint and muscle pain.
Modern scientists have found that there’s reason to trust that practice.
Studies show that Boswellia can reduce pain and improve joint function in those with osteoarthritis.
Studies have shown that devil’s claw contains powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has been shown to improve symptoms of arthritis and degenerative painful rheumatic conditions.
When applied topically (to the skin), its promoted for toothache and as an antiseptic.
Feverfew is sometimes used for migraine headaches.
Some research suggests that feverfew may help prevent migraine headaches, but results have been mixed.
Some research suggests it may reduce migraine headache frequency, pain, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.
Besides migraine headaches, theres little or no evidence that feverfew is effective for any other health conditions.
Side effects can include nausea, digestive problems, and bloating.
Turmeric
Another popular ayurvedic spice,turmericcontains an antioxidant compound calledcurcumin.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce pain by acting on the nervous system.
This is associated with serious illness and inflammation.
Clove oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems are used to make medicine.
Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that might help decrease pain.
Researchers also believe that clove essential oil may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help relieve pain.
Research indicates that ginger may calm arthritis pain, possibly by lowering your prostaglandin levels.
Essential oils should never be ingested because they can be toxic in concentrated forms.
Always talk with a healthcare provider before using any new essential oils.
Summary
Researchers have looked at certain herbal treatments that traditional healing practitioners often tout as pain relievers.
However, some are not appropriate for children.
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