According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the problem of back pain can be caused due to various reasons. Some of these reasons are emotional disturbances, excessive stress, bad posture, spinal diseases and injuries. Before attempting to treat such a problem, it is important to discover the actual cause of the pain. People of all ages can suffer from the problem of back pain. It is important to avoid all strenuous work until the pain leaves completely. Any exertion can aggravate the problem and increase the pain.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, about thirty one million Americans suffer from back pain at any given point of time. Those who suffer from very severe back pain are often unable to move until the pain subsides. Such cases of back pain often worsen due to the lack of activity. Apart from conventional medicines, the patient can even make use of herbal medicines in order to treat this problem. Given below are some of these effective herbal remedies.
Herbs For Back Pain
Dong Quai
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this herb has been used extensively in the treatment of back pain even in days gone by. It is native to China and certain other countries. It has become very popular in recent times. It belongs to the celery family and has excellent medicinal value.
The root of this herb is used in the treatment of health disorders. According to Sharol Tilgner, who authored ‘Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth’, this herb is a very powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic agent. These properties make it very beneficial in the treatment of back pain. Dong quai is also effective in boosting the circulation of blood throughout the body. It can even be used to treat other conditions such as arthritis and sciatica.
St. John’s Wort
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort in the treatment of back pain. This herb was used extensively in ancient Greece and has been increasing in popularity ever since that time. This herb is exceptionally beneficial in treating those cases of back pain, which are caused by nerve disorders.
In such cases, this herb helps to soothe the symptoms of discomfort, which are experienced by the patient. As a result of this, the patient gets relief. St. John’s Wort is known for its sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
Arnica
This herbal remedy is a very effective ancient cure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Arnica is also known by the medical term arnica montana. In ancient times, arnica was used topically over the affected areas of the back. This was done by making use of arnica in the form of an ointment or salve.
In such cases, the entire plant was crushed to prepare the ointment. Some people prefer to make use of only the flowers of this herb instead. Arnica is very effective in its action on inflammations. However, it is important to consult your physician before making use of this herbal remedy.
Oat Straw
According to nutrition expert Phyllis Balch, this herb is extremely beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of health conditions, which include depression, anxiety and back pain. In most cases, the entire plant is used for medicinal purposes.
Oat straw is a powerful anti-spasmodic agent and is able to bring the pain under control within a short span of time. This herb is also very beneficial for the nerves and so it is exceptionally beneficial in treating back pain, which occurs due to nerve damage.
Ginger
This herb is very effective in treating various kinds of pain. It can be applied topically to the affected area of the body. It is very effective in boosting the circulation of blood in the affected area. This helps to get rid of the pain.
Grind a piece of ginger and apply this paste to the painful area of your back. Massage the paste into the skin for a few minutes. Allow it to remain in place for a while before you wash it off with water. Ginger can also be consumed internally in the form of ginger tea.
Prickly Ash
This herb is native to China and has been used extensively by people all around the world. Prickly ash helps to boost the flow of blood throughout the body. It is very effective in treating back pain and leg pain as it boosts the flow of blood in these areas of the body.
According to Innvista, this herb can be applied topically to the affected portion of your back and it can also be consumed internally in the form of supplements. Make sure to consult your physician if you intend to use this remedy while taking other medications.
Cayenne
According to Phyllis A. Balch, author of ‘Prescription for Herbal Healing’, cayenne is helpful in dilating blood vessels. This is helpful in reducing the stress that might be exerted on the capillaries due to any reason. Its effectiveness is due to the presence of capsaicin in it.
This ingredient has a very powerful effect on any kind of pain. Cayenne can be applied topically to the back of the patient. This can be done by making use of an ointment that contains capsaicin. Allow the ointment to remain in place overnight and wash it off with soap and water.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is considered an effective remedy for treating back pain. This herb is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation as well as pain in the back. You can consume this herb in the form of a tea to treat back pain.
To make licorice tea, add around 2 teaspoons of the dried root of this herb to a cup of water and allow it to boil for around 15-20 minutes. Allow it to cool and then consume it. Avoid the usage of this herb if you are suffering from conditions such as kidney disease, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.