Tag Archives: Muscle Pain

by

Cinnamon (Cassia)

Name:  Cinnamon

Latin:  Cassia

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Cinnamon works as a warming tonic.  It can help to prevent colds, and warms the hands and feet of those who feel cold all the time.  It has been used, over time, as an appetite enhancer, an antimicrobial, an antispasmodic, an anti-rheumatic, and an anti-fungal.  Cinnamon can ease certain sort of pain – primarily joint, muscle, stomach and tooth.  Cinnamon can also be used to assist with some of the effects of diabetes.  It has a fairly profound effect on blood sugar levels (as I know from all too personal experience.)  This is lovely if you need to drop your sugar, but use caution if you eat sparingly or have not eaten recently.  Cinnamon tea can be made by steeping a stick or a scant tsp in a cup of boiling water for 10+ minutes, and is a good winter tonic.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  As this herb effects blood sugar, if you have not eaten recently, drink the tea while eating a couple of crackers or the equivalent.

by

Cayenne (Capsicum)

Name:  Cayenne

Latin:  Capsicum

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Cayenne is one of the “miracle herbs,” falling into the same category of niftiness as garlic and turmeric.  It is good for your digestion, and quite an assist to the circulatory system as well.  It helps to regulate your heart and blood pressure.  Used in conjunction with ginger, it can help to clear your sinuses and bronchial tubes; garlic increases the effects on blood pressure.  It helps to mitigate shock, and can help with clotting (internally).  It can also be used as a liniment for headaches and muscle aches.  It is also an intensifier when used with other herbs and spices, making them more effective.  Cayenne can also stimulate salivation, which can help with dry mouth.  It also increases metabolism, making it a good thing to include in foods when working on weight loss.  And rolling on through the myriad effects of cayenne, it is a healthier stimulant than caffeine, doing so through nutrition and a systemic revitalization rather than agitation.  The way in which it acts as a stimulant can also help with the emotional responses to stress.

Use in tandem with:  Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric

Directions & Warnings:

by

Arnica

Name:  Arnica

Latin:

Other Common Names:  Accident Plant

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  A lotion containing arnica can be a fairly effective pain reliever, particularly in cases of soft tissue damage.  Used to reduce swelling from breaks and sprains, and effective at relieving muscle strain and tension.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  DO NOT use arnica if there is a break in the skin.  There are some internal uses, but they should not be attempted unless under the direct care of a herbal practitioner.