Useful For: Fighting pain, detoxification, strengthening the immune system
Herbal Sources: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Ginseng
Food Sources:
Tag Archives: Pain
White Willow
Name: White Willow
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Used for: The herb, mixed with vinegar, is said to be effective against warts and corns. During menopause, willowbark has been found to lower incidences of night sweats and hot flashes. Willowbark can also be used to lower fevers. However, the primary usage for willowbark is as a pain reliever. Aspirin was created from a compound found within willowbark, and they have similar actions and effects. There are benefits to using the herb rather than the pill. For one, the other constituents of willowbark make it far gentler on the stomach, and though it takes a bit longer to act than aspirin, the effects are longer lasting, and generally more effective.
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Directions & Warnings: Same as aspirin, although to a far lesser extent.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Name: Nutmeg
Latin: Myristica fragrans
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Used for: Interestingly enough, this plant actually provides two spices. Nutmeg comes from the interior, mace from the exterior. Nutmeg is useful against digestive upset – particularly diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. It is a potent antimicrobial. There is evidence that it may also be anti-rheumatic. Used sparingly, as an oil, it can assist in the relief of sciatica, neuralgia, and rheumatism. When the scent is inhaled, it can also assist with respiratory infections. One of the tricks with nutmeg is that one can be reused several times before it is exhausted.
Use in tandem with:
Directions & Warnings: Nutmeg should be used sparingly, both as a spice and a medicinal. Toxic overdose levels can be achieved using 2 whole pods.
Cinnamon (Cassia)
Name: Cinnamon
Latin: Cassia
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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.
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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.
Clove
Name: Clove
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Used for: Used as a pain killer, typically for tooth pain. Can either be an oil that you use with a cotton swab or finger and brush over the area in pain, or you can tuck a whole clove into your mouth near the painful area and suck or chew on it.
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Arnica
Name: Arnica
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Other Common Names: Accident Plant
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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.
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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.
Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)
Name: Marigold
Latin: Calendula Officinalis
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Family: Compositae (Sunflower)
Parts Used: Flowers
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Used for: A lotion made from these flowers can be pain-relieving, and alleviates itching. As a tincture or wash or ointment, it can be used for wound healing. Only suggested for clean cuts, however, as the increase in speed to healing can be dangerous for jagged or dirty cuts. Also useful for allergies.
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