1. Ginger

Ginger is definitely one of the best readily available herbs for pain relief. Used for many medicinal purposes in ancient China, the herb has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and has been proven to ease bodily pains brought about by menstrual cramps, joint problems and arthritis, muscle soreness and headaches. In fact, a study conducted in 2005 evidenced that ginger can be even more effective than aspirin and other medicines for inflammatory ailments. Ginger can be taken and used in many different ways, including being applied directly to the desired area or being sipped as an added ingredient to a cup of tea. Ginger root can also be inhaled when added to a nice hot bath.

2. Fennel

Fennel is a brilliant herb to use for pain relief for women who are suffering from particularly uncomfortable menstrual cramps. It contains a strong combination of forty-three different beneficial chemicals. Fennel comes from the same family as parsley and the carrot and is very often used in cooking. Over time it has been learned that the herb can be very effective in the treating of many illnesses due to its antispasmodic properties. These illnesses include gout, muscle spasms and colic. Fennel can be ingested, used in a compress or even made in to an oil to ease muscle pains.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a herb for pain relief that is incredibly easy to get your hands on. An ingredient found in the majority of curries, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin whose strong potency helps to improve your blood circulation and in turn reduce the risk of clotting. For this reason, the herb is commonly used for injuries like bruises and sprains, and can also be effective for digestive problems and inflamed joints.

4. Oregano

Oregano is a brilliant and widely available herb for pain relief. Oregano is well regarded for it analgesic, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, containing thirty-two highly beneficial compounds. A very versatile herb in terms of health benefits, oregano includes iron, calcium, zinc and Vitamins A, C and E. In early Mediterranean medicine culture, oregano was used to treat problems ranging from stomach pains to diarrhea, and it is widely believed that it can also help bone and muscle pains.

5. White Willow

Arguably one of the oldest home pain relief herbs in historical terms, White Willow has been used in Chinese medicine since as far back as 500 B.C. Usually ingested as a tea or in extract form, white willow contains acetylsalicylic acid which is used to make aspirin, therefore the herb is very effective in mimicking the healing powers of the drug and can alleviate pains relating to joint and nerve problems.

6. Licorice

Licorice is one of the world’s most popular natural herb treatments for pain. It is filled with the compound glycyrrhizin which is known to prevent and relieve painful inflammation, as well as helping to prevent the occurrence of problems such as fatigue and anxiety. Licorice has also been proven to be very effective in helping to sooth a sore throat, and it also stimulates the body’s production of mucous, which works to protect the mucous membranes of the digestive organs against the potentially painful attacks of stomach acid.

7. Clove

Another classic herb for pain relief, cloves have long been used as an effective home treatment for toothache and other tooth problems. Clove is so effective in this instance that many pharmacy products for teeth actually list the herb as a key ingredient. Chewing on a clove can help to reduce inflammation, as well as provide a numbing effect to the painful area of the mouth. As well as having a pleasing numbing property, cloves also help to combat bacterial infection.

These are just a few of the herbs for pain relief that are readily available. If you have a condition you’d like to treat in a natural way, search online for info about which herbs might be good to try. Do you prefer to stay away from prescription drugs and OTC medicines?