We all get them. Those nagging aches and pains, bumps and bruises, headaches, colds, viruses or even a fever now and then. No matter how healthy we are, it happens to the best of us. And the first thing most of us are conditioned to do unfortunately, is head straight to the medicine cabinet. A little Tylenol, Ibuprofen or a couple of Aspirin and we are good to go. While, these common and generally "safe" medications can alleviate symptoms, the problem is they also come with many side effects. Over time, things like ibuprofen have been shown to cause severe gastrointestinal problems and even liver failure. Another major problem with these types of medications is that it is very easy to unknowingly take too much. Drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are found in a variety of products so if you take acetaminophen for a headache for example, and then also take a cold remedy containing acetaminophen, you are inadvertently taking twice as much as you should. This can cause serious liver damage and in some cases, even death. Some researchers believe acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States.
What a lot of people don't know is many of our modern medications are derived from nature to begin with. In fact, according to researchers at the University of Illinois, 25 percent of all prescriptions dispensed in the United States contain active plant-based ingredients. This number does not include drugs such as antibiotics, which are derived from "lower" plants like fungi, lichens and bacteria, actually making the number much higher. It is also very telling when you consider the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 80 percent of all people in developing countries rely on traditional medicine as their primary source of health care. And according to a report published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization in 1985, about 85 percent of traditional medicine involves the use of plant extracts. Accordingly, this means about 4 billion people in the world rely on plants as sources of drugs whether they know it or not. While this may sound like a good thing, the problem is the majority of these medicinal plant derivatives are ultimately mixed with other non-organic compounds to form prescription or over-the-counter medications that invariably come with some pretty nasty side effects.
There are safe, all natural alternatives however, many of which are shown to be as effective as traditional medications, without the worry of side effects.
For Pain
One of the most effective herbal painkillers is white willow bark, which contains salicin, a compound used for centuries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. This herbal remedy was so powerful that in 1899, the Germany pharmaceutical company, Bayer, developed its own synthetic version called Aspirin. Often touted as "herbal aspirin" white willow bark is much safer than commercial Aspirin and doesn't come with its common side effects such as gastrointestinal problems or long-term risks including blood thinning. Many positive studies have been done on the effectiveness of white willow bark including one 2000 study published in the American Journal of Medicine, showing 240 mg of white willow bark taken daily is an effective remedy for back pain. Another trial published in the British Journal of Rheumatology in 1996 showed 100 mg of white willow bark taken over a two-month period can considerably ease pain and improve joint function in people suffering from osteoarthritis. If you are allergic to salicylates like aspirin or salicylate-rich foods such as berries, currants, prunes and raisins you should consult your healthcare professional before taking white willow bark.
For muscle pain, the minerals magnesium and calcium have also been shown to reduce both soreness and cramps. In fact, magnesium is known to have a tranquilizing effect on muscles. Calcium is further shown to relax the nerves and when taken together with magnesium, can help to ease pain. According to researchers however, although magnesium and calcium can quickly reduce pain, it may be necessary to take several doses to eliminate pain completely.
Other herbs believed to help relieve pain for various reasons are arnica, boneset, boswellia, burdock, cannabis, cat's claw, cayenne pepper, comfrey, devil's claw, feverfew, hops, kava, lobelia, meadowsweet, neem, passion flower, peppermint, pine, rosemary, St. John's Wort (hypericum), saffron, skullcap, turmeric, valerian, wintergreen, wild lettuce, wood betony, yellow dock and yucca.
For Bumps and Bruises
One of the best remedies for bruising is arnica. One 2006 study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery showed bruising in women who had undergone a facelift was significantly reduced when given homeopathic arnica before and after the surgery. Creams containing arnica are also effective and if applied as soon as possible after an injury, are known to reduce the intensity and length of bruising. Some remedies such as Traumeel contain a mixture of arnica and other herbs like hypericum, which can also help to reduce the pain associated with these types of injuries.
For Minor Burns
Aloe vera is one of the oldest plants known to man. History shows it was used by Cleopatra to treat burns more than 2,000 years ago. Studies of the aloe vera plant show it not only helps to relieve pain associated with burns but it also helps to speed healing and prevent the wound from blistering and scarring. You can buy commercial aloe gels but the best and purest form of this herbal wonder is the plant itself. Keep a plant growing at home and when an accident occurs, simply break off a small piece and slice it open it, gently rubbing the aloe on the wound a few times a day. The mucous-like gel will provide instant pain relief.
Headache
Feverfew is often used to prevent and treat headaches and migraines. This herb is thought to inhibit the release of specific inflammatory and pain-inducing chemicals typically associated with pain. It is further thought to prevent the blood platelets from clumping. Essentially, it is believed to relax the blood vessels, increasing the overall blood flow to the brain, helping to alleviate pain. Studies show if taken daily, feverfew may reduce the incidence of migraine headaches.
If you suffer from annoying tension headaches with neck, shoulder or scalp pain, try essential oil of peppermint. Simply put a drop of oil on the tip of both index fingers then rub it into your temples for about three minutes. You can do this up to three times a day (allow 15 minutes between applications) but many people experience relief with only one application. One 1996 study published in the German journal, Der Nervenarzt, showed a 10 percent peppermint oil solution is as effective in relieving tension headaches as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen.
Fever
Typically a fever is characterized as a body temperature above 37 degrees Celsius. While our first instinct may be to lower the fever, natural practitioners will tell you fever is actually the body's attempt to ward off a viral or bacterial infection and unless it rises over 38.8 degrees Celsius, you should ride it out drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest. When we lower the body's temperature prematurely, we also inhibit its ability to fight the invading bug. Often however, fever is accompanied by body pains and headache, which can make sleeping difficult. When we are sick, we need to seep in order to heal. So, most homeopathic doctors will recommend sweating out the fever during the day, as uncomfortable as it may be, and taking something like homeopathic belladonna at night to bring down the fever, allowing you to sleep. Of course, if the fever gets too high, or you become concerned, you should always see a doctor.
Cynthia McMurray is a freelance
natural health writer. She has written numerous books for leading
health professionals and was the founder and publisher of a national
natural health magazine. She is currently writing in-depth health
manuals for a large international health and wellness company.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
