Pain is a sensation that occurs in response to real or perceived injury. Pain can cause different sensations depending on where it occurs in the body, such as the nerves, joints or muscles. While there are many pharmaceutical options for treating pain, some painkillers can be addictive or cause side effects like internal bleeding. There are a variety of medicinal herbs for pain relief, some of which are comparable to analgesic medications with a lower risk of side effects.
Kratom
Used for centuries in Thailand and other Asian countries, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a potent painkilling herb. It contains a variety of compounds like mitragynine that act as analgesics in the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, kratom affects mu-opioid receptors in the brain--the same receptors targeted by opiates like morphine and codeine. Opioid receptors play an important role in pain tolerance and the perception of pain throughout the body.
Because it has opioid-like effects--which may include euphoria, relaxation and improved mood--kratom may lead to abuse and dependence. People with a history of substance abuse should avoid using kratom to treat pain. Side effects include nausea, sedation and darkening of the skin when taken over long periods of time.
Turmeric
A mustard-yellow spice popular in India, turmeric is an effective remedy for pain caused by inflammation. Its active alkaloid, curcumin, affects the COX and LOX pathways, which are responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric may be useful for treating many painful inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis, uveitis (eye inflammation) and ulcerative colitis.
Turmeric can be taken in capsule form, brewed into tea or added liberally to foods for its painkilling effects. Like other anti-inflammatory substances, turmeric can thin the blood, leading to an increased risk for internal bleeding. Do not take turmeric with other blood-thinning drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen or coumadin (Warfarin).
Kava Kava
Kava kava can be a helpful herbal remedy for certain types of pain. It has been used traditionally as an alcohol-like beverage in the Pacific Islands and is valued for its calming and sedating effects. It contains kavalactones--compounds with analgesic and anesthetic properties. According to "Psychology Today," kava kava is often used for its antispasmodic effects and may be effective for treating the pain of menstrual cramps. Other potential uses include treating the pain of muscle sprains, strains and TMJ dysfunction--a painful jaw condition.
Side effects associated with kava kava include dizziness, blurred vision, sedation and nausea. People with liver disease should avoid using kava for pain relief, as it has been associated with acute liver damage in some cases. Do not take kava kava with other potentially hepatotoxic substances like acetaminophen or alcohol, as this may increase the risks for liver damage.
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