On any given day millions of people in the United States suffer from pain. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter, non-steriodal, anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat pain. These drugs can have harmful side effects, as evident by Vioxx being taken off the market in 2004. However, there are natural remedies that have limited side effects and can be used for pain relief.
White Willow Bark
Aspirin is made form compounds found in white willow bark. The particular compound they share is salicin. Because of this it is sometimes referred to as the "natural aspirin". White willow bark is both an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic according to herbalextractsplus.com. It can be used to treat headaches, sore muscles and arthritis. Its antiseptic properties make it useful for treating possibly painful infections in the urinary tract, cuts, burns and wounds. You should not take white willow bark if you have an allergy to aspirin. You should also not take it in combination with aspirin.
COX II inhibitors
COX II inhibitors block the COX II enzyme. This enzyme is necessary for inflammation to occur in the body. The release of the COX II enzyme is a natural and healthy response to injury. Inflammation acts to reduce joint range of motion to allow the body a chance to heal itself. When inflammation becomes chronic and cumbersome, such as with arthritis, you may desire to reduce it. Turmeric, ginger, and hops are COX II inhibitors. They reduce the COX II response, and thus reduce inflammation. Using one or more of these herbs may reduce the needs for prescription or over the counter pain medications. Do not substitute doctor recommended pain medications for herbal supplements without the consent of your physician.
Boswellia
Boswellia is a natural pain remedy that can be used to treat arthritis. Arthritismd.com reports that boswellia can decrease pain and increase mobility associated with arthritis. It reduces inflammation differently than non-steriodal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs block one of the mediators of inflammation but do not actually block the association of leukotrienes like bosweilla does. So the body still "thinks" less physical damage has been done with bosweilla versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Arthritismd.com states that side effects are rare and modest in severity and no drug interactions are known.
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