Herbs and supplements can be an effective cure to minimize pain in your neck and back. These herbs work on reducing inflammation and tenderness in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Herbs and herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. These products should be taken with caution. Consult your doctor before taking any supplement, as it may negatively interact with other medications that you are on.
Willow Bark
Willow bark offers some of the same healing properties as aspirin, according to "Healing Injuries the Natural Way" by Michelle Schoffro Cook. Although similar to aspirin, it does not have the same side effects as aspirin. Willow bark is much easier on the stomach and is less likely than aspirin to give you stomach ulcers. Willow bark works by reducing prostoglandins inside the body. Prostoglandins amplify the pain that you feel when you have an injury. This herb is available as a tea or pill and is found in most natural health food stores. Before taking willow bark, consult with your doctor.
Kava
Kava is an herb that is a member of the pepper family, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It has been used typically as a numbing agent. However, this herb should be used with caution, as it can cause liver damage and should not be combined with medications used for Parkinson's disease. According to "Healing Injuries the Natural Way" by Cook, kava is a muscle relaxant. It is useful for back pain. Kava can be found in most natural health food stores in liquid or pill form. Kava should only be taken under the guidance of a health care professional due to its severe side effects.
Chinese Skullcap
Chinese skullcap has several anti-inflammatory properties. According to "Healing Injuries the Natural Way" by Cook, skullcap increases blood flow to the injured site. Increased blood flow means faster healing. This, paired with its anti-inflammatory protection, makes it ideal for treating back and neck pain. Chinese skullcap is available as a pill online. Consult with your doctor before taking Chinese skullcap.
Devil's Claw
According to "Healing Injuries the Natural Way," devil's claw has a long history of being used for back pain. This herb can be found as an ointment that you can rub on areas of muscle or joint pain. However, this ointment might not be for everyone. Those sensitive to it may suffer from skin irritations. Consult a doctor before using this herb.
References
- "Healing Injuries the Natural Way"; Cook, Schoffro Michelle; 2004
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: NIH Herbs at a Glance
