Herbal Topicals Reduce Pain and Inflammation
By Lisa Goehringer, Nature Gal Naturals
Herbal topicals can be very effective for reducing pain and inflammation. People have used essential oils, herbs, and alternative therapies as natural pain relievers for hundreds of years. Many of the herbs used internally to decrease pain and inflammation can also be used topically to achieve the same results.
›› Lavender
Lavender is used to relieve pain naturally. Research studies suggest that lavender has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers in a 2015 study found that lavender can be an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory. When it was applied topically during one test, the lavender provided pain relief comparable to that of the prescription medication Tramadol.
›› Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has shown to help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body. Research suggests that eucalyptus eases joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the- counter creams and ointments used to soothe pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain this eucalyptus.
›› Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a hot chili in the Capsicum family. Cayenne is sometimes used to treat muscle and joint pain. Cayenne contains a substance known as capsaicin that gives the spice its "heat" and creates a burning sensation on any tissue it comes into contact with. When delivered at correct concentration, capsaicin has a therapeutic effect, triggering a biochemical reaction that is both analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory. When used for pain, capsaicin is most often found in topical ointments or infused in transdermal patches. Capsaicin may help alleviate pain by reducing the amount of substance P — a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain.
One review published in 2016, demonstrated that applying capsaicin topically reduced pain in inflammation in the majority of those involved in the study. For those with chronic pain, most see a reduction of pain and inflammation from applying 2-3x daily.
›› Turmeric & Ginger
Many people use turmeric and ginger orally to help relieve inflammation and pain. Both herbs contain anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major cause of pain. Applied topically, both also act as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.
›› Arnica
The flower of the arnica plant has been used for hundreds of years for its apparent benefits. Traditionally, it’s been used to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising. Available research, specifically studies since 2016, which included post-surgical patients, does in fact show that arnica can help reduce bruising, pain and inflammation. Arnica can be applied to the skin in the form of sales, gels, or lotions.
›› Frankincense
Frankincense has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to help RA patients reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Research shows that Frankincense also has the ability to reduce nerve pain and symptoms of neuropathy when applied topically.
Terpenes and boswellic acids appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense. It is important to note that it is the resin that contains the medicinal properties. Most frankincense essential oils do not contain the resin or boswellic acid.
🌿 Try out our Simmer Down herbal topical salve.
Benefits: Simmer Down is a blend or herbs, essential oils and carrier oils to help: Penetrate the skin to target inflammation and pain.This spicy salve features cayenne pepper so make sure to wash your hands well after application.
