Beat your back pain with these helpful herbs

There are a number of different medical approaches to managing and easing back pain. Will Shannon, one of the Australia’s leading Natural Medical practitioners, shares his knowledge on how to best manage and ease back pain through alternative medicine.

As a holistic approach to health care, naturopathy aims to positively affect the whole body.  There are many herbs that can help when pack pain strikes. Some herbs help to reduce inflammation and others to reduce pain. A combination can be very effective when dealing with back pain such as Turmeric or White Willow bark.  Other more specialised agents are called ‘analgesics’ or natural anaesthetics.

Natural anaesthetics

White Willow – This is the bark of the white willow tree and was traditionally used to prevent pain. One of the components that make up the herb is salicylic acid which is where we get aspirin.

Cayenne pepper – Cayenne pepper contains a chemical called Capsaicin. When applied to an area causing pain it will heat up. This heat depletes something called substance P which is responsible for causing the sensation of pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

Herbal anti-inflammatories may be either directly anti-inflammatory or act via some other mechanism, and have very specific activity in chronic inflammation and easing back pain.

Turmeric – Turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. The active ingredient in the plant is a brilliant yellow and it is this that is responsible for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginger – Ginger is an easily accessible anti-inflammatory and can assist with reducing pain. Whether in juices or added to food, ginger can ease inflammation.

Garlic – Garlic is a simple super food. It has immune boosting properties and is said to work similarly to a non-steroidal antiInflammatory drug, by shutting off the pathways that lead to inflammation.

Herbal Circulatory Stimulants

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a common kitchen spice. But in addition to its pleasant taste it has a germicidal effect, can relieve discomfort in the abdomen, and helps to improve circulation.

Cayenne pepper – In addition to its analgesic properties Cayenne helps to stimulate blood circulation to the peripheries.

Bowel cleanse

Lower-back pain can be caused by constipation or bowel impaction. When the lower intestine becomes enlarged and loaded with matter this can press on the nerves near the sciatic area in the lower back.

To prevent this happening it is important to ingest enough fibre to enable the bowel to cleanse itself. Fibre helps stools stay soft and move smoothly through the colon. Herbs like Cascara or Rhubarb, or Epsom salts can be an effective way to relieve this pressure.

Diet Tips

Following an ‘anti-inflammatory’ diet can have a generally positive effect on pain. This means lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes (eg. chickpeas, lentils, mung beans). Reducing meat intake and using anti-inflammatory spices in your cooking is also extremely helpful.

Disclaimer:  Seek independent health advice before selecting supplements.