|
Willow bark
(Salix
spp.) * |
Long been used
for its salicin content for reducing fevers and for relief of pain
caused by arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, back pain,
headaches, etc. Willow also contains tannins which make it effective
for diarrhea with intestinal spasms.
|
|
Meadowsweet
herb
(Filipendula ulmaria)
* |
A gentle pain
reliever that contains salicin, an aspirin-like chemical. Unlike
aspirin, it does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract, nor does
it thin the blood. Meadowsweet is actually used for excessive
gastric acid secretion, hiatal hernia and nausea.
|
|
St.
Johnswort flowers
(Hypericum perforatum)
* |
Contains
dianthrones and flavonoids which are broad-spectrum antivirals,
including HIV (in vitro). This herb's amphoteric effect on the
nervous sytem makes it useful both as an antidepressant and an
anti-anxiety agent. St. Johnswort is used locally and internally for
nerve and spinal injuries, nerve pain, sciatica, and shingles.
|
|
Jamaican
Dogwood bark
(Piscidia piscipula)
* |
One of the
strongest non-narcotic herbal pain killers (anodynes). Jamaican
Dogwood is used especially for menstrual (dysmenorrhea) and facial
nerve pain (Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, temporomandibular
joint pain). This tropical bark can also be used for back pain,
acute pain and spasms of the bladder, vagina or muscles.
|
|
Indian Pipe
fresh whole herb
(Monotropa uniflora)* |
This unusual
saprophyte (non-chlorophyll containing plant) was used by Native
Americans and Eclectic physicians for pain. Its action is similar in
effect to nitrous oxide at the dentist—you are conscious and aware
of pain, but distant from it. It therefore raises pain tolerance.
Used with anodynes and anti-inflammatory herbs, it can be an
effective part of pain management. |
|
Bibliography: |
Bradley, P. [ed.]
British Herbal Compendium, vol. 1,
Dorset,
England,
1992
Felter, H.W. and Lloyd, J.U. King's American Dispensatory, 19th
ed.,
Cincinnati,
1905
Webster, H. Dynamical Therapeutics, San Francisco, 1898
Weiss, R. Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield, 1985 |
|
*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |