Back pain is the most prevalent form of pain. The term refers to any pain felt in the back, ranging from the neck all the way to the lower back.
Lower back pain (LBP), in particular, has the highest prevalence among musculoskeletal conditions globally. Without urgent interventions, LBP can eventually degenerate into full-blown mobility issues.
Fortunately, numerous plants might help to treat or manage back pain. Wondering what these herbs are? Well, you’re in luck.
Here are the five best natural herbs to get rid of back pain.
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1. Kratom
Kratom needs a little introduction. Botanically known as Mitragyna speciosa, this herb has generated considerable interest in the recent past for its powerful healing benefits. Pain relief is among its many pharmacological applications.
Kratom relieves pain by binding to pain-signaling receptors in the brain known as opioid receptors. These are the same receptors impacted by regular opioid drugs, such as morphine and codeine.
However, unlike conventional opioids that bind fully to opioid receptors, kratom partially exerts its effects on such receptors. That difference explains why the herb presents lower risks of negative reactions. It’s also the reason experts recommend using kratom to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
But despite its efficacy, it’s important to note that Mitragyna speciosa is illegal and regulated in multiple jurisdictions. In Canada, kratom extracts are legal, provided that retailers do not package them as consumable goods.
The best way to buy kratom Canada is to source the herb from reputable stores that enjoy longer industry duration and numerous positive reviews. It’s also prudent to insist on supplements with a certificate of analysis (CoA) report. A CoA verifies that a kratom product has undergone due testing and is certified as safe for consumption.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a staple ingredient in many anxiolytic products. That’s due to its ability to relieve stress and promote sleep quality.
Lavender also contains powerful analgesic properties. Multiple findings suggest that this traditional herb may alleviate both acute and chronic pain by blocking the body’s pain-signaling pathways.
A 2012 study found that participants who inhaled lavender oil reported significant reductions in migraine pain compared to a placebo group. Subsequent experiments have shown the herb may combat pain by soothing one of its core triggers – inflammation.
Lavender is also rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. Therefore, administering the herb might help to reduce the risks of chronic pain. Lavender’s high concentration of fragranced terpenes like linalool makes it quite enjoyable.
As a precautionary measure, remember that lavender essential oil is only safe for topical application. The product might prove toxic if ingested.
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3. Cannabis
Cannabis use for pain relief traces its roots thousands of years back. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that serious research into marijuana’s potential analgesic properties began.
There are now many scientific findings supporting weed’s traditional analgesic claims. One such study indicates that administering cannabis might attenuate pain by reducing the body’s sensitivity to the vanilloid receptors, a group of endocannabinoid receptors involved in transmitting pain signals throughout the body.
Marijuana may also combat pain by increasing anandamide signaling.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that exerts its therapeutic effects by binding to endocannabinoid receptors. High levels of this neurotransmitter correspond with lower pain sensitivity.
Weed’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it a potential treatment for pain. Marijuana extracts, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may alleviate inflammation-induced pain by decelerating the production of inflammatory messenger molecules like cytokines.
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4. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most diverse culinary ingredients. But besides its aromatic taste, this root may also offer incredible pain relief benefits.
A 2015 systematic review of preexisting studies examined the role of ginger in pain mediation. Researchers found that 2 grams of ginger consumed daily for five days was able to reduce muscle pain resulting from resistance training.
Like many other medicinal herbs, ginger draws some of its pain-relief benefits from its anti-inflammatory properties.
Drinking ginger-infused teas might help cope with chronic pain caused by diseases like osteoarthritis, cancer, endometriosis, and even multiple sclerosis (MS).
Unlike lavender, ginger is perfectly safe for oral consumption. The root is also available in many dietary supplements, lending further credence to its analgesic efficacy.
5. Cloves
Clove is another herb whose place in folk medicine goes way back. The plant has been traditionally used to remedy toothache. But it’s just as effective against many other forms of pain, including back pain.
A 2006 study investigating clove’s pain relief abilities involved participants from three different groups. One group received clove gel, the second group received a benzocaine gel, and the last group received a placebo. All three substances were orally administered.
At the end of the experiment, researchers found clove gel to be nearly as effective as benzocaine gel, a topical gel commonly administered by dentists to reduce needle pain.
Clove also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. So, products infused with this herb might soothe pain caused by inflammatory diseases like osteoarthritis and cancer.
Some findings also indicate that clove possesses antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties. That makes it one of the most versatile medicinal herbs.
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Summary
Back pain may be unbearable for many people. But it’s reassuring to know that the condition is manageable. All you need is to integrate any of these herbs into your wellness routine.
As with any remedies, the bottom line should be to address the underlying causes of back pain and not merely the symptoms.
