The need to relieve pain may be traced back to the body’s inflammatory process. Pain occurs when there is inflammation and the response to inflammation. Inflammation happens when there is trauma or infection of pathogens. When either of these occurs, there is immediate constriction of the blood vessels and aggregation of platelet. Since there is a need for blood on the affected area to bring the nutrients and other materials necessary to fight the infection or to induce the healing process, the cytokines will stimulate the dilation of blood vessels resulting to redness and heat on the area. More systems will be activated releasing proteins that are responsible for faster healing. This results to increasing vascular permeability that is evidenced in the swelling of the tissues. If there is increasing activity, kinins and bradykinins are released resulting to pain sensation. Pain may be necessary for the healing process, but it is counterproductive in such a way that one stops to function properly just to submit himself to the sensation. There is therefore a necessity to relieve the pain experience. There are medications available in the market that serves as pain reliever. But there are also herbs that are safe enough to be used that can relieve any type of pain sensation. Below are some of the herbs that are proven to be effective in relieving pain.

1. Turmeric

   Because it looks like the valuable saffron, turmeric is sometimes called the Indian saffron. But turmeric actually comes from Curcuma longa. The root part of this plant, which is dark brown in the outside and deep orange in the inside, is boiled, dried and grind into powder.  Turmeric is used as a spices and a food coloring. Others add them in egg salads to give that yellow color of the food. Others add them in rice and nuts as a main dish. Turmeric is usually included in any curry dishes for the flavor-rich taste that is warm and peppery. But turmeric is more than that. The spices have shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory substance. Thanks to curcumin. In many studies, the curcumin in turmeric is as effective as hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone. It is also comparable to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Motrin. Adding turmeric into the dishes can certainly help relieve not only pain, but also the other signs of inflammation.

2. Ginger

   The substance unique to ginger called gingerols is found out to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. In the research, those suffering from arthritis are relieved from excruciating pain when they included ginger as part of their diet. But the subjects in the experiment published in the journal Osteoarthritis Cartilage were not only relieved of pain; swelling and redness of the affected joint were also diminished. In further studies, it showed that gingerols stops nitric oxide from producing. This particular compound causes great damage to the cells being a very potent free radical. Another research in 2005 also showed that the gingerols of ginger can suppress the activity of cytokines and chemokines, precursors of inflammatory reaction.

3. Capsaicin

   Capsaicin found in chili peppers, red bell peppers and related plants can help in the inflammatory process. Capsaicin is what actually gives pepper the strong pungent smell and taste. Several studies have proven that the function of capsaicin is to inhibit the substance P. This particular substance is linked to the process of inflammation. There have also been studies conducted on patients with diabetic retinopathy. As it turns out, individuals who are given topical capsaicin reported relief of their debilitating pain. Even patients with psoriasis having pain problems were relieved when they were applied with capsaicin cream.

4. Oregano

   Oregano is known by the gardeners as Origanum vulgare. This herb is very popular in pizzas and several Mediterranean dishes. Just two teaspoons of oregano can already provide the body with almost 30 percent vitamin K daily value. This herb also provides manganese, iron, fiber, calcium and vitamin E. The oil of oregano has been used in stopping the growth of common bacterial invaders, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Those having infections caused by Giardia lamblia are also prescribed with the oil of oregano. But the wonderful thing about this herb is its phytonutrients thymol and rosmarinic acid. These two acts as an anti-inflammatory and as an antioxidant. Being such, it is effective in relieving pain episodes for any types of inflammation.

5. Fennel

   Just a cup of raw fennel can already provide the body with 17 percent vitamin C daily value, fiber, potassium, manganese, folate and several more essential minerals. The bulb of fennel looks like garlic but it is nothing like garlic; instead it is more related to coriander, carrots, dill or parsley. Scientifically names Foeniculum vulgare, fennel is a popular mainstay in several Mediterranean cuisines. But fennel is not just admired for its aromatic flavor; this herb is also rich in health advantages. One of which is its being a potent pain reliever brought about by the phytonutrients anethole, which is the major component in fennel’s volatile oil. This phytonutrient has shown to reduce inflammation as well as prevent cancer from developing. In the study, anethole is able to shut down the molecule NF-kappaB, which can trigger inflammatory activities.

6. Willow Bark

   For centuries now, Chinese have been chewing on the willow bark as a relief for fever and other symptoms of inflammation, such as pain. Individuals who experience headache, back pains, arthritis, and other types of diseases due to inflammation are benefited from the health wonders of willow bark. This is because the willow contains the compound salicin, which is similar in function as acetylsalicylic acid, or the popular aspirin. In some studies that tried to compare aspirin and willow bark, it showed that willow bark is slower in relieving pain compared to aspirin. However, its effect is more long lasting that the chemicals in aspirin.

7. Peppermint

   Peppermint has vitamins A and C and manganese. This plant is a popular flavor in candies and to enhance the flavor of some desserts. Interestingly, peppermint is being used by those who are suffering from stomach ache because the herb has the ability to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Individuals who are having irritable bowel syndrome, colonic muscle spasms, dyspepsia and indigestion will find the pain relieving properties of peppermint very effective. Perhaps this is due to the menthol compound of peppermint which can relieve spasms and pain.

Sources
everydayhealth.com
herbcompanion.com
cellular-immunity.blogspot.com
umm.edu
whfoods.org