How to Treat Back Pain Naturally Using Herbs

You can choose to be one of the numbers. You can go the chemical way and take over-
the-counter drugs to treat your back pain. Remember that story about Barry Davis, a
man who took around nine NSAID-classified pills a day for around three decades? If
not, let me remind you, well now, he has only 25% of his kidney left. This is one of the
many side effects of NSAIDs, the primary over-the-counter recommendation for back
pain.

Just how rampant is back pain

around the world?

According to a World Health Organization report, low

back pain is the most common cause of disability in
young adults residing in the United Kingdom. Similar-
ly, it is estimated that 80% of Americans would expe-
rience back pain at some point in their lives. Globally,
around 10% of the world populations suffers from
back pain. The debilitating effects of back pain can
be easily seen with just these few statistics men-
tioned above.

What do physicians recommend

to back pain patients?

Most physicians recommend two solutions for those

suffering from back pain, either medication or
surgery. The milder solution is through medication, by
the intake of NSAIDs, also known as Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. They range from salicy-
lates, to non-acetylated salicylates, to propionic acids
and to indoles.

These drugs work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis which in turn reduce the pain
and inflammation but such process can also inhibit regular bodily functions. If medica-
tion proves to be unsuccessful, thats the time when surgery might be recommended to
patients.

And we go back to the Barry Davis issue

The problem is that medication works for the short term only. Barry Davis is just one of
the many patients who have become dependent to NSAIDs. And unfortunately, the side
effects of these drugs are not worth your time nor money. With excessive and prolonged
use, they can lead to high blood pressure, ulcers, liver problems, kidney failure and gas-
trointestinal damage. Surgery also poses some risks and with all the intricacies, it might
not even work well in the end.

Less risks and more positive effects with natural herbs

Perhaps these are the reasons why many back pain sufferers have turned to natural
pain relievers for the past few years. Why not? The side effects and risks are far fewer,
plus they cost less than over-the-counter medications. However, it is very important to
know which natural back pain relievers are worth trying out of the numerous recom-
mendations of back pain sufferers out there.

So what are the best herbal alternatives for back pain?

If you have tried over-the-counter medications yet your back pain still persists, you can
opt for herbal alternatives. The best feature of herbal alternatives is that they can be
found in your garden, local farmers market or kitchen cupboard. Further, they pose less
risks for the you when used properly. Below are some of the best herbal alternatives
that you can use to alleviate your back pain:

1. Aloe Vera

The wonders of aloe vera has long been highlighted by alternative medicine enthusi-
asts. From its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, to its soothing effect on sun-
burns, aloe vera has tons of properties that make it an important herbal alternative.
Even for those with back pain, this can be a good alternative to the usual medications.
Because it contains plant sterols, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects that can help
reduce back pain.
What are the risks of taking aloe vera?

Aloe vera is comprised of various parts but the two main ones are the gel and latex. Of
the two, the more toxic part is the latter, the latex. The latex is known as a laxative and
several studies have linked it to having carcinogenic effects and even kidney or liver
toxicity. So if you do intend to use aloe vera from the plant directly, make sure that you
only get the gel part. Most of the aloe vera supplements you find in shops have been
purified already and the latex part has already been removed.

2. Eucommia

The Chinese have long been proponents of alternative medicine and herbal use. In Tra-
ditional Chinese Medicine, if theres an imbalance in the bodys vital energy or chi, dis-
eases would begin to show up. For instance, lower back pain is associated with a weak
kidney, as the obstruction of healthy blood flow causes the pain.

Eucommia, also known as Du Zhong, is one of the Chinese herbs recommended for
lower back pain. This tree native to China helps in the recirculation of the blood to the
lower back. It also warms up the body, as lower back pain is associated with coldness in
Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What are the risks of taking eucommia?

Side effects of eucommia are mainly related to its latex component. Individuals with al-
lergies with regards to latex must avoid this herb. Beyond that, there is no known toxic
side effect when it comes to ingesting eucommia. It comes in many forms but its tea
form is the best and easiest way of ingesting its wonderful health benefits.

3. Burdock

If your lower back pain is caused by the condition called sciatica, you can opt to treat it
using burdock. Oftentimes, this plant is disregarded by many and even considered as a
menace for gardeners. But did you know that burdock roots is rich in fatty acids which
can help fight off inflammation? Its pain relieving effects are particularly highlighted in
patients suffering from sciatica. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce
the pain for those suffering from sciatica.

What are the risks of taking burdock?

Some secondary effects of ingesting burdock are the lowering of blood sugar and less-
ening of blood clotting. So if you are taking prescription medicines for diabetes to lower
your blood sugar, keep in mind that it might affect or have an interaction with burdock.
Similarly, if youre taking blood thinning medications, its best to avoid taking burdock as
well.
4. Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia serrata is a native plant to the countries of India and Pakistan. Its use in
Ayurveda is as a frankincense which helps reduce inflammatory diseases. Recently, the
effects of boswellia serrata on pain threshold and tolerance have been experimented on
by researchers.
After giving the required boswellia serrate dosage to the participants, their pain toler-
ance increased substantially. Its main course of action is to block 5-lipoxygenase forma-
tion which in turn can inhibit the release of leukotrienes, the agent present in inflamma-
tory illnesses like back pain.

What are the risks of taking boswellia serrata?

When taken in prescribed dosages, boswellia serrate poses less serious risks to pa-
tients. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. When
compared to the side effects of NSAIDs, these are milder. But if youre pregnant or nurs-
ing, its best to consult a physician prior to taking any supplements, including boswellia
serrata. Forms of boswellia serrata vary as well, there are tablet forms and topical
agents in the market.

5. Bromelain

If youre suffering from back pain caused by hormones or injuries, an alternative that
you can take is bromelain. This protein is present in the pineapple fruit but the part with
the highest amount is the stem. Eating pineapples can give you minimal dosage of
bromelain so its best to ingest it in its supplement form. As an anti-inflammatory agent,
it inhibits the production of leukocytes which are the pain modulators of our bodies.
What are the risks of taking bromelain?

One downside of bromelain is that it can increase bleeding so talk to a physician prior to
taking it for possible interactions with other drugs youre taking. Those allergic to
pineapple and latex might experience rashes or hives when taking bromelain. Other
than these side effects, bromelain is a safe alternative to take for reducing inflammation
in your back pain.

My way or the highway

When it comes to your health and well being, don't let the my way or the highway route
fool you. You can choose to be blind-sided by the usual ad campaigns or the notion that
chemical is the only way to go. But what would that give you in the end? Oh, a Barry
Davis issue that is. Know your own body and research for alternative but safe ways to
help you heal your pain.

Have you taken any herbs to cure your back pain? You can share them in the com-
ments section below and relate your story about its effectiveness.