Effective Herbal Pain Relief

By Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

I have muscle aches on occasion and pain from mild arthritis. I don’t like taking over-the-counter pain relievers since they often upset my stomach and I know they can be hard on the liver. Are there natural alternatives that really work?

Fortunately, you can easily find natural, nontoxic alternatives to the three primary over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen). Willow bark (Salix alba)—the original source of aspirin—has proven much safer and more effective than its derivative. And studies on willow bark extract consistently show its effectiveness in reducing pain. For example, in one study of 661 patients with severe chronic low back pain, 40 percent of the participants taking a daily dose of willow bark extract standardized to 240 mg of salicin were pain-free after four weeks, with clear improvement after only one week of treatment. In contrast, only 18 percent of those receiving standard orthopedic care and Motrin for four weeks were pain-free. Unlike aspirin, the willow bark caused no adverse effects on the stomach lining (indigestion, ulcers, etc.). Studies have also shown willow bark extract to be as effective for osteoarthritis pain as the prescription medication Vioxx.

I recommend beginning with a standardized formula, at 240 mg of salicin per day until you are pain-free. At that point, you may be able to lower the dose to 120 mg of salicin or less per day, or take as needed. (The number of tablets needed will vary according to the amount of salicin per tablet—check the label.)

Another effective herb for pain, Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), also known as frankincense, has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Studies show it reduces arthritis pain by a remarkable 90 percent. A common dose is 350 mg three times a day. Specifically for arthritis pain, I suggest you also add 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate plus 2,500 mg of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) per day. These supplements provide the raw materials the body needs to rebuild cartilage and help heal osteoarthritis. 

Courtesy of Alternative Medicine
http://www.alternativemedicine.com