Pain? Not just a “use this for that” scenario.
As an herbalist, I often get asked for help with alleviating the symptoms of pain - whether from physical injury, chronic conditions or emotional distress, pain has the potential to wreak havoc in our lives. Sometimes, I’m asked for a recommendation to help joint pain, or headache, or any other numerous types of discomfort. And while I may have an herb or two I can recommend, I am reluctant to just placate the symptoms and move on.
Herbs work differently than pharmaceuticals, and often our thinking needs to change before we can use them properly. Herbs are not just “this herb is good for this”, or “use this one for that”. Their actions are multi-faceted, and while pharmaceutical pain killers will do the job and stop the pain, nothing has been done to address the root cause. Nothing has been done to stop the pain from happening again.
In herbalism, the approach to pain goes beyond symptom management, to a deeper exploration of its underlying causes. Herbalists view pain as a holistic expression of imbalance within the body – a complex interplay of physical, emotional and environmental factors. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, herbalists work to identify and address the root causes of pain – underscoring the importance of supporting the whole person, considering their unique terrain, lifestyle and emotional well-being.
When considering how to support the pain, we first need to understand the type of pain. Pain can be defined as various types:
Rheumatic pain – originating from the musculoskeletal system, it is often characterized by inflammation, stiffness and tenderness in the joints, muscles or connective tissues. It can range from mild to debilitating, and impacts mobility and quality of life. Some conditions under this category include: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia. Rheumatoid arthritis involves the body’s immune system attacking the joints, causing persistent pain and structural damage.
Arthritic pain – discomfort arises from inflammation and degeneration of the joints. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, results from wear and tear on the joints over time, leading to pain, swelling and reduced range of motion.
Neuralgic pain – originates from dysfunction or damage to the nervous system, resulting in sharp, shooting sensations along the affected nerves. Sciatica and diabetic neuropathy are examples of neuralgic pain disorders. Neuralgic pain can be triggered by various factors such as compression, inflammation or injury to the nerves, often causing severe discomfort and functional impairment.
Other types of pain could include: Musculoskeletal pain – pain arising from muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. Visceral pain – originating from internal organs, often described as deep, dull or cramping sensations – associated with conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders or pelvic inflammatory disease. Acute pain – typically short lived and related to tissue damage or injury, serving as a protective mechanism to signal potential harm to the body. Chronic pain – often associated with underlying medical conditions or nerve damage.
Once we have decided what type of pain we are dealing with, through in-depth health consultation, we work to determine what the potential causes of the pain might be.
Some things we may consider:
1) Nociception:
Nociception is the process in which the nervous system detects and responds to harmful stimuli, such as tissue damage or inflammation. While important for survival, this response can become dysregulated, leading to chronic pain conditions that include heightened sensitivity and exaggerated pain perception.
2) Inflammation:
A natural immune response to injury or infection, inflammation can play a role in many pain conditions. Irritated or damaged tissues signal the body to release inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, to initiate the healing process. Chronic or excessive inflammation can contribute to persistent pain, and further exacerbation of tissue damage. Dealing with underlying inflammation is crucial for managing pain and promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
3) Stress and Emotional Trauma:
Emotional trauma and stress have profound effects on the body’s pain perception and physiological response. Chronic stress activates the body’s stress response system, triggering cortisol and other stress hormones that can make inflammation worse, and sensitize nociceptive pathways. Unresolved emotional trauma can manifest as physical pain. Addressing stress and emotional well-being is important when managing pain and promoting balance.
4) Infection
Along with triggering the body’s immune response and causing inflammation, infections can stimulate nerve fibers and increase pain sensitivity. Pain can also arise from the body’s efforts to fight off the infection, such as muscle aches and soreness. In some cases, infections can lead to complications such as abscesses or nerve damage, which can cause localized or radiating pain.
5) Gut Health:
Research has highlighted the relationship between gut health and pain, acknowledging the role the gut microbiome has in modulating inflammation and pain sensitivity. Dysbiosis, disruptions in gut microbial balance, has been found in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – both associated with abdominal pain and discomfort. Emerging evidence seems to confirm that dysbiosis also contributes to the development of several rheumatic diseases.
6) Waste Elimination:
When the body’s waste elimination processes are compromised, such as constipation, impaired kidney or lymphatic function, toxins and waste products can build up in the bloodstream and tissues. This buildup can lead to inflammation, nerve irritation and increased sensitivity to pain.
7) Lifestyle Factors:
Factors such as sedentary behavior, poor posture, prolonged sitting, improper ergonomics, and repetitive movements can strain muscles and joints, leading to musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and poor nutrition can contribute to systemic inflammation and impair the body’s ability to heal and recover from injury. Addressing lifestyle factors can help reduce the burden or pain and promote long-term vitality.
All things considered, an herbalist will often choose a synergistic blend of herbs, with multiple actions, to support the individual’s unique presentation.
Some of the herbal actions I might consider:
Analgesic herbs – possessing natural pain-relieving properties, they can offer relief from discomfort without the side effects associated with conventional pain medications. They work by modulating pain perception and inhibiting nociceptive pathways, providing effective relief for many types of pain. Some examples of analgesic herbs include Willow bark, Meadowsweet, and Jamaican dogwood.
Anti-inflammatory herbs – by reducing inflammation and swelling in the body, these herbs help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Common anti-inflammatory herbs include Turmeric, Ginger and Boswellia, which possess potent compounds that target key pathways involved in the inflammatory process.
Nervine herbs – having a calming and sedative effect on the nervous system, these are valuable allies in managing pain related to stress, anxiety and nervous tension. They help promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and improve sleep. Examples of nervines include Lemon balm, Passion flower and Skullcap, which exert gentle yet profound effects on the nervous system.
Antispasmodic herbs – by relaxing smooth muscles and reducing muscular tension and spasms, these herbs are great allies for conditions characterized by muscular pain and cramping, such as menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and tension headaches. Common antispasmodic herbs include Cramp bark, Valerian and Peppermint.
Circulatory stimulants – enhancing blood flow and circulation to affected areas helps the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair and regeneration. By improving circulation, these herbs help clear out pain associated with poor circulation, muscle cramps and peripheral neuropathy. Examples include Cayenne pepper, Ginger and Ginkgo biloba, which promote vasodilation and enhance blood flow to peripheral tissues.
Diuretic herbs – Help to eliminate excess fluids and waste products from the body, thereby decreasing swelling and inflammation associated with edema, arthritis and urinary tract infections. By supporting kidney function, these herbs help alleviate pain caused by fluid retention. Common diuretics include Dandelion leaf, Parsley and Juniper berry, which all promote healthy fluid balance and urinary tract function.
Lymphatic herbs – assist in the movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system, supporting detoxification, immune function and the reduction of swelling and inflammation. Pain associated with lymphatic congestion such as swollen lymph nodes, cellulitis and lymphedema can often be supported. Examples of lymphatic herbs include Cleavers, Red clover and Echinacea, which promote lymphatic drainage and enhance immune response to reduce pain and inflammation.
In addition to herbal remedies, a holistic approach would also include diet considerations, exercise recommendations, stress reduction techniques (such as stretching and massage) and sleep hygiene. Each of these considerations has the potential to profoundly enhance the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Holistic healing recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit and views pain as a reflection of imbalances within the whole person. Rather than addressing isolated symptoms, we seek to restore balance through the whole body, on all levels.
So, next time you experience pain, know that it is a multi-layered experience that can be both good and bad, as it is letting you know that something may be askew. Addressing the symptom is one approach, but a far better one is to dig deeper and find the root of the problem. Booking a comprehensive health consultation with a herbalist is an excellent way to bring your health back into balance and tackle the pain where it needs to be.
For a comprehensive consultation, contact me for more info.
