What Herbs are Good for Pain Relief, and Can You Combine Them with CBD?

Pain can make your life miserable. People have used herbs as natural pain relievers for many years now. This article will discuss various herbs used for pain relief and whether combining them with CBD can cause any effect.

Herbs can be an alternative medication for pain. Herbal medicines have been used since historic times to manage pain and inflammation. Current and existing studies have not fully explored these herbal remedies. However, evidence suggests that some herbs can help manage pain and promote your overall well-being. Pharmaceutical drugs may be addictive or cause adverse side effects. Below is detailed information on the herbs that are good for pain relief.

Herbs for Pain Relief

Lavender Essential Oil

Some studies indicate that lavender oil contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. According to Sasannejad et al. (2012), inhaling lavender essential oil may reduce migraine and headaches. Lavender essential oil can only be used topically. Ingesting essential oils can be toxic and may cause serious health problems. Besides, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet regulated essential oil use. Therefore, you should always consult a physician before using lavender oil as your natural pain reliever.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus is another herbal remedy many people use to manage pain and inflammation in their bodies. Eucalyptus oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Besides, it can also be used to moisturize skin. According to Jun et al. (2013), eucalyptus oil inhalation effectively reduced pain for patients recovering from knee replacement. Like lavender oil, eucalyptus essential oil is toxic and should not be ingested. It should be used topically after diluting it with carrier oil.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular root plant commonly used as a spice during food preparation. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Some studies indicate that ginger can effectively reduce muscle pain after a workout. Women can also use ginger to relieve menstrual cramps. According to Wilson (2015), ginger may modestly reduce muscle pain stemming from eccentric resistance exercise and prolonged running, particularly if taken for a minimum of 5 days. You can include ginger in your meals or use it as a smoothie ingredient. You can also buy ginger supplements from health stores. However, many people prefer natural and fresh ginger, which is considered healthier than ginger supplements.

Turmeric

Herbal turmeric contains an active ingredient called Curcuma. Curcuma is effective for pain management, just like normal pain reliever drugs such as ibuprofen. According to  Kuptniratsaikul et al. (2014), Curcuma extracts contain similar effects as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. You can include natural turmeric in smoothies, juices, or curries. You can also buy turmeric supplements and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mighty herb.

CBD Interaction with Other Medications

CBD is an active compound. It interacts with other medications, including supplements, prescribed medications, and herbal products. CBD rarely interacts with herbs to cause negative effects. Most of these herbs work well with CBD and can be used to complement the cannabinoid. Before we look into these herbs, let's first understand CBD.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant has more than one hundred compounds known as cannabinoids. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most common cannabinoids. THC is psychoactive and causes a mind-altering effect when consumed. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is generally well tolerated and has a good safety profile. It can be found in various topical products, such as lotions, creams, salves, and other skincare products. Moreover, it can be found in gummies, capsules, oils, and edibles. CBD gets into our bodies through the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS controls most bodily functions such as mood, sleep, memory, and other brain-signaling systems. CBD activates the ECS by influencing endocannabinoid receptors found in the ECS. According to Rawls (2019), CBD can offer a wide range of benefits, including pain relief, improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, reduced cancer-related symptoms, and enhanced overall well-being. Like any other drug, CBD also has side effects. However, these side effects are very mild. They include fatigue, drowsiness, changes in appetite, and diarrhea.

Herbs That Can Be Used with CBD

Lavender

Lavender can be used as an anti-inflammatory or antiseptic herb. It is commonly used to soothe nerve pain. Lavender with CBD works well for people experiencing body pain and other pain-related conditions.

Echinacea

Echinacea has compounds that contain similar properties as CBD. These compounds also interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. They can be used with CBD to boost your immune system and reduce pain and inflammation. A combination of the two can also act as a perfect antioxidant.

Turmeric

Turmeric complements CBD perfectly. CBD with turmeric is a powerful way to soothe your body and relieve pain. It also calms your body down to relaxation when in a stressful situation.

Lemon

Lemon can be used to reduce stress-related headaches. Some studies suggest that combining lemon with CBD helps relieve menstrual cramps in women. It also reduces nervous tension and relaxes your muscles.

Other Herbs that can be used with CBD to relieve pain

• It reduces migraines
• Holy basil
• Mostly for stomach pain
• Helps during constipation

Conclusion

Herbs can be used as an alternative way to treat pain naturally. Herbal remedies have been in use since the historic period. Most pain relieving herbs can be combined with CBD to provide even more positive effects. Some herbs include lavender, turmeric, ginger, lemon, Echinacea, and valerian. CBD with pain-relieving herbs can be used to reduce migraines, reduce stomach pains, reduce muscle stiffness and enhance your overall well-being.

References

Jun, Y. S., Kang, P., Min, S. S., Lee, J. M., Kim, H. K., & Seol, G. H. (2013). Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.

Kuptniratsaikul, V., Dajpratham, P., Taechaarpornkul, W., Buntragulpoontawee, M., Lukkanapichonchut, P., Chootip, C., ... & Laongpech, S. (2014). Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extract compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 9, 451.

Rawls, B. The Science Behind CBD Oil: Everything You Need to Know.

Sasannejad, P., Saeedi, M., Shoeibi, A., Gorji, A., Abbasi, M., & Foroughipour, M. (2012). The lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. European neurology, 67(5), 288-291.

Wilson, P. B. (2015). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an analgesic and ergogenic aid in sport: a systemic review. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(10), 2980-2995.