In this age of an ongoing opioid crisis, a new conversation around the power and action of herbal remedies for managing pain is more important than ever. We are on the cutting edge of new pain research into the effectiveness of CBD (cannabidiol) products, derived from the cannabis plant, without the psychoactive effects of THC many associate with recreational marijuana use. Understanding the complex CBD receptor network in our body, and the widespread presence of CBDs in nature (not just cannabis plants), we start to open up to a larger communication and healing network that has existed between humans and plants since we first came into contact with one another.
We are an intimate part of this planet, not separate, and the more we understand the dynamic interactions that both stress and heal our own being, the more powerfully we wield the medicines that grow in our backyard, or live in our kitchen spice cabinet. This concept of connection and balance starts with our relationship to our own bodies. Pain networks in the body tell us to do the following: STOP, slow down, breathe, listen to what your body is communicating to you. Pain can originate in the mind with intense trauma or emotional blocks, as well as with the nervous system picking up cues from the tissue of the body. By slowing down and listening to what our bodies are communicating through the pain response, we can begin to use plants to help us ease into a space of healing release and vital integration.
While you may need to work with a holistic practitioner to heal a deeply entrenched pain matrix in the body, there are many things you can try at home to ease pain and discomfort by enhancing your own body’s natural reflexes with our natural biochemical allies: plants!
Excess heat and inflammation: Use common heating herbs and spices to assist your immune system’s inflammation response such as cayenne pepper, ginger, and mustard seed (can be used crushed in packs on arthritic knees…with caution, can burn if left on too long!): all act as anti-inflammatories and anodynes (relieve pain).
Constricting spasm/pain of digestive tract: Use digestive stimulants and smooth muscle relaxants like teas or compresses of cinnamon, peppermint, and orange rind to bring circulation and ease to tense painful bellies.
SAD (seasonal affective disorder): Warming relaxant herbs like rosemary, marjoram, and thyme can be added to soothing teas, warm baths, steam inhalations (put head covered by towel over boiling pot of herbs to catch aromatic steam, inhale) and eye pillows for rest and restoration during the darkening days. My favorite is a few drops of rosemary essential oil dropped on the far side of shower to diffuse as a hot steam inhalation.