The history of herbs spices is as long as the history of mankind. People have used these plants since the earliest times. The lives of people are more entwined that is often realized. Some herbs have the power to change our physiological functioning, they have revolutionized medicine, created fortunes for those who grow & aromatic properties & are often grown & harvested for these unique properties.
Uses of herbs:
Herbs & Spices have tremendous importance in the way we live, as ingredients in food, alcoholic beverages, medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, and coloring & also on garden plants. Spices & Herbs are used in foods to impart flavor, pungency & color. They also have antioxidant, pharmaceutical & nutritional properties. In addition to the known direct effects, the use of plants can also lead to complex secondary effects such as salt & sugar reduction improvement of texture & prevention of food spoilage. The basic effects of spices, when used in cooking & confectionary, can be for flavoring, deodorizing/masking, pungency & coloring.
There are almost 200 herbs & spices out of it some herbs which act as pain killer are as follows:
Turmeric:
Curcuma, the active ingredient in the spice. Turmeric has pain-relieving qualities. A 2014 study found that Curcuma is as effective as ibuprofen for pain. It helps reduce inflammation.
Cloves :
A home remedy to relieve pain from toothache. A 2006 study found clove gel to be effective as Benezocaine gel which is often used by dentists to reduce needle pain. Researchers also believe that clove has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal & antiviral activity.
Aloe vera:
Gel can be used topically to soothe aching joints. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger :
A 2015 systematic review found that ingesting 2gm of ginger per day reduces muscle pain from resistance exercise & running. Take at least 5 days. Accelerates recovery. Reduces inflammation related to exercise.
Capsaicin:
It is present in chili peppers, & is useful for Natural pain relief. A 2011 study notes the important role that capsaicin topical creams & patches play in pain management. Researchers are not yet sure why it relieves pain.
Onions & Garlic :
Onion & garlic relieve pain & inflammation in osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis through the flavonoid quercetin, which may dampen the inflammation-causing chemicals leukotrienes, prostaglandins & histamines.
Horse Radish :
Horseradish contains compounds called glucosinolates, which help in many health problems.
Pineapple :
It contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties which act as diclofenac, it’s commonly helpful for pain relief those with inflammatory arthritis.
Cherries & Berries :
Antioxidants compounds are presently called “anthocyanins ’’ which may reduce inflammation at levels comparable to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. Drink cherry juice daily for 3 weeks reduces joint pain, reduces running pain. Reduces painful gout attacks. Berries contain antioxidant “ellagitannins’’. These are natural NSAIDs are found in blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, dark red & purple fruit like grapes, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates.
10}Essential oils :
a} Lavender :
Helps relieves pain. It helps to sleep.Helps to ease anxiety.In 2012 study found that inhaling lavender oil may relieve pain associated with migraine headaches. Do not ingest oils as they can be toxic.
b} Rosemary oil :
It is another essential oil that relieves pain. Some researchers state that rosemary may help treat headache, muscle, bone pain & seizures. Reduces inflammation, relax smooth muscles & boost memory. Researchers suggest that the herb act on receptors in the brain called opioid receptors which are involved with the sensation of pain.
c} Peppermint :
Research suggests that peppermint plant has inflammatory, anti-microbial & pain-relieving effects. Active compounds include carvacrol, menthol, & limonene. 2015 reviews note it relieves pain, spasms & problems associated with arthritis. Avoid putting on broken skin, can cause allergic reactions.
d} Eucalyptus oil :
The active compound is α-Terpineol, 1,8 cineole, pinene, sabinene, which means it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, anti-spasmodic.
Helps reduces pain, swelling & inflammation in the body. A 2013 study says inhaling eucalyptus oil relieves pain.