The December Pain-Blog Carnival is December 31. The submission deadline is December 24.
Twice a month, I’ll answer readers’ questions. Click here to submit a question.
Amber writes:
I would like to see more articles about using herbs and other natural remedies in treating pain or breaking the pain cycle. How do I step away from medication to a more holistic approach?
Great question, and I admire Amber’s curiosity to learn non-traditional ways to help herself. As this topic is outside of my medical knowledge, I thought I’d turn this question over to you, readers, to see what you’ve found helpful. And also important - where did you learn about this topic to get good, safe treatment suggestions? Let us know in the comments.
Some cautions…
- Just because something is “natural,” or from nature, doesn’t mean it’s safe and harmless
- Be sure to get your information from reputable sources
- Discuss any natural remedies with your doctor before taking anything, as these can effect your medical treatment and medication responses, or cause medication interactions
Please remember, any discussion here is not medical advice, but suggestions from other people who experience chronic pain. Please be sure to discuss any options with your doctor before you consider using anything.
Some resources:
3 responses so far ↓
Sarah B // Dec 17, 2007 at 5:56 am
The best natural remedy I know of for nerve pain is Hypericum perforatum, or common St. Johns wart. When I was first looking for a diagnosis (I am an RSD patient) I had multiple doctors recommend it. You can find it in any health food store in the Homeopathic aisle… make sure you get it with the full scientific name (it usually comes in a small vial– tiny dots that you hold under your tongue until they melt) and ask your doctor about possible interactions with any other meds you are taking.
I also find dark chocolate to be helpful on bad pain days. There are a lot of studies about the pain relieving effects of chocolate… and besides the brain chemistry, it’s everyones favorite comfort food.
jeisea // Dec 21, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Acupuncture releases muscle spasm. I think it may activate the parasympathetic nervous system but not sure. It certainly relaxes.
Does healthy nutrition fit this category? Lots is known about the part inflammation plays in pain. Antioxidants demolish free radicals which cause inflammation. I choose high antioxidant foods to help reduce the free radicals which cause inflammation. The USA website Wolds Healthiest Foods has lots of information and promptly answers questions.
How to Cope with Pain // Dec 22, 2007 at 6:49 am
Good suggestions, Sarah B. and Jeisea. Thanks.
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