Topical Homeopathic Pain Relief

Drugs and oral pain medications are commonly used, but some people choose a homeopathic approach to treating pain due to side effects that often accompany painkillers. Topical creams and oils can help soothe many types of pain. They work quickly, which may alleviate the need for oral pain medications in some individuals. Most homeopathic remedies for pain are not scientifically proven, and you should check with your doctor before beginning any treatment, herbal or otherwise.

Pain-relieving Herbs and Oils

• Holistic health food stores contain shelves upon shelves of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory herbs. You can consume many of these herbs internally, but several are effective topical pain relievers. Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, which triggers the body's pain-relieving endorphins and interferes with pain signals sent to the brain when applied topically. Epsom salt baths can help relieve inflammation and pain, especially arthritis pain. Turmeric is a popular pain reliever. Turmeric in its raw form applied topically can help heal wounds and soothe pain. Mustard seed packs and mustard oil heat the skin and help alleviate intense pain. St. John's Wort is an herb often used to treat depression, but oil extracted from the herb can ease tension and provide pain relief.

Using Herbs and Oils

• Most topical herbs and oils are rubbed into the skin or applied as a compress. Some herbal pain relievers, such as the capsaicin in hot peppers, are ingredients in commercial topical pain relievers. Many people choose to make their own creams and ointments with pure herbs to achieve the best results. There are several ways to apply red peppers topically. The easiest way is to crush the pepper and rub it directly onto your skin. Mix crushed peppers into a lotion or cold cream or add one ounce of cayenne pepper to a quart of rubbing alcohol. Shake the bottle every day to mix the solution and let it stand for three weeks before using. Some people are sensitive to the capsaicin in cayenne pepper, so it is best to test a small part of your skin before applying it thoroughly. Most pharmacies and superstores carry Epsom salt. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a hot bath and relax for 30 minutes to relieve pain and tension. Mix raw turmeric with butter oil and garlic to make a pain-relieving poultice. Heated black or white mustard seed packs can help soothe painful joints and muscles but leaving them on for more than 10 minutes can irritate the skin. Use heated garlic pods mixed with mustard oil as a massage oil for mild pain. Purchase St. John's Wort oil to use as a topical rub before bedtime to relieve pain and stress tension in the muscles.