Treating Injuries with Natural Remedies
The science of herbal medicine goes back thousands of years. The Ayurvedic and Chinese traditions are the oldest systems still in use today. The traditions of European herbal medicine are also in use. While preventing personal injury is the best course of action, there are many herbal and natural remedies that can ease muscle aches and inflammation as well as promoting healing.
Hagen Rosskopf, a personal injury law firm, shares the ways in which injuries can be soothed using herbal medicine.
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Here are some natural remedies to ensure quick healing, inflammation, and soothe pain; make sure you keep them handy.
Ayurvedic Remedies
There are several different Ayurvedic treatments for inflammation and muscle injuries. Turmeric is one of the most common. It is used as a spice in South Asian cooking and is a popular dietary supplement.
Tumeric
This plant especially when used together with bromelain is known as a natural blood thinner and pain reliever. Turmeric is used in many cultures to relieve pain and swelling. It is sometimes used in Golden Milk, an Ayurvedic remedy that contains sugar cane, ginger juice, turmeric, water, and either dairy or plant milk.
Ginger
This plant is another strong anti-inflammatory used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger is good for soothing pain and promoting healing, as well as its benefits for nausea. Castor oil as a muscle rub can be helpful as well.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another popular preparation used for people with arthritis. The tannins in the leaves are thought to reduce swelling and pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Injuries
Another long-lived tradition for natural wellness is traditional Chinese medicine. While some of the principles of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda are similar, the herbs and techniques used are different.
The most popular Chinese treatment for pain and injury is acupuncture. Acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the nerves in the body that are experiencing pain. It may seem counterintuitive, but most people do not experience pain during a proper acupuncture treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, there are several herbal preparations that can be tried for the pain resulting from a personal injury. Ginger and turmeric are used for inflammation in the Chinese tradition as well as in Ayurveda.
Other useful herbs for pain and inflammation include Huáng Qín, Huáng Lián, and Jīn Yín Hūa. These herbs have been used for thousands of years, and their effectiveness is being studied by Western doctors today.
European Herbal Traditions
The pharmacopeia of Europe is also still in use today. Some of the medicines used traditionally have been developed into mainstream drugs, like aspirin being derived from the willow tree.
Other European herbs that can treat pain and inflammation include feverfew, rosemary, and aloe vera. Aloe is especially useful for burn injuries, while feverfew is good for headaches and migraines such as may occur after an accident.
Non-Drug Therapies for Pain
All traditional and Western medical systems agree that rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is the best way to physically handle a muscle or bone injury. People need to take care not to leave the cold packs on for too long a period of time.
Massage is also a good way to relieve pain, especially muscle pain. Massages can help to relax tight muscles and promote healing. Chiropractors can be another good resource for people who are interested in non-drug therapies for joint and back pain.
Use Herbs with Caution
When you want to try herbal medicine, you should be careful about the doses you take and the medicines’ interaction with other drugs. Some of these herbs are potent and can cause other health problems if they are taken in greater quantities. Treating problems safely requires a great deal of research and some trial and error. It is wise to leave these steps up to a qualified professional rather than trying to treat yourself.
Always have a qualified naturopath or herbal medicine specialist guide you in your use of these remedies. You should also be cautious with acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care, and be sure that you are treated by a qualified professional.
While attorneys like those with Hagen Rosskopf can help secure financial compensation, injuries often require ongoing care to help return to a normal way of life. Hagen Rosskopf encourages injured parties to treat their pain with caution. Using non-drug methods is safest and causes no interactions, but some problems could still occur.