Plants with pain-relieving compounds

With all of the recent headlines of the opioid epidemic in our country, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at plants with potential pain relieving compounds.

Can plants actually alleviate pain? In some cases, it appears that plants and their extracts may be helpful in dealing with certain types of pain. Please know I am absolutely not suggesting you toss out your meds. However, based on historical use and modern research it appears there are particular situations where these plant-based natural alternatives may be beneficial.

First up is willow bark. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, folks have been chewing on willow bark to reduce fever and inflammation dating back to 400 BC. It has been used for low back pain, osteoarthritis, headache, bursitis and tendinitis. How does it work? The bark of white willow contains salicin, a chemical very similar to aspirin. Salicin was actually used to develop aspirin in the 1800s. Should you go purchase a willow tree and start chewing on the bark? No, but you can read a little more information about it here: https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/willow-bark.

Do you need migraine relief? The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has an information sheet on butterbur (Petasites hybridus). Butterbur is a “broad leafed plant that was used to wrap butter prior to refrigeration”. Now there’s a thing I did not know. This plant is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. This link cites one study that showed butterbur was able to reduce the frequency of headaches by 48%.  http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/ss_butterbur.pdf.

Michigan State University Extension shares in an online article that turmeric contains an active compound known as curcumin which is highly anti-inflammatory. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice derived from the plant’s rhizomes. It has been used in food, dyes and Ayurvedic remedies and is a member of the ginger family. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/health_benefits_of_turmeric.

Ginger is another plant with potential anti-inflammatory properties. The spice is made from the root of the plant and has been used for more than 2,500 years. “The root contains essential oils and resins” that give ginger is spicy flavor. It contains gomgerol and shogaol, which are said to “aid in pain relief and decrease inflammation”. Here’s a quick fact sheet from the University of Rochester Medical Center:  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Ginger.

For our last plant in this article, I turned back to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you like spicy peppers, keep reading. “Native Americans have used cayenne (Capsicum annuum, frutescens, or red pepper) as both food and medicine for at least 9,000 years.” The hot, spicy taste of cayenne peppers is mainly due to capsaicin, which is also thought to reduce pain. It has been used in different cuisines, oral remedies for various ailments, and as a topical treatment for arthritis and muscle pain. And just in case you were wondering, no you should not put a pepper on your elbow or any other body part. More information here: https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/cayenne.

Please remember that if something has the ability to help you, then it may also have the ability to harm you. Always speak to your healthcare provider before using plants as medicine. Plant compounds can interact with each other, as well as over the counter and prescription medications. Just because it is natural does not mean it is safe.

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

Originally published in Broomfield Enterprise - Feb 4, 2018