Chronic back pain / 1994

Problems: 
Back pain

Date: Tue, 15 Mar 1994 23:45:17 GMT
Reply-To: "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants discussion list"
Sender: "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants discussion list"
From: Christopher Hedley
Subject: Low Back Pain

Cayenne (Capsicum spp) tincture; apply, cover with water proof dressing, eg. 'cling film', sit or lie down for 30 mins, remove dressing. Repeat daily. If you have tender skin, apply olive oil first. There is good research on the use of capsicum in chronic pain.

For muscle spasm, take Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) freely. For inflammation take Willow bark (Salix alba & spp.) freely. This will not 'burn' the stomach, although it may be nauseous in large amounts.

Good herbal pain killers include; Yellow Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens)- use a 1 in 10 tincture, * max dose 5 drops 3x daily * and Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)- tincture dose 1-5 ml 3x daily, start low and increase slowly. Nervines, such as Vervain (Verbena off & V. hastata), are useful adjuncts.

*exercise increases endorphines and is always useful. You have to find one that dosn't strain your back, try exercising in water.