A life without pain might seem be desirable, the ‘ideal’.

However pain is the body’s way of warning us of impending injury. It is an important defence mechanism in daily life.

We rely on pain to teach us how to master our complicated and dangerous environment.

We would suffer life-threatening damage if we were not warned by feeling pain.

It is natural to regard pain as negative. But it has a positive aspect in alerting us that something is wrong.

Pain can be a sign or consequence of injury or a physical illness.

It could be a physical response to a psychological problem (excessive stress, tension, anxiety).

It is important to identify the exact cause or causes of pain in order to find the most effective way of alleviating it.

Throughout life we build up a data of experience. We learn that boiling water will burn, that a rose has sharp thorns.

The sensation of pain teaches us to avoid sources of pain.

After any injury due to accident or excessive sport, pain serves as another protective function: it forces us to rest the damaged part and thus gives the body the opportunity to repair itself.

This is why it is unwise to ignore pain.

The body’s warning system is telling us that there is a problem that needs to be mended.

You should always assume that pain is a signal that something is wrong and respond accordingly.

Don’t try to continue with any activity that causes hurt, but protect and rest the affected part.

See a practitioner if you are not sure of the cause of the pain or what to do about it.

Pain Killers

What about pain-killers? Nobody wants to suffer pain. It is understandable that people use painkillers if they suffer from pain such as arthritic pain.

It is essential however that the cause of the pain is investigated and ultimately removed. Painkillers are not a solution in themselves.

The solution is to remove the cause of the pain. Painkillers numb the damaged area.

If people carry on regardless because the pain is reduced, and the underlying cause is still present, the damaged area can become damaged further.

As a consequence people begin to need stronger and stronger painkillers. As we know painkillers have serious side effects.

These range from increased danger of cardio-vascular problems to kidney damage to digestive problems like stomach ulcers.

To find out if natural remedies can help you with pain, or other ailments, contact Luzia Barclay on 01258 456223 or via this CONTACT FORM.


Herbs that can make a difference:

	Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) This herb may be used to relieve painful menstruation. It eases cramping pains in the womb. As a relaxing herb it also helps to ease muscular and neurological pain.
	Californian Poppy (Eschscholtzia california) This herb is very useful for restless and over-excited children. It is non-addictive and it eases colic pains.
	Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Chamomile is famous for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a safe herb which suits very young and old alike.
	Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) As the common name says this herb eases any kind of cramps or spasms. It relaxes muscular tension and spasms in the uterus, which contributes to painful periods.
	Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) This herb has been found to be effective for many kinds of joint pain, especially when there is inflammation.
	Guaiacum officinale This tree is found in South America. It helps to ease inflammation in painful joints and is therefore used to treat chronic rheumatic pain.
	Hops (Humulus lupulus) This is the hedgerow herb to treat insomnia. It helps to ease tension, anxiety and restlessness. Its slightly bitter taste has a positive effect on digestion and lack of appetite.
	Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) A calming herb which also has anti-spasmodic properties. It improves sleep in case of restlessness. Neuralgic pain and nerve pain in the case of shingles are very much relieved.
	Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) This is a relaxant herb which acts on the central nervous system. It eases nervous tension specifically in the head but at the same time it renews and revives the nerves in the strengthening sense.
	St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) A specific herb to treat mild depression, irritability and anxiety. St John’s wort has a sedative and pain-reducing effect for any kind of nerve damage or nerve pain.
	Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) A herb used in many countries because of its powerful relaxing effect. It is a safe herb to reduce tension, anxiety and hyperactivity. It eases cramps and colic pain in the digestive system.
	Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
	Willow (Salix alba) Willow contains salicylic acid, which was used as the blueprint for aspirin. It eases inflamed painful joints without causing digestive problems. Like aspirin it helps to thin the blood. BUT unline Aspirin, it doesn't cause stomach bleeding.

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All of the above herbs and tinctures can be bought SECURELY via this website.
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If you have any questions about these herbs, pain, or any other topic, or to book a consultation, call Luzia Barclay on 01258 456223 or email info@herbsforhealing.org.uk.

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