The presentation that goes with these notes is now available: http://bit.ly/pain-salves
First, a couple of notes:
- I've been very careful, here, to only indicate herbs that will work if applied topically, and I tried very hard to limit to herbs that make sense in salve form. This has been made somewhat difficult, because so many materias medica are vague on internal versus external, salve versus liniment, tea versus infusion versus syrup versus tincture. "This herb is good for that" is great, but how is this herb great for that?
- They're my notes. I can get ranty if I want to.
- Cayenne shows up a lot. If you're using cayenne-containing salve, you're going to need to wear gloves or wash your hands super well (and then still be careful not to touch your eyes). Honestly, I don't use my own cayenne-ginger-peppermint salve nearly as often as I should, for exactly this reason.
"Numerous studies have shown ginger to be effective and safe at relieving arthritic pain both through topical application and taking it internally." -HerbMentor, Ginger
"Capsaicin, a major constituent of cayenne peppers, blocks substance P which relays pain sensations in your body. Cayenne is used topically to relieve many different types of pain, from diabetic neuropathy1, shingles2, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other aches and pains." -HerbMentor, Cayenne
"(Rosemary) has long been used for inflammatory pain such as arthritis. Herbalists recommend both taking it internally and using it externally over the affected areas." -HerbMentor, Rosemary "Anti-inflammatory, topically and internally" "Essential oil (diluted) for arthritic pain and muscle spasms." -Class notes
"Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory herb. It can rebuild joints and even decrease pain. It can be used in acute injuries as well to improve circulation to the area, reduce any excessive inflammation and reduce pain." "Besides reducing inflammation it also depletes nerve endings of substance P, which communicates the pain signal. Besides being taken internally it also has been used externally for sore joints and sprains. Be warned though, it will temporarily stain your skin yellow." -HerbMentor, Turmeric
Peppermint - "analgesic as a counter-irritant for arthritis" -Class notes
Willow -Class notes Good with osteoarthritis; less good with rheumatoid arthritis. -Nat'l Geographic, Willow
Cinnamon -Class notes
Solomon's seal helps to heal strains, sprains, ligaments, joints, bruises, wounds/cuts. Good for stiffness, coldness, injury, overuse, underuse, and "lack of waste removal" in joint. (Better in osteoarthritis and injury than in rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.) Encourages production of synovial fluid. -Class notes
"For external use, comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis." -Williams, Comfrey
Eucalyptus "Rubbing the oil into the skin can relieve arthritis pain and ease tension headaches." "In addition, eucalyptus oil fights inflammation, making it a useful component in skin creams and other topical products for skin health and arthritis." -Nat'l Geographic, Eucalyptus
Arnica gel was as effective as 5% ibuprofen gel for patients with osteoarthritis and would be a good addition to a salve for osteoarthritis and joint injuries. (Discontinue use if a rash appears.) -Nat'l Geographic, Arnica
"Ginger has also been shown to relieve muscle pain after workouts." -HerbMentor, Ginger
“The active constituent in peppermint is menthol and is responsible for the cooling effect peppermint has. Menthol also inhibits the nerves that react to painful stimuli, giving relief to muscle spasms, coughs, intestinal cramping and more.” - Kristine Brown, Herbal Roots Zine: Peppermint (via HerbMentor)
"As an Antispasmodic - Peppermint can ease tonic muscles. It can be used for menstrual cramps or a sore back." "Infusing peppermint into oil leaves you with an oil that is great for sore muscles, pain, and cramping that can be used externally." -HerbMentor, Peppermint
"Capsaicin, a major constituent of cayenne peppers, blocks substance P which relays pain sensations in your body. Cayenne is used topically to relieve many different types of pain, from diabetic neuropathy1, shingles2, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other aches and pains." -HerbMentor, Cayenne
"For Muscle Tension, Cramps and Pain - (German) Chamomile is also relaxing to the musculature. I reach for it whenever there is muscle tension related to stress or simply muscle tension leading to pain. I’ve seen it relieve severe menstrual cramps, as well as headaches that are accompanied by excess tension in the upper back and neck. Since pain can often be accompanied by emotional distress, chamomile brings welcome relief on many levels." -HerbMentor, Chamomile
"For relieving muscle tension and pain chamomile ... can also be used externally on the affected area as an infused oil, diluted essential oil, or liniment." -HerbMentor, Chamomile
"I often use cramp bark as a fomentation over cramped muscles when I’ve thrown out my back AND I rest and stay mostly immobilized. The cramp bark fomentation significantly decreases the discomfort, but I am also not going to push myself too much and increase the risk of further injury." (Muscles seizing up.) "It can be used externally, but as an infused oil or as a fomentation." -HerbMentor, Cramp Bark
Rosemary - "Anti-inflammatory, topically and internally." "Essential oil (diluted) for arthritic pain and muscle spasms." "More often used externally for muscles, but can also be used internally." -Class notes
Ashwaganda - Use topically or internally for body pain - back, neck, joints, fibromyalgia, aching muscles
"Skullcap can be used as an external massage oil to relax muscle tension and pain." -HerbMentor, Skullcap
"For external use, comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis." -Williams, Comfrey (Nat'l Geographic agrees: comfrey for joint pain)
Arnica, maybe. Good after an injury, anyway. -Nat'l Geographic, Arnica
"A bruise or contusion is an example of stagnant blood that we can easily see. Ginger can be applied topically to relieve blood stagnation." -HerbMentor, Ginger
(Maybe peppermint - rubefacient, anodyne -HerbMentor, Peppermint)
(Maybe cayenne - "Capsaicin, a major constituent of cayenne peppers, blocks substance P which relays pain sensations in your body. Cayenne is used topically to relieve many different types of pain, from diabetic neuropathy1, shingles2, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other aches and pains." -HerbMentor, Cayenne)
'In the 1898 King’s American Dispensatory, “St. John’s wort is valued by many practitioners as a vulnerary, much as Arnica is employed. Therefore it has been used extensively as a local application to bruises, contusions, sprains, lacerations, swellings, ecchymoses, and in acute mammitis.”6' -HerbMentor, St. Johns Wort
Solomon's seal helps to heal strains, sprains, ligaments, joints, bruises, wounds/cuts. Good for stiffness, coldness, injury, overuse, underuse, and "lack of waste removal" in joint. -Class notes
"For external use, comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis." -Williams, Comfrey
Arnica -Nat'l Geographic, Arnica
(Maybe) "It can be applied externally to relieve pain as well. A friend of mine with neuropathy in his feet due to diabetes swears that peppermint essential oil is the only thing that relieves his pain." -HerbMentor, Peppermint
"Capsaicin, a major constituent of cayenne peppers, blocks substance P which relays pain sensations in your body. Cayenne is used topically to relieve many different types of pain, from diabetic neuropathy1, shingles2, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other aches and pains." -HerbMentor, Cayenne
"Another study looked at topical (German) chamomile for carpal tunnel syndrome pain. In this pilot study the researchers concluded that “Chamomile oil improved symptomatic and functional status of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.”5" -HerbMentor, Cayenne
"St. John’s wort can be a powerful remedy for nerve pain. I’ve seen it relieve the sharp pains of sciatica and thoracic outlet syndrome. Many eclectic herbalists recommended St. John’s wort specifically for spinal injuries and excruciating pain." -HerbMentor, St. Johns Wort
Ginger -Shirooye et. al.
"Infusing peppermint into oil leaves you with an oil that is great for sore muscles, pain, and cramping that can be used externally." "As an Antispasmodic - Peppermint can ease tonic muscles. It can be used for menstrual cramps or a sore back." -HerbMentor, Peppermint
"Capsaicin, a major constituent of cayenne peppers, blocks substance P which relays pain sensations in your body. Cayenne is used topically to relieve many different types of pain, from diabetic neuropathy1, shingles2, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other aches and pains." -HerbMentor, Cayenne
"For Muscle Tension, Cramps and Pain - (German) Chamomile is also relaxing to the musculature. I reach for it whenever there is muscle tension related to stress or simply muscle tension leading to pain. I’ve seen it relieve severe menstrual cramps, as well as headaches that are accompanied by excess tension in the upper back and neck. Since pain can often be accompanied by emotional distress, chamomile brings welcome relief on many levels." -HerbMentor, Chamomile
(Maybe? Internal, or external?) "Turmeric is used to treat a variety of symptoms associated with menstruation. As a blood mover it moves stagnant blood and reduces clots. It also works as an antispasmodic on smooth muscle tissue, helping to relieve pain associated with cramping." -HerbMentor, Turmeric
"Peppermint works wonderfully to soothe pain. It is commonly used for headaches." -HerbMentor, Peppermint "Use on forehead and temples for headache" -Class notes
(Maybe? On temples?) "Capsaicin, a major constituent of cayenne peppers, blocks substance P which relays pain sensations in your body. Cayenne is used topically to relieve many different types of pain, from diabetic neuropathy1, shingles2, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other aches and pains." -HerbMentor, Cayenne
Rosemary - class notes
"Lavender essential oil can be rubbed into the temples along with diluted peppermint essential oil for headaches."
Eucalyptus "Rubbing the oil into the skin can relieve arthritis pain and ease tension headaches." -Nat'l Geographic, Eucalyptus
(This shouldn't be in the form of a salve. It should be a liniment or maybe a little essential oil in some honey or lemon juice or aloe gel. -class notes)
Lavender essential oil - undiluted is fine, for this one oil, in this one case.
"Peppermint can also relieve the itching and inflammation of sunburns, poison oak/ivy and hives. You can use the tea as a wash or add a strong brew to bath water." -HerbMentor, Peppermint
“Oil of Peppermint is rubefacient and anodyne. It is used alone or in combination with other oils for the relief of neuralgia and toothache, in both of which it is often very efficient. …Still it is used largely to relieve local pain, especially that of burns and scalds.” - Felter’s Materia Medica, 1922 (via HerbMentor)
"(German) Chamomile can be used externally as a poultice, fomentation, bath, or liniment to help calm inflammatory responses. Think of it for rashes, burns, or even bleeding gums and oral mucositis.7 8" -HerbMentor, Chamomile
"For external use, comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis." -Williams, Comfrey
"Another study looked at topical (German) chamomile for carpal tunnel syndrome pain. In this pilot study the researchers concluded that “Chamomile oil improved symptomatic and functional status of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.”5" -HerbMentor, Chamomile
"Besides reducing inflammation [Turmeric] also depletes nerve endings of substance P, which communicates the pain signal. Besides being taken internally it also has been used externally for sore joints and sprains. Be warned though, it will temporarily stain your skin yellow." "It can stabilize connective tissue and promote the healing of tissues while lessening scars and adhesions." -HerbMentor, Turmeric
'In the 1898 King’s American Dispensatory, “St. John’s wort is valued by many practitioners as a vulnerary, much as Arnica is employed. Therefore it has been used extensively as a local application to bruises, contusions, sprains, lacerations, swellings, ecchymoses, and in acute mammitis.”6' -HerbMentor, St. Johns Wort
Solomon's seal helps to heal strains, sprains, ligaments, joints, bruises, wounds/cuts. Good for stiffness, coldness, injury, overuse, underuse, and "lack of waste removal" in joint. Good for carpal tunnel and bone spurs from tension (plantar fasciitis). -Class notes
Arnica "It's a counter-irritant, so the body stops focusing on the injury and focuses on that for a minute." -Class notes
Willow -Class notes
"For external use, comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis." -Williams, Comfrey (and also mentioned in class notes)
(If it's a sting, make sure to remove the stinger and wash the area before applying salve.)
"Peppermint can also relieve the itching and inflammation of sunburns, poison oak/ivy and hives. You can use the tea as a wash or add a strong brew to bath water." -HerbMentor, Peppermint
(Maybe) "(German) Chamomile can be used externally as a poultice, fomentation, bath, or liniment to help calm inflammatory responses. Think of it for rashes, burns, or even bleeding gums and oral mucositis.7 8" -HerbMentor, Chamomile
Plantain -Class notes
Holy basil/Tulsi -Class notes
Lavender essential oil (with carrier) -Class notes
(Be careful not to seal in bacteria with oil/wax from salve. Only apply salve after thorough cleaning, and only for cuts that aren't deep.)
"Cayenne’s anti-microbial properties can also prevent infections." -HerbMentor, Cayenne Also styptic. -Wild Cherries Herbal Studies Program
"One interesting study compared the topical use of (German) chamomile compresses with hydrocortisone cream for relieving itching and discomfort associated with skin lesions in people who have stomas (a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows stool or urine to exit the body). Participants were either given a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or chamomile compresses twice a day. Those using the compresses had a significantly faster healing time as well as a considerable decrease in pain and itching compared with those using the steroid cream. The researchers also pointed out that using chamomile instead of the steroid cream prevents serious side effects associated with topical steroid use, such as thinning of the skin.9" -HerbMentor, Chamomile
"Turmeric can also be used to heal from surgery. It can stabilize connective tissue and promote the healing of tissues while lessening scars and adhesions." "The powdered root can stop bleeding fast; simply apply it to the wound." -HerbMentor, Turmeric
'In the 1898 King’s American Dispensatory, “St. John’s wort is valued by many practitioners as a vulnerary, much as Arnica is employed. Therefore it has been used extensively as a local application to bruises, contusions, sprains, lacerations, swellings, ecchymoses, and in acute mammitis.”6' -HerbMentor, St. Johns Wort
Solomon's seal helps to heal strains, sprains, ligaments, joints, bruises, wounds/cuts. Good for stiffness, coldness, injury, overuse, underuse, and "lack of waste removal" in joint. -Class notes
Plantain -Class notes
"For external use, comfrey ointments have been used to heal bruises as well as pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis." "Caution, however must be taken to not use comfrey on ANY open wound where even the slightest trace of infection is present. Comfrey assists the skin in healing quickly and closing over an existing infection could lead to a larger systemic infection" -Williams, Comfrey
- Backdoor Survival (Gaye Levy) (added to herb list from her articles)
- Herbal Academy (added to herb list from their articles)
- Class notes - mostly materias medica
- HerbMentor monographs (researched individual herbs' effects):
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Cayenne
- (German) Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Turmeric
- St. Johns Wort
- Cinnamon (not cited)
- Willow (not cited)
- Black Pepper (not cited)
- Cramp Bark
- Skullcap
- Susan Williams - Forager’s Path School of Botanical Studies - Monographs
- Comfrey
- Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
- Lavender's Medicinal and Aromatherapy Uses and Lavender Truffles
- American Botanical Council
- Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E, Eucalyptus oil
- Johnson, Rebecca L. & Foster, Steven & Low Dog, Tieraona & Kiefer, David. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs.
- Eucalyptus
- Arnica
- Comfrey
- Willow Bark
- Feverfew
- Black cohosh
- Frostburg State University
- Black Cohosh – Actaea racemosa L.
- Shirooye, Pantea & Dabaghian, Fataneh & Hamzeloo-Moghadam, M & Afrakhteh, M & Bioos, Soodabeh & Mokaberinejad, Roshanak. (2017). A clinical comparative study of oral and topical ginger on severity and duration of primary dysmenorrhea. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy (RJP). 4. 23-32.
- Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
- Mentha x piperita (Peppermint)
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
- Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon's seal)
- Scutellria lateriflora (Skullcap)
- Arnica montana (Arnica)
- Symphytum uplandica, S. officianale (Comfrey)
- Hypericum perforatum (St. Johns Wort)
- Cinnamomum aromaticum, C. cassia, C. zeylanicum (Cinnamon)
- Salix spp. (Willow)
- Piper nigrum (Black pepper)
- Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne pepper)
- Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile)
- Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
- Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)
- Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus)
- Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) (no indication that it's good topically)
- Actaea racemosa (Black cohosh) (good internally for pain, but topically?)
- Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) (good internally for pain, but topically?)
- Birch
- Geranium
- Lemongrass
- Juniper berry
- Lobelia
- Poplar
- Bay laurel
- Evening primrose pods
- Cucumber oil
- Tea tree
- Clove
- Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)
- Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) Bark
- Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang)
- Chamomilla recutita (Blue Chamomile)
- Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy)
- Helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum)
- Gardenia florida Fruit
- Osmanthus fragrans (Osmanthus) Flower
- Chlorella vulgaris
º Because someone, somewhere, listed them as useful for one of the uses I've listed.