by Eoanna Petropoulacos

Created on: October 24, 2008

Got pain? Can't sleep? Don't want to take the chemical route to attain that much-needed relief? Not to worry. Sometimes, going natural can work wonders. And many remedies are as close as your own kitchen.

In the market for natural-born pain killers? Certain foods, such as garlic, spinach, ginger, celery and apples, help to cool the body's inflammatory response and act as analgesics on pain nerves. MSM (methylsufonylmethane), an organic form of sulfur found in fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and seafood also offers a natural way to reduce pain. Taken in supplementary form along with glucosamine, MSM has been found to relieve pain, help repair damaged cartilage in joints and offer relief for arthritic conditions. Magnesium, the mineral found in soybeans, grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fish acts as a muscle relaxant and has long been valued in treating migraines. Herbs that combat pain include arnica, an anti-inflammatory used topically for bruises and sprains, gingko biloba extracts for leg pain, peppermint and chamomile to soothe digestive pain and calendula for skin disorders such as sunburn, insect bites and diaper rash.

And don't forget, many types of pain are caused by chronic dehydration, so it's always wise to keep good supply of H2O on hand at all times.

To sleep, perchance to dream. For many the rub is that they can't get to sleep. Anxiety, tension, pain, stress and irritability are some unwelcome visitors that can ensure an unrestful night. Combat their presence naturally with some tried-and-true herbal remedies. Top of the list is valerian. Used medicinally in ancient Greece and Rome and listed from 1820-1942 in the US Pharmacopoeia as a tranquilizer, this widely used herb safely and gently calms the brains, reduces anxiety, relieves stress and induces sleep without a morning hangover. In a 1992 German study, valerian (combined with lemon balm) equaled a powerful prescription sleeping pill (benzodiazepine) in efficacy without the hangover/loss of concentration on the day-after. Other sleep-friendly herbs include California poppy, chamomile, catnip, hops, skullcap, and passion flower. All of these herbs can be prepared in tea form, used in baths or taken in capsule supplements. Sweet dreams are made of these.

It should be noted that there are certain situations where it's wise to curb the herb. Those people who have a history of heart problems or diabetes, should consult their physician before embarking on any herbal regimen which may interfere with their medication.

Herbal supplements can be also be a problem when ingested before an operation. Some popular herbs seem to increase bleeding during surgery, cause changes in blood pressure and prolong anesthesia. Before any surgical procedure, it is advisable to inform surgeons not only about prescription and OTC medications but all herbal products as well. Some of the most popular herbal remedies such as gingko biloba, garlic, ginger and ginseng appear to prevent blood clotting and may lead to increased blood loss during surgery. Also be aware that St. John's Wort and Kava Kava may extend the effects of anesthesia.

Remember, there are times when it's possible to get too much of a good thing.

[Sources: http://www.all-natural.com/herbnutr.html;

http://visioncarenews.blogspot.com/2008/05/vision-ca re-bilberry-for-eyes.html;

http://www.mindpub.com/altern03.htm; http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/Sleep/sleep_i nsomnia_herbs.htm; http://www.sleep-deprivation.com/articles/sleep-diso rder-treatments/herbs-and-hormones.php; http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/herb/a/herbs_3.ht m;

www.backpainrelease.com/relieftips; www.manbir-online.com

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