Nature's soothing power

Natural holistic herb treatments might work as remedies for back aches. Essential oils are used topically to relax, relieve tension and improve the overall health. We've put together a guide of Essential Oils from A to Z to know what essentials may work for you.

+ The following are effective medical plants and herbal remedies used to fight back pains and ailments. Some plants may be easier to find than others depending on where the plants are cultivated. You can find some as fresh plants or dried, and others in liquid form, tinctures, tablets or powder.

Devil's claw

(Harpagophytum procumbens)

• Parts used. The secondary storage roots, which form rings when dried. They are used in infusions, to make extracts and mother tinctures.

• Native to Southwestern Africa, the name comes from the curious shape of its fruit.

• Possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Numerous tribes native to Southern Africa have utilized devil's claw for a wide variety of conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal difficulties to arthritic conditions. Devil's claw has been widely used in Europe as a treatment for arthritis.

• Warning. Pregnant women should not use this remedy. Since devil's claw promotes stomach acid, anyone with gastric or duodenal ulcers should not use the herb.

Lavender

(Lavandula officinalis)

• Parts used. Flowers and leaves, and sometimes the stems are used to prepare infusions or to make essential oils and tinctures.

• Native to Europe and North Africa. Today, it's cultivated in a number of countries, such as France and the US. In addition, it leaves a lovely, floral scent. The leaves can be added to salads, to substitute for mint.

• Today, lavender is used against headaches, depression and insomnia. This plant has calming and relaxing properties. It can be used as an essential oil for baths or the herb can be used to make decoctions.

Passion Flower

(Passiflora coerulea)

• Parts used. The flowers and leaves are used in infusions. The fruit is edible.

• Passiflora coerulea originated in the Americas. A species with similar characteristics, is grown in Europe. The plant was brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors, who saw in the flower the marks of the passion of Christ (hence the name).

• One of the best remedies against nervous ailments, it doesn't have any side effects. Passion flower has sedative and soothing properties, but not depressive. It also makes you sleepy. Ideal for work related stress and mood swings and nervousness brought on by premenstrual syndrome and menopause.

• Warning. Do not use passion flower if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not administer to children under age of 3 years old. For children between 4 and 12 years of age, consult a medical specialist, because the dose should be proportioned to weight of the child. Eat passion fruit only when very ripe, because the fruit has toxic properties before ripening.

Cayenne Pepper

(Capsicum frutescens)

• Parts used. The leaves and fruit are used in tincture and powders.

• There are at least 40 species of capsicum native to Central and South America. The fruit is a cylindrical strip of red or yellow color when ripe. The taste is very hot and spicy. It has been used since pre-Hispanic times as a food, medicine and ceremonial ingredient.

• Among its many properties, it's a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. It is recommended for swelling, bruising, rheumatism and herpes.

White willow

(Salix alba)

• Parts used. The leaves, roots and the bark are used and cultivated in the spring.

• It grows in central and continental Europe, although it's also found in North America. Grows in the wild along rivers, streams, forests and in other humid environments.

• Among its active components, salicin is the most important for its pain relieving, sedative, anti-rheumatic and anti-fever properties.

• Warning. People who are allergic to aspirin (acetyl-salicylic acid) or other similar medicines should not use white willow. It shouldn't be used on pregnant women or children.

European Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria)

• Parts used. The flowers and the leaves are sometimes used in decoctions.

• It grows in humid areas throughout Europe, except in the Mediterranean. It also grows in some of the northern, cold areas of North America.

• Anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and fever fighting, it can be used against back aches, neck pains and other ailments such as sciatica rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia and other problems caused by uric arthritis or gout.

Cat's claw

(Uncaria tomentosa)

• Parts used. The bark of the roots is used in infusions, tinctures or dried extract.

• It grows in the tropical, mountainous Andes region in South America, especially Peru.

• It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is recommended for inflammations, arthritis, rheumatism, and tumors. It is also considered a healing agent.

• Warning. It should be used with precaution during pregnancy.

Valerian

(Valeriana officinalis)

• Parts used. The roots are used in extracts and tinctures.

• It grows wild all over Europe and in most cases valerian is cultivated to make medical extracts.

• It's a sedative, which is why it is indicated to relieve tense muscles and neck pain, and upper back pain caused by stress.

• It doesn't present any side effects.