Q&A: Pain relief from herbal products?

Are there any herbal products that help relieve pain and inflammation? —L.H., Reading , Mass.

Only two have enough evidence to consider using. Several studies have found that topical creams containing capsaicin (generic, Zostrix), an extract from the hot-pepper plant, can relieve minor aches and pains caused by back problems, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. And at least five small trials have found that oral doses of the herb devil's claw may reduce osteoarthritis or back pain. While the herb's side effects appear to be mild—mainly diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain—it can interact with numerous drugs, including those taken for diabetes and high cholesterol. Talk to your doctor before trying any herbal product, especially if you take medication.

Read our Natural Medicine Ratings for capsaicin and devil's claw (subscribers only), and find out the truths and myths behind alternative therapies (free).

Comments

[adreal]

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[Rob]

Aleve works best for me. Natural remedies may take the edge off, but rarely do the full trick in completely ridding me of my headaches.

[Rob]

Some of the natural remedies work, but usually they are not an overnight cure. I try to use as little as possible of what works best for me. Aleve, overall, takes care of my headaches.

[Doris]

The reason we need to eat breakfast is because most people sleep 6 to 8 hours per night. If a person skips breakfast and doesn't eat anything until lunch (or later), the body has gone without nutrients for approxamately 12 hours. This will affect blood sugar levels, which in turn will cause fatigue.

[kirea]

I am doing a speech on why we should eat breakfast. I need some good information. So my question would be Why do we need to eat breakfast?