Analgesic Herbs: Pain Relieving Herbs



The search for better and safer ways of relieving pain is what led me to herbology. It would seem most people agree with the importance of pain relief, for these analgesic herbs are some the best loved and most popular remedies. Some uses for analgesic herbs are : arthritis pain, headaches, toothaches, sore muscles, lower back pain and neuralgia.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Allspice Allspice, Pimenta officinalis : Pimento, Jamaica Pepper
    Tropical Tree : Allspice tastes like a combination of cloves, juniper berries, cinnamon and pepper. Adding allspice to herbal teas, as well as foods aids in digestion. ...
  • Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe vera :
    Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
  • Andrographis Andrographis, Andrographis paniculata : Creat, chuan xin lian, Kan jang, Kalmegha
    small annual shrub : Andrographis paniculata is an herb native to the Indian subcontinent and is used in Ayurveda,the ancient (before 2500 b.c.) Indian system of health care and longevity. ...
  • Argemone - Prickly Poppy Argemone - Prickly Poppy, Argemone mexicana : Mexican Poppy, bluestem
    Annual Herb : Like other members of the poppy family, the prickly poppy has a long history as a traditional medicine....
  • Arnica oil Arnica oil, Arnica montana : leopard's bane,mountain tobacco
    Perennial Herb : One of the best known herbal sports medicines, arnica has dramatic results if used immediately after an injury....
  • Balm of Gilead Balm of Gilead, Populus spp : Poplar Buds
    Evergreen tree : The dried, unopened buds of the poplar tree are used in ointments and skin treatments to reduce pain and inflammation....
  • Balsam Fir Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea (L.)Mill. : Christmas tree, North American fir
    Evergreen tree : As a popular Christmas tree the balsam fir is noted for its aromatic needles and pleasing shape. It is even more notable for its benefits and uses in home herbal medicine....
  • Bay Laurel Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis : Sweet Bay, True Laurel
    Tree : Bay laurel is the source of the ancients' crowns and wreaths for heroes. Bay leaf oil is used to treat arthritic aches and pains, lower back pain, earaches, and sore muscles and sprains....
  • Bay Rum Oil Bay Rum Oil, Pimenta racemosa : Bay Rum Tree
    tree : also known as the Bay Rum Tree, and is not to be confused with Bay Laurel...
  • Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Monarda didyma : Scarlet Monarda, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Horsebalm
    perennial herb : This species of mint has an aroma similar to the citrus Orange Bergamot, but the two are not related. A safe herb to use in both animals and humans. Like most mints, bee balm has a special affinity towards the digestive tract. Bee balm has excellent antib...
  • Bergamot Oil Bergamot Oil, Citrus bergamia :
    Citrus tree : The fresh, citrus scent of bergamot essential oil is beneficial for anxiety and depression, and very useful as an anti-infectious agent....
  • Birch bark & leaf Birch bark & leaf , Betula alba : White Birch, Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch
    Deciduous Tree : Teas of the birch bark contain salicylate, the compound found in aspirin. Birch is valued for its detoxifying actions and is used to treat UTIs, skin eruptions, and pain....
  • Boneset Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum : Common Thorough wort, Agueweed, Indian Sage
    : This Native American remedy for colds and fever was adopted by early settlers to America. Only the advent of aspirin displaced boneset as the popular choice for colds and fever....
  • Boswellia (Frankincense) Boswellia (Frankincense), Boswellia thurifera : Olibanum, Indian Frankincense, Arabic Frankincense, and Salai guggal
    Resinous tree : Boswellic acids are often combined with glucosamine to relieve the joint pain and inflammation of arthritis...
  • Butternut Butternut, Juglans cinerea : White walnut, Lemon walnut
    Tree : Butternut is used as a mild laxative and to expel human parasites....
  • Cajeput Oil Cajeput Oil, Melaleuca leucadendron, M. leucadendra : Weeping tea tree, weeping paperbark
    Tree : Cajeput essential oil has a sweet middle note and is very stimulating and warming with a penetrating, camphoraceous scent. Cajeput is a good inhalant oil for colds and sinus infections....
  • Calamus root Calamus root, Acorus calamus : Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag
    perennial wetland monocot : Sweet flag, or calamus has been in use worldwide in Asian European and Native American herbal traditions since the times of ancient Greece...
  • Calendula Calendula, Calendula officinalis : Pot marigold
    perennial herbaceous plants : Calendula flower oil is one of the first herbs to consider in minor first aid applications. Particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and minor wounds....
  • Camphor Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora :
    Evergreen Tree : When first applied camphor oil numbs and cools the peripheral nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it stimulates circulation to cold, stiff muscles and limbs....
  • Caraway Seed Caraway Seed, Carum carvi :
    herb : Caraway, source of the crunchy seeds atop dark rye bread, is also one of the best carminative herbs, acting to prevent gas and bloating. Caraway is a good remedy for colds and congestion and helps to relax the muscles that cause coughing spasms....
  • Cardamom Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum :
    : Cardamom is an incredibly rich yet light aromatic spice and essential oil. Like its close relative ginger, cardamom is well known for relief of nausea, especially morning sickness in pregnancy. ...
  • Castor Oil Castor Oil, Ricinus communis :
    Evergreen shrub/annual : Apply castor oil externally for muscle and arthritis pain, bruising and nerve damage. It is well suited to the slow relief of chronic pain and swelling...
  • Cat's Claw Cat's Claw, Uncaria tomentosa : una de gato
    Tropical Vine : Cat's claw bark is traditionally used for inflammatory arthritis and intestinal complaints such as stomach ulcers....
  • Celandine Celandine, Chelidonium majus : Greater or common celandine
    Biennial Herb : Celandine was used more extensively in the past than it is now, due to concerns about toxicity. Celandine is most often used by modern herbalists for treating gallbladder problems....
  • Chaga Mushroom Chaga Mushroom, Inonotus obliquus : Cinder conk, Birch mushroom
    Mushroom : Chaga and the similar reishi mushroom both have a reputation as tonics for longevity and health. These mushrooms show great promise for their anti-viral activities...
  • Chamomile Chamomile, Matricaria recutita : Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile
    Annual herb : Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
  • Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
    Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
  • Clove Oil Clove Oil, Syzygium aromaticum :
    Tropical evergreen tree : Clove is an antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic essential oil that is used to treat colds, viruses, and dental pain. Put a few drops on a cotton ball for toothache...
  • Coriander Coriander, Coriandrum sativum : Chinese parsley, Cilantro
    herb : Coriander (seeds) and Cilantro (leaves) are names for different parts of the same plant, Corlandrum sativum, a naturally healing food in both forms....
  • Corydalis Corydalis, Corydalis spp : fumewort, Yan Hu So
    perennial herbaceous flowering plant : Corydalis a member of poppy family, and like many Papaverceae Corydalis is an anodyne, a central nervous system depressant, cardiotonic, and sedative. ...
  • Datura Datura, Datura spp : Jimsonweed, metel nut, Thorn Apple
    herbaceous : Datura are potent members of the Solanaceae family, relatives of other well known narcotic plants such as henbane and mandrake....
  • Devil's Claw Devil's Claw, Harpagophytum procumbens : grapple plant, wood spider
    perennial vine : Devils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility ...
  • Epazote Epazote , Chenopodium ambrosioides : Wormseed, Jesuit's Tea, Mexican Tea, Herba Sancti Mariæ
    Annual or short-lived perennial : The use of epazote can be traced back to the Aztecs. Epazote contains up to 70% ascaridole, which gives it a similar character to boldo, another pungent herb ...
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus
    tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain....
  • Fennel Seed Fennel Seed, Foeniculum vulgare : Sweet Fennel, Fenkel
    : Fennel seed is a good herbal remedy for coughs, helps in weight loss, and even tempers the effects of hormonal changes in menopause...
  • Feverfew Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium :
    Perennial herb : Feverfew has been used in the treatment of headaches since the first century. It has also been used for inflammation, arthritis, menstrual discomforts, fever, and other aches and pains....
  • Figwort Figwort, Scrophularia nodosa : Carpenter's square
    Herbaceous perennial : Figwort is used in salves and poultices to soothe inflamed skin in cases of psoriasis and eczema, and to heal burns...
  • Fo-Ti Root Fo-Ti Root, Polygonum multiflorum : He-shou-wu
    Vine : Fo-ti, as it is known here in the west is most famous for its reputed ability to restore color to gray hair and as a fertility tonic. ...
  • Geranium Geranium , Pelargonium graveolens :
    herb : Rose-scented pelargonium oil is commonly know as geranium oil in aromatherapy. Pelargoniums were used in South Africa as a traditional medicine for healing cold sores, sore throats and infections...
  • Ginger Root Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale : Luyang Dilaw
    Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes....
  • Hemp Oil Hemp Oil, Cannabis sativa :
    Annual Herb : Perhaps the most valued property of hemp (Cannabis sativa) is its percentage of essential fatty acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. Although Cannabis sativa is illegal in the United States because of the dried leaves intoxica...
  • Hops Hops, Humulus Lupulus : Hops
    Perennial vine : Aged hops are sedatives, fresh hops provide bitters that stimulate digestion; these bitters are also found in the aged herb....
  • Horse Chestnut Horse Chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum : Buckeye
    Tree : Horse chestnut is valued in herbal medicine for its ability to tone and strength veins and capillaries...
  • Immortelle Oil Immortelle Oil, Helichrysum angustifolium : Everlasting, Strawflower
    flowering plant : Helichrysum is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative properties....
  • Jamaican Dogwood Jamaican Dogwood, Piscidia piscipula : Florida Fishposion Tree
    : Jamaican dogwood is well known as a specific for migraine headaches and neuralgia and for treatment of insomnia caused by pain, muscle tension and stress....
  • Kava-Kava Kava-Kava, Piper methysticum : Ava. Intoxicating Peper
    shrub : Kava kava can be used as a mild sedative for nervous tension and stress. The active constituents in the roots, kava lactones, have relaxing and intoxicating properties....
  • Kelp/Bladderwrack Kelp/Bladderwrack, Fucus vesiculosis : Fucus, Seaweed, dried
    Seaweed : Kelp is commonly used in herbal medicine to stimulate the thyroid function, and can be effective in weight loss as part of a low calorie diet....
  • Lavender Lavender, Lavandula spp :
    Woody Perennial Herb : Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieve pain, kill germs, heal burns and rashes, and help keep annoying insects at bay. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and healing to the skin...
  • Lemongrass Lemongrass, Cymopogon citratus, C.flexuosus : lemongrass
    grass : Lemongrass is a well-known medicinal and culinary herb in the east. In Ayurveda lemongrass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea....
  • Marjoram,Sweet Marjoram,Sweet, Origanum majorana :
    perennial herb : Sweet marjoram is a fragrant culinary herb and the sweet, herbaceous essential oil is used in aromatherapy for emotional uplift and soothing nerves...
  • Niaouli Oil Niaouli Oil, Melaleuca quinquenervia :
    : Much like tea tree in its antiseptic properties, but with a much milder, fruity aroma. ...
  • Noni Noni, Morinda citrifolia : Indian Mulberry, Mengkudu, Nono, Nhau, Ashyuka.
    Evergreen tree : Noni juice, and powder is far from a new fad,, the fruit and other parts of the tree have been used in Ayuverdic medicine and by traditional Polynesian healers for centuries....
  • Nutmeg Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans : Mace
    Tropical tree : Historically, nutmeg has been used as a form of medicine to treat many affecting the nervous system to the digestive system. Nutmeg essential oil is used in aromatherapy....
  • Passion Flower Passion Flower, Passiflora incarnata :
    Perennial Vine : Herbalists have a high regard for the soothing properties of passionflower and recommend it as a general nerve tonic. Passionflower is often combined with other sedative herbs....
  • Peppermint Peppermint, Mentha piperita : Yerba Buena
    Perennial Herb : Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect that soothes stomachaches and relieves gas. Peppermint oil is cooling and analgesic, relieving heat and inflammation while it increases blood flow to the painful area....
  • Peruvian Bark Peruvian Bark, Cinchona spp : Red Bark. Jesuits' Powder. Cinchona Bark
    Tree : Peruvian Bark, is the historical name of the main active principle, quinine....
  • Pine Pine, Pinus sylvestris : Scots Pine
    : Pine oil is used in aroma lamps to clear congestion and disinfect the air and surfaces. Pine needles can be used to stuff therapeutic pillows and to make balms....
  • Rehmannia root Rehmannia root, Rehmannia glutinosa : Chinese Foxglove, Shu Di Huang
    : Rehmannia is a very commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Know as or Di-huang, (earth yellow), prepared rehmannia is used for loss of blood, yin deficiency....
  • Rosemary Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis :
    Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
  • Rue Rue, Ruta graveolens L. : Herb of Grace
    Perennial Shrub : One of the oldest and garden plants cultivated for medicinal use, rue was valued as a country simple for its ability to ward off toxins and pests. The use of rue as a medicinal herb has declined in modern times due to it's toxicity ...
  • Sage Sage, Salvia officinalis :
    Perennial Woody Herb : Sage is a well-regarded herb for relieving the hot flashes of menopause. Sage is used both as a culinary herb and medicinal herb. Sage essential oil is used sparely...
  • Sassafras root Sassafras root, Sassafras albidum : Sassafrass, Saloop, ague tree, root beer tree,
    Tree : A cup of sassafras root tea has been a traditional spring tonic in the South for hundreds of years, and was part of the home medicine of the early American colonists...
  • Spearmint Spearmint, Mentha spicata : Spear mint
    : Spearmint has much the same properties as peppermint, but is milder and good for use with children's complaints. Spearmint tea will relieve hiccough, flatulence as well as indigestion. ...
  • Spikenard Spikenard, Aralia racemosa : Indian Root, Spignet, Fleabane
    rhizomatous herbaceous perennial : Spikenard root has a mild, pleasant licorice like flavor, often used as a substitute for sarsaparilla, though unrelated botanically, Spikenard is a relative of ginseng....
  • Spilanthes Spilanthes, Spilanthes acmella :
    Tropical perennial : In Brazilian Spilanthes is commonly referred to as the toothache plant for its ability to numb the gums and mouth and calm tooth pain when the flower buds and new leaves are chewed. Spilanthes works in a similar fashion to echinacea in treating pain...
  • Stinging Nettle Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica : Nettle, Common Nettle
    herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages...
  • Tea Tea, Camellia sinensis : Green Tea, Black tea
    Evergreen Shrub : Black tea, Oolong/Wu long tea and green and white teas are all from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The health benefits of tea are mainly credited to the catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or (EGCG). Plant ...
  • Tea Tree oil Tea Tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia : Melaleuca
    tree : Tea tree oil is a fast and easy way to treat insect bites and any type of skin fungus. Apply a few drops neat, or use a clean compress to apply to the skin...
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Turmeric Turmeric, Curcuma longa L. : Curcuma, Indian saffron
    herbaceous perennial plant : Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective in the fight against breast cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis...
  • Vetiver Oil Vetiver Oil, Vetiveria zizanoides : khus khus
    Grass : Vetiver oil is healing to skin, and reduces stress and tension. The aroma is rich, woody, earthy and sweet....
  • White Peony root White Peony root, Paeonia albiflora : Bai Shao Yao, Peony root, and Chinese Peony
    herbaceous perennial : The white peony is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. Peony root is the part valued in Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as abnormal menses, night sweats, abdominal pain, sores and injuries....
  • White Willow Bark White Willow Bark, Salix Alba :
    Deciduous tree : White willow may be the oldest herb known to treat pain and inflammation. White willow contains salicin, a precursor to the compound in aspirin. ...
  • Wild lettuce Wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa : Bitter lettuce, Opium Lettuce
    Biennial herb : Wild lettuce contains a sedative milky latex that can induce opium like sensations. Wild lettuce is a valuable remedy for insomnia and muscular arthritis....
  • Wintergreen Oil Wintergreen Oil, Gaultheria procumbens : Teaberry, Mountain Tea, Spice Berry, Checker-berry, Partridge-berry
    : The minty sweet scent of wintergreen is familiar to anyone who has ever used Bengay©, or other OTC ointments and rubs. The essential oil from the leaves is highly irritating to skin, and should be only used well diluted...
  • Witch Hazel Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana : Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut
    Deciduous shrub : A general and all purpose remedy for abrasions, burns, scalds, insect bites and other inflammatory conditions of the skin....
  • Yucca Root Yucca Root, Yucca spp : Adam's Needle, Soap Tree, Mojave yucca
    Monocot perennial shrub : Yucca's most promising use is in the treatment of both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. The steroidal saponins in yucca are used in the production of synthetic steroid drugs....