Natural Painkillers for Topical Use
Herbs and Other Alternative Treatments Can Provide Safe Pain Relief
Aug 7, 2008
Some of these treatments are better known as oral supplements, but using them topically is safer and less likely to cause any side effects. Others can only be used externally.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are nutritional supplements used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. There is somewhat mixed evidence of their efficacy, but most studies have got positive results. In Europe oral glucosamine is even approved as a prescription drug. They may also be effective in topical use. A study found that a cream containing glucosamine, chondroitin and camphor helped arthritis pain more than a placebo cream.
MSM
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is another dietary supplement used for osteoarthritis. It may have anti-inflammatory properties. Topical preparations are available, but there is no clear evidence to support their use. Even the efficacy of oral supplements is disputed, but many people have found them helpful.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) is a mineral traditionally used in bath salts and some of it is absorbed into the skin. As in oral use, topical magnesium improves circulation, relaxes muscles and may also reduce inflammation. It has been reported to alleviate pain from fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. Gel and cream forms are available from some pharmacies and other vendors.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular essential oil used for its calming properties. It is less commonly known that it also acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory with potency comparable to NSAIDs. It can be used in aromatherapy, added to bath or an aroma burner, but also topically for muscle, bone and joint pain.
Mountain Arnica
Mountain arnica (Arnica montana) is a herb used in topical creams to treat bruising (such as after surgery) and pain, especially minor injuries and arthritis. The active ingredient helenalin has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but is too toxic for oral use.
Arnica creams and ointments are widely available over the counter, but there is little evidence of their efficacy. A Swiss study found arnica cream helpful in osteoarthritis, but there was no placebo group to compare with.
Tiger Balm
Tiger balm is an Asian folk remedy used in the treatment of pain, tension headache, congestion and insect bites. It contains menthol and several essential oils, including camphor. Tiger balm comes in two varieties, white and red. The red includes cassia oil and is supposedly more effective for muscle pain.
Again there is little evidence of efficacy, but several of the essential oils are known to act as local anesthetics or have other beneficial properties. Tiger balm can be purchased in many Asian stores and drugstores.
There are numerous similar over-the-counter pain creams and ointments, which contain menthol and/or camphor and sometimes other ingredients.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the substance in chili peppers that causes the hot sensation. It has been used as a topical treatment for neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain in creams and patches. It can cause a burning sensation on the skin, but the burning - and the pain - usually go away with repeated use. Depending on the country capsaicin may be available over the counter or only by prescription.
Pharmaceutical Options
See the article Topical Painkillers for information about medications that can be used topically to relieve pain.
References
Cohen M, Wolfe R, Mai T, et al. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 2003 Mar;30(3):523-8.
Knuesel O, Weber M, Suter A. Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: an open, multicenter clinical trial. Adv Ther. 2002 Sep-Oct;19(5):209-18.
Sosa S, Altinier G, Politi M, et al. Extracts and constituents of Lavandula multifida with topical anti-inflammatory activity. Phytomedicine. 2005 Apr;12(4):271-7.
