Kava is often prescribed to treat stiffness, insomnia, pain, jet lag, uncontrolled epilepsy and anxiety. Scientists have found that kava contains chemicals called kavapyrones. They reduce convulsions and enable muscle relaxation. The scientists have also found that kavapyrones cause in the brain reactions similar to the reactions cause by medications used for treatment of anxiety and depression. Unlike those medicines, the compounds found in kava do not cause negative side effects on heart rating, thinking ability, breathing and blood pressure.

Kava changes the amount of neurotransmitters in the blood because the plant stops the absorption of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. High levels of norepinephrine in the blood can help for relaxation and can reduce anxiety. Also, kava increases the number of attachment sited for gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is another neurotransmitter. The increased number of GABA sites may enhance GABA activity and this may cause sedation.

In addition, kava contains chemicals that prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) from affecting the level of dopamine, which is also neurotransmitter. MAO-B and dopamine have both affect the body’s emotional stability. However, the effects of kava in this direction are not very well-known.

Standardized kava extract can be taken three times per day. The total daily amount of kava should not be more than 210 mg. One dose of 210 mg can be used to treat insomnia. Doses of 2-4 g can be taken three times per day to treat stress, insomnia and anxiety.

Kava can cause liver damage, so people who suffer from liver disease and take liver-compromising medicine should consult a doctor before they take kava.

If you suffer from an inflammation-related condition such as arthritis, neck and back pain, or tendonitis, adding anti-inflammatory herbs to your health regimen may help you manage your pain. Although not as fast-acting as standard pain medication, such herbs may significantly diminish your pain when used regularly (especially when combined with daily exercise and the practice of relaxation techniques, both of which can provide pain reduction).

Keep in mind that anti-inflammatory herbs won’t heal your condition itself, despite their pain-easing effects. Furthermore, addressing the cause of chronic inflammation is essential for working your way toward optimal health; not only known to generate pain, inflammation is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Be sure to consult your primary care provider before using herbs, to avoid making common mistakes.

Herbal Pain Relief

Here’s a look at six inflammation-fighting herbs that may provide pain relief.

1) White Willow Bark

Containing aspirin-like compounds, this herb was found to be as effective as conventional medicine in lessening pain among people with mild to fairly severe knee and hip problems in a 2008 study. White willow bark may also alleviate acute back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.

2) Boswellia

Sourced from a resin found in the bark of frankincense trees, boswellia has been shown to thwart chemical reactions involved in inflammation. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine have long used boswellia to treat arthritis; the herb may also benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease.

3) Devil’s Claw

Traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, devil’s claw may also soothe pain resulting from osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and back and neck troubles. In a 2007 study of 259 people with rheumatic conditions, researchers found that 60% of study members either reduced or stopped their pain medication after eight weeks of taking devil’s claw. The herb also appeared to improve the participants’ quality of life.

4) Bromelain

An enzyme extracted from pineapple stems, bromelain reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (such as TMJ syndrome), as well as those suffering trauma-related inflammation. What’s more, the enzyme may promote healing in muscles and connective tissues.

5) Curcumin

Another ayurvedic remedy known to tame arthritis pain, curcumin is a compound found in the curry spice turmeric. In an animal-based study published in 2007, scientists discovered that curcumin can overpower pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines. The compound may also help decrease pain associated with autoimmune disorders and tendonitis.

6) Ginger

While sipping ginger tea can help relieve cold-related congestion, supplementing with this warming herb may deliver long-lasting health effects. Research indicates that ginger may calm arthritis pain, possibly by lowering your prostaglandin levels. One 2005 study even suggests that ginger could reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin).

Pods are used for conjunctivitis in the same manner as mesquite pods and the gum, although catsclaw is harder to harvest it is used in the same way as mesquite gum. The powdered pods and leaves make an excellent infused tea (2-4 ounces of the standard infusion every three hours) for diarrhea and dysentery, as well as a strongly astringent hemostatic and antimicrobial wash. The straight powder will stop superficial bleeding and can also be dusted into moist, chafed body folds and dusted on infants for diaper rash. The flowers and leaves as a simple tea are good anti-inflammatory for the stomach and esophagus in nausea, vomiting, and hangovers. It is distinctly sedative. The root is thick and mucilaginous as a tea and is good for sore throat and mouth inflammations as well as dry raspy coughing.