If you spend between 8 or 10 hours a day sitting in front of the computer or at a table, driving or standing behind a counter, this immobility and adopting inappropriate postures It will end up taking its toll on you and causing muscle and joint pain. Specialists name these ailments: back pain, shoulder tendinitis, neck pain, low back pain, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, torticollis…

The first step to relieving these persistent pains is to correct poor posture and use ergonomic seats. But in the moment we may be tempted to turn to painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to find relief.

The medicinal plants They can be a good alternative to conventional analgesics and anti-inflammatories or, at least, a good support.

1 in 4 people over 20 years of age have back pain due to poor posture

A good alternative or support to relieve pain

Medicinal plants such as arnica, viburnum, harpagofito, St. John’s wort and cayenne have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make them good natural remedies to soothe muscle and joint pain.

Living4Media

1. Arnica (Arnica montana)

He best pain reliever It is arnica and it is also the most effective anti-inflammatory. It is used to calm the joint inflammation, myalgia and dislocations. It relaxes the muscle, reduces inflammation, is flushing and activates circulation.

You can apply it as an infusion to the painful area with hot compresses.

2. Viburnum (Viburnum opulus) and American viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)

The viburnum and its American relative have salicylic acid and are good support against pain in the neck, back and hand joints. They have great anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic power.

The most common way to use it is in bark decoction, and to a lesser extent the leaves, taking 2 to 3 cups a dayto. It can also be used topically in liquid extract or tincture. You can combine them with willow and valerian.

Creative Commons

3. Harpagofito (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Another great ally, similar in effectiveness to clinical anti-inflammatories due to its triple function: strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic, is devil’s claw. It is recommended especially in chronic processes, to treat pain in the neck, wrists, fingers, lower back, neuralgia, etc..

The part that is used is the tuber. Take the dust in decoction 3 cups a dayin capsules or liquid extract.

Living4Media

4. Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum)

Although the properties for which St. John’s Wort is best known are antidepressants, this plant is also used topically for its analgesic effect. He St. John’s Wort oil It has been shown to be effective in the long term in relieving muscle pain.

It must be applied with perseverance with a gentle massage on the painful area.

Pexels

5. Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)

Cayenne is very effective topically to alleviate neuralgia and pain in muscles, tendons and neck.

Powders or oleoresin (minimum 8% capsaicin), in the form of cream or ointment or in compresses, are the most common applications.

It should be used in moderation as it can irritate sensitive skin.

Advice: JM Teixé, herbalist from Manantial de Salud