Whether you suffer from creaky knees, tennis elbow, or a stiff back, there are a number of herbal remedies that can help. Taken topically or orally, a cure for your aches and pains could be as close as your backyard garden. Here’s a look at some of the most common pain-relieving herbs:

– Arnica: A flowering herb related to sunflowers, arnica is now widely available in both topical and oral forms. It contains helenin, an analgesic and anti-inflammatory and has long been used for joint and muscle pain.

– Boswellia: A flowering tree best known for producing the fragrant resin used to make frankincense, boswellia is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic used to soothe pain from arthritis and sports injuries.

– Cayenne Pepper: Peppers contain capsaicin, a circulatory stimulant that triggers the body to release endorphins, or feel good hormones, thereby reliving pain.

– Ginger: This spicy root has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties used to treat arthritis pain and cramping.

– Gotu kola: Also known as penny wort this herb was traditionally used to help repair connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. It is an anti-inflammatory that also strengthens the collagen in the joints for greater comfort and flexibility.

– Nettles: This stinging plant was traditionally used to relieve arthritis pain — arthritis sufferers used to swat aching joints with the leaves, thereby injecting pain-relieving histamines into the skin. Today, nettle leaf extracts are used for the same purpose, and to prevent cartilage degradation and inflammation.

– Oregano: This popular culinary herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can be brewed into a tea, along with rosemary and thyme.

– Rosemary: This popular culinary herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can be brewed into a tea, along with oregano and thyme.

– Thyme: This popular culinary herb has anti-inflammatory properties and can be brewed into a tea, along with rosemary and oregano.

How To Make Tea From Herbs To make a cup of herb tea, add 2 teaspoons fresh leaves (or 1 tsp. dried herbs/tea leaves) to a stainless steel tea ball or in a small reusable, muslin teabag.

Place into a glass or ceramic teacup. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove tea ball or teabag and enjoy plain, or with lemon and honey.

Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.

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