Natural Pain Relief: 20 Proven Remedies

Doctor visits and pain medications can be expensive, time-consuming, and hard to find. In an emergency, it might be impossible to get the pain meds from traditional sources. That’s why it’s important to learn about natural and easily accessible alternatives that can be just as effective.

If you’re looking for some free and natural sources of pain relief, keep reading. You might be able to manage your everyday aches and pains from your own kitchen or backyard with these natural resources for pain relief. Many of these remedies have been used for generations and rely on ingredients you can grow, forage, or already have at home.

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1. Arnica Oil

The oil of arnica flowers can be applied topically to soothe muscle aches and skin irritations. Arnica is especially helpful for treating bruises, sprains, swelling, and even joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties make it a popular remedy in natural medicine.

It’s commonly used by athletes to ease sore muscles after workouts or by anyone dealing with minor injuries or overexertion. Arnica works best when applied quickly after injury to reduce swelling and discoloration.

Arnica Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh arnica flowers (1½ to 2 cups)
• Carrier oil (1¼ to 1½ cups), such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil

Equipment:

Instructions:

1. Harvest and Prepare Flowers:
   • Pick fresh arnica flowers just before their petals are fully opened. This is when their medicinal properties are strongest.
   • Roughly break apart the flowers and pack them firmly into a 1-pint mason jar.
2. Add Carrier Oil:
   • Pour the carrier oil over the flowers until they’re completely submerged.
3. Infuse the Oil:
   • Place the mason jar into the top of a double boiler.
   • Slowly heat the water until it reaches 110 to 120°F, then turn off the heat.
   • Over the next 24 to 48 hours, periodically reheat the water to maintain the temperature between 110 to 120°F. Don’t leave the heat on continuously or you could overheat it.
   • Make the water level remains consistent, adding more as needed.
4. Strain the Oil:
   • Once the infusion period is complete, strain out the arnica flowers using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
   • Pour the infused oil into a clean, dry container for storage.

Storage:

• Store the arnica oil in a cool, dark place. It should last for at least a year when properly stored.

Usage:

• Apply the arnica oil topically to soothe muscle aches, bruises, sprains, and other minor injuries.
• You can also apply the infused oil directly to the skin or add it to a compress.
• Don’t apply to broken skin or ingest the oil as arnica can be toxic when taken internally.

Check out this article for more information and to learn how to make the oil into a salve.

2. Cayenne Pepper Ointment

Cayenne peppers are medium to hot chili peppers used in cooking to make dishes spicy. The peppers are grown on bushes and can be eaten fresh or dried and then ground into powder.

Ironically, capsaicin, the stuff that makes the cayenne pepper burn your mouth, also blocks the neurotransmitter responsible for relaying information about pain to your brain. This spicy stuff is known to relieve pain associated with aches, bruises, pain from shingles, menstrual cramps, neuropathy, and migraines. 

Cayenne Pepper Ointment Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 small cayenne pepper, chopped with seeds
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons grated beeswax

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Oil:
   • Combine the chopped cayenne pepper and vegetable oil in a small saucepan.
   • Gently heat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave. Don’t boil it.
   • Once warmed, remove it from the heat and let it sit until cooled.
2. Strain the Mixture:
   • After cooling, strain the oil to remove the pepper pieces and seeds and discard them.
3. Add Beeswax:
   • Return the infused oil to the saucepan.
   • Add the grated beeswax to the oil.
   • Gently heat the mixture until the beeswax is fully melted, stirring occasionally.
4. Finalize the Ointment:
   • Once the beeswax has melted and combined with the oil, remove from heat.
   • Stir until fully mixed.
   • Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool completely to solidify.

Usage:

• Massage a small amount into muscles and joints to help boost circulation and provide warmth.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can reheat the ointment and add more vegetable oil as needed.

Here are some of the health benefits of cayenne pepper.

3. Clove Oil

If a toothache has got you under the weather, you can use cloves to alleviate the pain until you can get in to see the dentist. Clove oil contains a numbing agent and can be used to numb tooth pain.

The easiest method of pain relief is to put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and hold that on the sore tooth. The antibacterial and numbing properties will help with your pain. 

Clove Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cloves:
   • If using fresh cloves, ensure they are clean and dry.
   • Lightly crush the cloves with a mortar and pestle to help release their natural oils.
2. Combine with Carrier Oil:
   • Place the crushed cloves into a glass jar.
   • Pour the carrier oil over the cloves until they’re completely submerged.
3. Infuse the Mixture:
   • Seal the jar with a lid.
   • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2 to 3 weeks, allowing the cloves to infuse into the oil.
   • Gently shake the jar every few days to mix the contents.
4. Strain the Oil:
   • After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the solid cloves.
5. Storage:
   • Transfer the strained clove oil into an airtight bottle.
   • Store it in a cool, dark place. The oil should keep for several months.

Usage:

• For Toothaches: Soak a small cotton ball in the clove oil and gently press it against the sore tooth or gum area. Hold it in place for 5–10 minutes, then remove. Don’t swallow the oil, and don’t do this more than a few times per day.
• For Muscle Pain: Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) at a ratio of 1 part clove oil to 3 parts carrier oil. Massage the mixture into sore muscles or joints. Don’t apply it to broken skin or mucous membranes.
• For Acne or Skin Irritations: Mix 1–2 drops of clove oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply it directly to blemishes or irritated areas using a cotton swab. Use once daily and stop if irritation occurs.

Here are some more health benefits of cloves.

4. Comfrey Poultice

Comfrey was used in traditional medicine for many years. Recently, it has come under fire for potentially causing liver damage and other issues if taken internally. In fact, oral use of comfrey has been banned in several countries. However, comfrey can still be used externally as a simple poultice to treat arthritis and bruising. 

Comfrey Poultice Recipe

Ingredients & Supplies:

• Fresh comfrey leaves
• Cutting board and knife
• Wide-mouth mason jar
• Immersion blender
• Water
• Psyllium husks (optional, for thickening)
• Gauze pads

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Comfrey Leaves:
   • Harvest fresh comfrey leaves and rinse them under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
   • Chop the leaves using a knife and cutting board.
2. Blend the Mixture:
   • Place the chopped comfrey leaves into a mason jar.
   • Add just enough water to cover the leaves.
   • You can also add 1 teaspoon of psyllium husks to help thicken the mixture.
   • Use an immersion blender to blend the contents into a paste.
3. Assemble the Poultices:
   • Lay out gauze pads on a clean surface.
   • Spoon a small amount of the comfrey paste onto each gauze pad.
   • Fold the gauze over to form individual poultices.
4. Storage:
   • Place the prepared poultices into a freezer-safe container or bag.
   • Store them in the freezer until needed.

Usage:

• When ready to use, remove a poultice from the freezer and allow it to thaw slightly.
• Apply the poultice directly to the affected area.
• Secure it in place with a bandage or wrap if necessary.
• Leave the poultice on for 20 minutes to several hours, depending on comfort and need.

5. Creeping Charlie Tea

Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is a fast-growing herb that often pops up in lawns and garden. While many consider it a pesky weed, it has a long history of use in herbal medicine.

Historically, Creeping Charlie was used in Europe as a remedy for colds, coughs, and inflammation. The leaves and stems are packed with vitamin C and can be harvested fresh throughout the growing season. When brewed into tea, Creeping Charlie offers a gentle herbal flavor and may help with headaches, congestion, and seasonal sniffles.

Creeping Charlie Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh Creeping Charlie leaves and stems
• Boiling water

Optional Add-ins:

• Honey
• Lemon or lime slices
• Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions:

1. Harvest and Prepare:
   • Collect enough fresh Creeping Charlie to loosely fill a quart-sized jar.
   • Thoroughly wash the leaves and stems to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Steep the Tea:
   • Place the cleaned plant material into the quart jar.
   • Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar to the top.
   • Cover the jar and let it steep for one hour.
3. Serve:
   • After steeping, strain out the plant material.
   • Enjoy the tea hot or cold.
   • For added flavor, stir in a teaspoon of honey, add a slice of lemon or lime, or add a sprig of fresh mint.

Here are some more uses for creeping charlie.

6. Devil’s Claw Root Tea 

Devil’s claw root is a potent herb from Africa and is named for its claw-like blooms that catch onto animals and clothing. Devil’s claw root is typically used to treat inflammatory pain such as back, joint, and arthritis pain. It is often made into a bitter tea. 

Devil’s Claw Root Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of dried devil’s claw root
• 1 cup of hot water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tea:
   • Place 1 teaspoon of dried devil’s claw root into a cup.
   • Pour 1 cup of hot water over the dried root.
   • Cover the cup to retain heat and essential oils.
   • Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and Serve:
   • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the root pieces.
   • Drink the tea up to three times a day, depending on your needs.

Here are some key benefits of devil’s claw.

7. Feverfew Tea

Feverfew is a pretty perennial that resembles tiny daisies. It may be grown as an annual in cooler climates, and it is often mistaken for chamomile. However, feverfew is an excellent resource for people suffering from migraines, arthritis, joint pain, and even toothaches. 

Feverfew Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of dried feverfew leaves
• 1 cup of boiling water

Instructions:

1. Combine: Place the dried feverfew leaves into a cup or teapot.
2. Steep: Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
3. Cover: Cover the cup or teapot to retain the essential oils.
4. Infuse: Let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Strain: Strain the tea to remove the leaves.
6. Serve: Enjoy the tea warm. You can add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor.

Usage Tips:

• Start with one cup per day to assess your body’s response.
• For chronic pain, you may need to drink it daily for several weeks before noticing the effects.

Here are some more benefits of feverfew.

8. Ginger Tea

Ginger is a delicious spice as well as folk medicine. It has traditionally been used to treat nausea, indigestion, and pain due to inflammation. It may also treat headaches and menstrual cramps.

Ginger Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root
• 2 cups of water
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or rosemary
• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ginger:
   • Slice the ginger root thinly on a sharp diagonal, making about 4 to 5 slices.
2. Simmer:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the sliced ginger and water.
   • Add the optional dried herbs or star anise.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the mixture becomes a dark color.
3. Strain and Serve:
   • Strain the tea into a mug to remove the ginger slices and any added herbs.
   • Stir in honey to taste.
   • Enjoy the tea warm.

Storage Tip:

• You can prepare larger quantities of this ginger tea and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for a few days.
• Enjoy it chilled or gently reheated as desired.

Here are some more health benefits of ginger.

9. Heat and Ice 

Heat and ice are simple, effective tools for managing various types of pain.

Cold therapy works by reducing blood flow to a specific area, which numbs the area and helps decrease inflammation and swelling. It’s especially useful for injuries like sprains, bruises, or swelling that occurs right after an injury.

Heat therapy, on the other hand, increases blood flow and relaxes tight or stiff muscles. It’s great for soothing chronic pain such as arthritis or muscle tension. Heat makes it easier to move without pain, especially in the morning.

How to Use Ice for Pain Relief

1. Wrap an ice pack, ice cubes, or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
2. Apply to the painful area for 15–20 minutes at a time.
3. Wait at least 1 hour before reapplying. You can repeat this 3–4 times a day.
4. Use for recent injuries, swelling, or inflammation.

How to Use Heat for Pain Relief

1. Use a heating pad, warm compress, hot water bottle, or take a warm bath or shower.
2. Apply heat to the affected area for 15–30 minutes.
3. Make sure it’s warm, not hot.
4. Use for muscle stiffness, chronic pain, or tension in areas like the neck, shoulders, or lower back.

10. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is a beautiful purple flower often found in gardens and flower beds. It is commonly used to treat headaches and migraines, especially those due to stress and anxiety. Lavender tea is a delicious drink to help ease the pain away. 

Lavender Essential Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• Dried or fresh English lavender buds
• Carrier oil of your choice (olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil are good choices)

Equipment:

• Clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
• Dark glass bottle for storage

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lavender:
   • If using fresh lavender, make sure it’s completely dry to prevent mold. Hang the lavender upside down in a dark, dry place for 2–4 weeks until fully dried.
2. Fill the Jar:
   • Place the dried lavender buds into the jar, filling it about halfway.
3. Add the Carrier Oil:
   • Pour the carrier oil over the lavender buds until they are completely submerged, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
4. Infuse the Oil:
   • Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
   • Let the mixture infuse for 3–6 weeks, gently shaking the jar every few days.
5. Strain the Oil:
   • After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl to remove the lavender buds.
6. Store the Lavender-Infused Oil:
   • Transfer the strained oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil over time.
   • Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.

Usage:

For headaches and stress relief, massage a drop or two onto your temples and the back of your neck, or add a few drops to a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your bath for full-body relaxation and to help promote restful sleep.

To soothe sore muscles or minor burns, dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) and apply it to the affected area. Here’s how to use lavender essential oil to make a lavender salve.

11. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm inative to Europe and has been used for centuries in herbal medicine to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and are commonly infused into teas, oils, or tinctures.

In addition to easing anxiety and promoting sleep, lemon balm is also known for supporting digestion and soothing headaches. It has mild antiviral properties, making it great for managing cold sores and mild viral infections.

Lemon Balm Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 20 fresh lemon balm leaves (or 2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm)
• 1 quart (4 cups) of purified water
• Optional: honey to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 1 quart of water to a boil.
2. Prepare Leaves: Place the lemon balm leaves into a teapot or heatproof container.
3. Steep: Pour the boiling water over the leaves, stir gently, and let steep for about 10 minutes.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into cups, add honey if desired.

Here are some more health benefits of lemon balm.

12. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint has natural pain-relieving properties. It’s particularly helpful for headaches, muscle pain, and digestive discomfort. Peppermint contains menthol, which produces a cooling effect that can help numb and calm inflammation.

Peppermint Essential Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2–3 handfuls of fresh peppermint leaves and stems
• Carrier oil of your choice (such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, or another plant-based oil)

Equipment:

• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Double boiler or a pot for indirect heating
• Strainer or cheesecloth
• Dark glass bottle for storage

Instructions:

1. Harvest and Clean the Peppermint:
   • Pick 2–3 good handfuls of peppermint leaves and stems.
   • Rinse them quickly to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Dry the Peppermint:
   • Pat the washed leaves dry with a paper towel.
   • Lay them out on a sheet of cardboard or a clean surface, out of direct sunlight.
   • Allow them to air-dry at room temperature for about 2 days until completely dry.
3. Prepare the Infusion:
   • Weigh the dried peppermint.
   • Place the dried peppermint into a glass jar.
   • Pour in about 10 times the amount of carrier oil over the peppermint (for 0.3 oz of dried peppermint, use 3 oz of oil).
   • Gently mash the peppermint into the oil to start the infusion process and remove any air bubbles.
4. Infuse the Oil:
   • Set up a double-boiler system by placing the jar of oil and peppermint in a pot of warm water (maximum 100°F).
   • Heat gently for about 2 hours, stirring and mashing occasionally. Make sure no water splashes into the jar.
5. Cool and Strain:
   • Remove the jar from the pot and allow it to cool.
   • For a stronger infusion, let it sit at room temperature for another 2 days.
   • Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into a clean bowl to remove the plant material.
6. Store the Infused Oil:
   • Transfer the strained oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light.
   • Store in a cool, dark place. The oil can last up to 1 year when properly stored.

Usage Tips:

Peppermint essential oil is a powerful natural remedy for pain relief. The active compound menthol provides a refreshing sensation that helps relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and numb discomfort. It’s especially useful for headaches, sore muscles, joint pain, and tension-related discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

To use peppermint oil for pain, dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil—typically 2–3 drops of peppermint oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. For headaches, gently massage the diluted oil onto your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck. For muscle aches or joint pain, rub the blend directly onto the affected area.

For digestive pain or cramps, you can make a soothing peppermint tea.

13. Plantain Poultice

Plantain has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful healing properties. It’s well known for its ability to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing.

The leaves contain compounds like allantoin, aucubin, and mucilage, which help speed up tissue repair, fight infection, and draw out toxins from insect bites, splinters, or stings.

Plantain Poultice Instructions

Method 1: The Chew-It-Up Method (Great for Emergencies)

1. Pick a few fresh plantain leaves and rinse them if necessary.
2. Chew the leaves thoroughly to release their juices and form a mushy mass.
3. Apply the chewed mass directly onto the affected area.
4. Cover with a bandage to keep it in place.
5. Leave it on for a few hours, replacing with fresh plantain as needed.

Method 2: Powdered Herb Poultice

1. Grind dried plantain leaves into a fine powder.
2. Mix the powder with a small amount of water to create a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste to the affected area.
4. Cover with a bandage or medical tape.
5. Replace the poultice every few hours as needed.

Method 3: Blender or Food Processor Method

1. Place fresh plantain leaves into a blender or food processor.
2. Add a tiny amount of water, just enough to blend into a thick paste.
3. Blend until you achieve a smooth, moist consistency.
4. Spoon the mash onto a piece of cheesecloth or clean fabric.
5. Fold the cloth around the mash to form a small packet.
6. Apply the packet to the affected area and secure it with medical tape or a bandage.
7. Leave it on for a few hours, replacing with fresh plantain as needed.

Plantain can also be made into a tea to support respiratory health, ease coughs, and calm mucous membranes. Here’s how to make plantain tea.

14. Raw Onions

Onions aren’t just for cooking—they’ve been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Rich in quercetin and sulfur compounds, onions have strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and even antifungal properties.

These healing compounds can help reduce swelling, fight infections, and ease pain, making onions a versatile addition to your home remedy toolkit.

How to Use Onion Medicinally

For Tooth Pain:

1. Cut a small piece of raw onion.
2. Place it on the affected side of your mouth, near the sore tooth or gum.
3. Gently chew to release the onion juice, which will numb the area and fight bacteria.
4. Spit out the onion after a few minutes and rinse with warm salt water.

For Cuts, Burns, or Insect Stings:

1. Slice a fresh onion and separate a layer.
2. Apply the raw onion layer directly to the affected skin.
3. Hold it in place for 10–15 minutes to reduce pain and draw out toxins.
4. Repeat several times a day as needed.

For Congestion or Cold Relief:

1. Finely chop one onion and place it in a bowl near your bed or workspace.
2. Inhale the vapors to help open your sinuses and relieve nasal congestion.
3. Alternatively, mix chopped onion with honey and let it sit for a few hours to make a simple homemade cough syrup. Take 1 tablespoon as needed.

To Reduce Chronic Inflammation:

1. Add raw onions to salads, sandwiches, or salsas regularly.
2. Cooking onions reduces some of their medicinal potency, so try to include them raw when possible.

Here are some more uses for onions.

15. St. John’s Wort Tea

You might associate St. John’s Wort with treatment for depression. However, this plant has been used for centuries to treat other disorders, as well. Specifically, as a tea, it works to treat sciatica, arthritis, and neuropathy. You can also use it in a salve form to treat skin abrasions and sore muscles. 

St John’s Wort Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of dried St. John’s Wort
• 1 cup of boiling water
• Honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
2. Add Herb: Place 1 tablespoon of dried St. John’s Wort into a teacup or teapot.
3. Pour Water: Pour the boiling water over the herb.
4. Steep: Cover and let it steep for 5–7 minutes to preserve the beneficial compounds.
5. Strain: Strain the tea to remove the herb.
6. Customize: Add honey or lemon, if desired.

You can also create a salve from St. John’s Wort. First, you need to infuse fresh flowers into the oil. Then mix the infused oil with melted beeswax. You can find more detailed directions here. 

Note: St. John’s Wort may cause interactions with other medications; it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using an herbal remedy. 

16. Stinging Nettle Tea

You may be familiar with the nettle plant’s nasty sting. If you brush up against it, it can leave a nasty welt or rash, but the same compounds that leave a sting can also relieve arthritis. In fact, people have traditionally stung themselves with stinging nettle to soothe the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. 

However, if you’d rather not sting yourself, you can make it into a tea instead.

Stinging Nettle Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh stinging nettle leaves
• 4 cups water
• Honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Harvest Nettle Leaves:
   • Wear gloves to protect your hands from the stinging hairs.
   • Select young, tender leaves, preferably from the top of the plant.
2. Wash the Leaves:
   • Thoroughly rinse the nettle leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Boil Water:
   • In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
4. Add Nettle Leaves:
   • Carefully add the washed nettle leaves to the boiling water.
   • Allow them to simmer for about 5–10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
5. Strain the Tea:
   • Once the tea has steeped to your preference, remove the pot from heat.
   • Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the tea into a teapot or directly into cups to remove the leaves.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the stinging nettle tea hot.
   • You may add honey or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor if desired.

Here are some more benefits of stinging nettle.

17. Toothache Plant Tincture

The toothache plant is a tender perennial in the aster family. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in a salad, but the petal-less flowers are very helpful for mouth or tooth pain. 

Chewing on the flowers of the toothache plant will cause a strong numbing sensation in your mouth. If you have mouth or tooth pain, it will give you temporary relief. For a sore throat, you can create tea by steeping several flowers in hot water. Strain the tea and use it for gargling to relieve your throat pain. 

Toothache Plant Tincture Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 part fresh paracress (toothache plant) flowers (leaves can be included)
• 2 parts 100-proof alcohol (vodka is ideal)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Plant Material: Roughly chop or snip the fresh paracress flowers (and leaves, if using) into small pieces.
2. Fill the Jar: Place the chopped plant material into a clean glass canning jar.
3. Add Alcohol: Pour the alcohol over the plant material, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
4. Seal and Shake: Close the jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake it a few times to distribute the alcohol.
5. Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or so.
6. Strain and Bottle: After 4 to 6 weeks, strain out the plant material using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
7. Store the Tincture: Pour the liquid into amber dropper bottles for storage and use.

Usage:

• Dose: 3 to 4 drops at a time, used several times a day.
• Optional: Mix the tincture with a teaspoon of honey to improve taste.
• Mouth Rinse Option: Add a few drops to a glass of salt water and swish for tooth or gum pain relief.

Here’s more information on the toothache plant.

18. Turmeric Golden Milk

You may be familiar with turmeric for its association with curries and other spicy Indian dishes. Turmeric is also known as Indian Saffron due to its bright yellow color. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

You can add turmeric as a spice to your diet, or you can make it into turmeric tea. Studies show that black pepper will boost absorption, so don’t be afraid to add some black pepper to your tea. An even tastier option with even more health benefits is turmeric golden milk, which has been used for centuries.

Turmeric Golden Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• 1 pinch black pepper
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: Add turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, milk, and honey to a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil: Heat the mixture while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
3. Reduce to simmer: As soon as it begins to boil, lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer gently: Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors and medicinal properties to infuse.
5. Strain: Remove from heat and pour through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to catch any solids.
6. Serve warm: Pour into a mug, let it cool slightly, and sip your golden milk while warm for maximum benefit and comfort.

To learn more, here’s a list of the proven health benefits of turmeric.

19. Valerian Root Tea

Valerian root has long been used for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. It also contains glutamine, which is one of the building blocks of GABA. GABA is an amino acid that calms the mind and helps you sleep better. Valerian may also reduce low back pain, sciatica, and migraines. 

Valerian Root Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root
• 1 cup of boiling water
• Optional: honey, lemon, or mint leaves for flavor

Instructions:

1. Measure the valerian root: Place 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root into a tea infuser or directly into your teacup.
2. Boil water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
3. Combine and steep: Pour the boiling water over the valerian root. Cover the cup or teapot to retain heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea: If you didn’t use a tea infuser, strain the tea to remove the valerian root pieces.
5. Add flavor (optional): Enhance the taste by adding honey, a slice of lemon, or a few mint leaves if desired.
6. Enjoy: Drink the tea warm, preferably 30 minutes before bedtime to aid relaxation and promote restful sleep.

Here are some science-backed benefits of valerian root.

20. White Willow Bark Tea

Native Americans have used white Willow Bark to treat pain for many years. Salicin, the active ingredient in white willow bark, was discovered in 1828 and became the precursor to modern Aspirin. There are over 300 species of willow trees, and they all contain varying levels of salicin. 

You can forage for white willow bark in the early spring but be cautious about taking bark from the large trunks of willow trees. Taking too much bark can damage, scar, and kill the tree. It is more sustainable to take small branches or use off-shoots from the tree itself. 

Although the medicinal part of the tree is from the inner bark, if you use young small branches, you can use both the outer bark and the inner bark. 

White Willow Bark Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon white willow bark (dried and chopped)
• 2 cups water
• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick, 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, honey

Instructions:

1. Boil water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add ingredients: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Add 1 tablespoon of white willow bark. If using, also add the cinnamon stick and ginger slices.
3. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
4. Steep: After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat. Cover and let the tea steep for an additional 20–30 minutes to enhance the flavor and potency.
5. Strain: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the tea into a mug to remove the bark and any added spices.
6. Sweeten (optional): Add honey to taste if desired. This can help balance the tea’s natural bitterness.
7. Serve: Enjoy the tea warm. It’s best consumed 1–2 times per day as needed for relief.

You can also make white willow bark into a tincture, which has the same benefits, but you only need about 1/2 a teaspoon at a time. Here’s how to make a willow bark tincture.

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