.jpg)
Five Herbs That Help Me Handle Pain (Without Popping Pills)
- Jodi McKee
- Jan 25, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Pain is one of those great equalizers — we all experience it, we all respond to it differently, and we all (eventually) have to figure out how to live with it in a way that doesn’t take over our lives.
In 2022, I broke my pelvis. Yep — a full, bone-cracking life interruption that turned my world upside down and gave me a whole new appreciation for pain, healing, and how our bodies whisper (or scream) for help. As someone who had never experienced long-term injuries, it completely changed how I approach discomfort, recovery, and pain management.
And let me be honest: I don’t do over-the-counter pain meds. No shade to anyone who does, but for me, relying on Tylenol or ibuprofen long-term didn’t feel like the right path — and I’ll share more about that choice in another post. What I can tell you now is that nature provides us with a pharmacy full of allies. Gentle, powerful, and rooted in hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of years of tradition.
Here are five herbs I personally turn to for ortho-arthritic and joint pain, all selected based on experience, research, and a fair amount of trial and error. These may not be the perfect fit for everyone, but if you’re looking for a natural place to start, consider this your invitation.
White Willow
Salix alba
The original aspirin. No, really — salicin, the compound from which aspirin was first synthesized, comes from good old willow bark. Ancient Sumerians, Greeks, and even Hippocrates recommended chewing on it to ease pain and inflammation.
What makes willow special? Unlike aspirin, it’s gentler on the stomach and slower to act, but the effects tend to last longer. Willow doesn’t just relieve pain; it also has antiseptic, antioxidant, and immune-supportive actions thanks to its rich polyphenol content.
How to use:
Capsules (my go-to when I need extended relief)
Tincture
Tea (though quite bitter)
Topical balms (less common but lovely when paired with other herbs)
Note: If you're allergic to aspirin or taking blood thinners, steer clear of willow.
Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa (syn. Cimicifuga racemosa)
Most people know Black Cohosh as a menopause herb, and sure, it’s great for hormonal support, but that’s not where the story ends. Traditionally, Black Cohosh was used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, and nerve-related discomfort.
It's got some serious anti-inflammatory and analgesic chops, and its antispasmodic action makes it incredibly helpful for tight, overworked muscles. It also acts on the nervous system, so it’s a great herb if your pain has a mental-emotional layer, which, let’s be honest, it often does.
How to use:
Tincture (quick and easy)
Decoction (simmer the root for a more traditional preparation)
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy, and source ethically — Black Cohosh is an at-risk plant, so always choose cultivated sources or seek sustainable alternatives.
Arnica
Arnica montana, Arnica spp.
This is the herbal superhero of impact injuries. I reach for arnica after a bump, bruise, strain, or sprain. It’s bright, vibrant, and energetically uplifting, with well-known anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and vulnerary (tissue-repairing) properties.
Arnica should not be taken internally unless it’s a homeopathic preparation (which I do use), because the whole plant is toxic. But topically, it's magic.
I combine homeopathic arnica internally with my own infused arnica oil for external use — it helps move stagnant blood and lymph, reduces swelling, and speeds up healing after injuries, especially in joints and connective tissue.
How to use:
Homeopathic tablets or pellets
Infused oil (for massages and compresses)
Salves and liniments
Reminder: Do not apply arnica to broken skin.
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian is often called “nature’s Valium,” and while I’m not a fan of comparing herbs to pharmaceuticals, it’s true that this root is deeply calming, sedative, and pain-relieving—especially when pain is linked to muscle tension, stress, or sleepless nights.
What I love most about Valerian is that it addresses both the body and the mind. If your pain feels worse when you’re anxious, restless, or can’t sleep, this one’s for you.
Studies show valerian may help with:
Rheumatic pain
Tension headaches
Restless legs
Chronic muscle aches
How to use:
Tincture
Capsules
Tea (it smells… strong, but it works!)
St.John’s Wort
Hypericum perforatum
St. John’s Wort may be best known for its mood-lifting effects, but don’t underestimate its power as a nerve healer and pain reliever, especially for nerve-related pain like sciatica, neuralgia, and shingles.
I like to think of SJW as an herb for sunshine and soothed nerves — it’s uplifting, calming, and physically healing. Its infused oil is one of the best topical remedies I’ve ever used for sore muscles, nerve pain, bruises, and overuse injuries.
How to use:
Infused oil (topically — seriously amazing)
Tincture
Tea or capsules for internal support
Heads up: SJW can interact with many medications (especially antidepressants and hormonal birth control), so talk to a professional if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
Pain is never just physical. It carries emotional weight, mental tension, fatigue, and frustration, and your healing plan should reflect that. While these five herbs have supported me tremendously on my post-injury journey, they aren’t magic bullets. They’re companions, offering steady, natural support as your body does the hard work of healing.
If you're navigating chronic pain, you're not alone, and you don’t have to settle for harsh pharmaceuticals as your only option. With the right herbs, nourishment, movement, and rest, your path to relief can be a lot more gentle than you think.
Learn More
Looking to grow and use herbs at home? Check out our ebook, Harvest & Herb: A Modern Medicinal Garden, to learn how to grow, harvest, and use herbal allies like lemon balm, rosemary, and more.
Valerian: Herbal Support for Relaxation, Pain Relief & Better Sleep*
The information offered on HealWise websites is for educational purposes only. HealWise makes no medical claims and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. HealWise neither endorses them nor is responsible for their content in any way. Readers are advised to conduct their research regarding the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.
Comments