August Magazine 2014 Becoming Psychic Magazine February 2014 | Page 24

Willow’s Herbs for Health
Oh My Aching Back!
February has arrived and many of us have had our fill of shovelling snow, slipping on icy walk ways and lugging
heavy containers of salt to spread on those icy walks and drive ways. All of this has taken quite a toll on the poor
old back.
Most people suffer from back ache at least occasionally. This isn't surprising, since our back supports the body and is used
to do
practically everything. Some people feel pain in their upper or middle back, but the vast majority of people with chronic backache problems
will feel it in their lower back. The pain may radiate to both sides of the waist and might include the hips. With severe back pain, a person
may be bedridden and unable to move. Along with some helpful stretching exercises, yoga and hot baths, herbs and essential oils can provide great relief from muscle pain.
Causes of backache range from the easily corrected to severe medical problems. Environmental causes may include poor posture, muscle
tension, bad nutrition, lack of exercise, sitting for long periods, high heels, emotional stress and improper lifting. Internal problems like kidney and prostate illness may cause back pain, as can menstrual problems, the flu and arthritis. The most severe causes include spinal problems like a slipped disc or degeneration of the spinal vertebrae.
Use caution when bending your back and shoulders. Do not lift items with your back. Use the powerful muscles of your legs to lift. Severe
back pain should be examined by a physician. Degenerative problems need medical care.
Pregnant or nursing women should always consult a health care professional before taking any herbal product.
(photo courtesy of www.tlcschool.com)

HERBAL TREATMENTS:
Internal Applications
Boneset: the anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful herbal remedy for muscle pain.
Holy Basil: used to relieve inflammation. Make a syrup from holy basil leaves and 1 cup of water. Reduce the liquid until it measures about
half a cup. Add salt and take daily for backache.
Skull Cap: a nervine which can ease muscle tension and help alleviate spasm.
Valerian: this her b is a muscle relaxant.
Yarrow: anti-inflammatory and possibly anaesthetic properties.
Herbal blend: this blend can help with back pain. Mix the following her bs together : 1 tablespoon of yar row, 1 tablespoon of skullcap
and 1 tablespoon of boneset. Add this mixture to 2 cups of water and simmer for half an hour, keeping it covered. Strain out the herbs and
add 1 tablespoon of the liquid to a cup of hot water in your cup. Add in 1 teaspoon of psyllium and sweeten with honey if you wish. Take
this daily for backache.
External Applications
Arnica: this her b can be applied exter nally as a tea, a cream or a salve. Ar nica eases muscle pain and br uising, as well as str ains a nd
sprains.
Garlic: an oil prepared from gar lic cloves is useful for back ache that is due to muscular pain. Fr y ten cr ushed cloves of gar lic in sesame or coconut oil in a frying pan over low heat until the garlic is brown. Remove the garlic from the oil. After the oil has cooled, it can be
rubbed into the sore regions of the back. Let the oil remain on the skin for three hours before washing it off. This treatment should be continued at least fifteen days.
Gentian: a tr aditional remedy for backache from the Catawba Indians was to steep the roots in hot water, then apply the hot liquid
to sore backs.
Mint: mint oil is also a good massage oil to use for backache.
Witch Hazel: var ious Native Amer ican tr ibes have used it to reduce swelling, soothe sore muscles, and ease back pain.
NOTE: *Information on the traditio nal uses and properties of herbs &essential oils are provided in this article is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has
been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.*