Your buying guide to herbal pain relief oils
According to statistics of the Indian Rheumatology Association (2010), India stands second in the world in terms of number of citizens suffering from joint pain. While there are modern and herbal approaches to pain treatment, a pain relief oil always finds its place as a component in the treatment plan.
What is a Herbal Pain Relief Oil:
Herbal pain relief oil is a perfect blend of oils like sesame oil, essential oils and herbal extracts like bala,nirgundi and others that are known for their anti inflammation and vata balancing properties . They give quick relief from any type of ache in the body after rubbing on the body as a result no strains persist at the body. A variety of herbs and essential oils are used for pain and inflammation associated with sports and exercise, as well pain and inflammation associated with rheumatism, arthritis.
Benefits of Massage with Herbal Pain Relief Oil
Relief from pain
Herbal oil relieves from all kinds of pain and muscular aches. It is very effective in the cure of rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, migraines, chronic back pain. Massage helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
Improved Circulation
It increases blood circulation, increasing life span and general sense of well being. Improved circulation also helps in pain relief.
Improved Flexibility
It provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion.
Athletic Performance
Massaging with pain oil improves athletic performance, speeds up healing of injury and strengthens bones.
Traditional vs Proprietary Pain Relief Oils:
In Ayurveda, traditionally all pains are attributed to Vata and there are a few hundreds of traditional formulations with anti-inflammatory herbs and oil for massage and aid in pain relief. However, the modern proprietary formulations come with a mix of Herbal Extracts, base oils and some essential oils also. Some popular traditional oils are - Maha Narayana Tail, Karpooradi Tail and Pinda Tailam.
Key Constituents of a Herbal Pain Relief Oil:
Herbal Extracts:
Herbal Extracts are mostly aqueous extracts or kashyas of the herbs(roots/seeds) and some pastes(called kalka in ayurveda) of the whole plants or leaves.
Some Examples of herbs : Bala, Nirgundi, Masha, Ashwagandha, Sonthi Etc
Essential Oils:
“Essential oils” are the therapeutic, volatile oils that come from plants. Most essential oils are rapidly absorbed after dermal, oral, or pulmonary administration and cross the blood brain barrier and interact with receptors in the central nervous system, and then affect relevant biological functions such as relaxation, sleep, digestion etc.
These products do not have any side effects or allergic reactions such as irritation or darkening of the skin or cause inflammation on the point of application. Hence, the consumer develops a liking for these as they aid in quick pain relief.
Some Examples of essential oils : Gandhapuro, Nilafiri, Menthol, Clove, Lavender etc.
Base oils:
Normally Castor oil or sesame oil like edible oils as base oil which not only helpful in addressing inflammation but also help in absorbing the therapeutic ingredients into the body. Also, massaging the joint with Sesame oil benefits in reducing the pain as well as swelling, and also helps strengthen the bones.
Don't Depend on Oil alone for chronic pains:
Clinical studies demonstrate that many forms of arthritis and joint inflammatory conditions can be managed effectively through specific dietary and supplementation practices, in conjunction with other natural treatments including massage, exercise, etc.
Acute pain is usually managed with medications such as analgesics and anaesthetics. Management of chronic pain, however, is much more difficult and may require the coordinated efforts of a pain management team.
What to look for in Ingredients of the oil?
When buying an over the counter herbal pain relief oil you need to look for a blend of both Herbs and Essential oils. Many popular oils just contain the essential oils, though these provide the relief, but that just the short term relief, they may not be aiding you to strengthen your muscles over the period without the herbal extracts.
Finally, do we make herbal pain relief oil? Yes, We do and here it is