Before you reach for over-the counter pain relievers, which have been shown to have negative side effects, try some of these natural solutions for general muscular aches and pains, arthritis, sore muscles, sciatica, strains, and sprains.

Arnica is one of the best known herbal sports medicines, arnica has dramatic results if used immediately after an injury. The most common application is in ointments and creams. In a homeopathic capacity, arnica can be taken internally with good results and with a great margin of safety. The tiny while pellets are a great addition to any first aid kit.

Rosemary oil relieves the pain of aching muscles and joints. It is a warming and stimulating circulatory tonic. Use rosemary infused oil, or dilute rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil for external use. Fresh rosemary brewed as a tea can lift a headache and energize your spirits.

Boswellia gum resin extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. ³ Formulas containing boswellic acid combined with glucosamine are often used to relieve the joint pain of arthritis.

Devils claw herb has an extensive history of use as an anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever. Devil's claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the tubers contain a group of chemicals called iridoids that have anti-inflammatory activity. ³

Natures Aspirin: Salicylic acid (from the Latin word for the White Willow tree, Salix, from whose bark it can be obtained)⁶ is the compound used to make aspirin. Salicylate deters the body's production of certain prostaglandins that are linked to inflammation, pain, and fever among other things. The body converts the salicin in white willow into salicylic acid,.. for all practical purposes willow and aspirin are the same¹

Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, It may be used externally for arthritis, backache, gout, tendinitis, muscular, joint, arthritic and rheumatic pain. Use sparingly,as the active phytochemical, methyl salicylate is toxic in large doses. Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula. The American species Betula lenta, (Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch) oil is almost identical with wintergreen oil, but is not as toxic.

Pepper Power: Applied topically, Cayenne works partly as a counter irritant, but it also blocks a body chemical integral to the transmission of pain impulses. Salicylates (like those in aspirin) add to its pain-preventing power. Creams and ointments containing capsaicin, one of cayenne's active ingredients, are widely available, and work well on tough arthritis joint pain, but can be very irritating to the skin. Cayenne infused oil is a better choice for muscle and sciatic pain, and can be applied more frequently over a wider area of the body with much less of the burning sensation of capsaicin extracts.

Old world pain remedies: Vervain can be taken as a tea, extract, or used as a poultice. It is good in headache, earache, neuralgia, rheumatism, etc. In this form it colors the skin a fine red, giving rise to the idea that it had the power of drawing the blood outside. Vervain is also a traditional antirheumatic used to relive joint pain. Protective of the liver, calming and lifts depression that can occur with chronic illness like arthritis. ⁵

Using Essential Oils for pain: Aromatherapy massage oils combine the healing touch of massage with the pain relieving qualities of natural plant oils. Make your own custom blends for sore achy muscles, sciatica, arthritis pain, headaches and more. Dilute the essential oils in a 1 to 2 percent solution with a carrier oil like almond or olive.

Black pepper oil is hot, warming, very yang. Externally it is rubefacient and gently analgesic. ²

Applied externally Camphor oil numbs the peripheral nerve endings. It also stimulates circulation and acts as a rubefacient. ²

Caraway has muscle relaxants that help check spasms. ¹ Caraway is very useful for abdominal pains and stomach cramps.

Eucalyptus oil reduces pain in sore muscles, sprains, and sports injuries. ⁴ This oil is very cooling to the body, and eases the breath.

Oil of fennel relieves muscular or rheumatic pains. ⁴. Fennel is also good for abdominal pains and cramping.

Peppermint essential oil reduces pain, inflammation, and spasms, and stimulates local blood circulation. It is used to treat muscular aches and pains, strains, and sprains. The natural menthol in peppermint is responsible for its cooling, refreshing pain relief. A few drops of peppermint goes a long way.