Natural Health: Take cayenne pepper to ease back pain 

Plus: natural ways of dealing with teething pains

Pic: iStock

I injured my lower back about a month ago while digging in the garden. I took paracetamol to ease the intense pain, but I’m left with an ongoing dull ache, making any work in the garden almost impossible. I’m 64 and in general good health. What natural treatment could I use?

My go-to treatment for instant musculoskeletal pain relief is an over-the-counter cayenne pepper (often listed as the active ingredient, capsaicin) and menthol anti-inflammatory rub (usually a salve, balm, or gel). Ideally, the preparation will also contain arnica for deep tissue repair.

Cayenne not only provides relief when used topically, but it can also help manage pain and improve circulation when added to food. Add a pinch to your stews, soups, curries, or herbal tea.

Turmeric and ginger are also well-known kitchen remedies for pain relief and inflammation.

You can make a simple pain relief infusion by mixing half a teaspoon of ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne (and honey to taste) into a cup of boiling water.

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach, can be highly effective in treating pain.  If you are not keen on needles, electrical stimulation of the nervous system using a TENS machine is a good option. Portable TENS machines have become widely available and more affordable in the last 10-15 years as usage has increased in popularity for sports injuries and pain management.

If you feel stiffness in the tissues and spine, it may be worth finding a myofascial release therapist to help relieve the dull ache in your back. Alternating hot and cold packs can also bring short-term relief.

You might also want to consider Boswellia as an alternative to anti-inflammatory medication. This resin from the frankincense family is an excellent anti-inflammatory remedy. It can be taken as needed for pain rather than used as a long-term supplement.

Boswellia works by opening up the blood vessels, causing restriction and pain in the body. It has been proven in clinical studies to be as powerful as ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relief.

Solgar’s standardised full-potency Boswellia resin extract is available in health stores. Take 450mg in three divided doses of 150mg throughout the day for temporary pain relief. For intense acute pain, you can increase the doses to a maximum of 300mg each.

This herb is most effective if you take it as you feel the pain coming on rather than waiting until the pain is severe.

My 12-month-old daughter has started waking during the night due to teething. It’s taking an age to get her to settle, which is exhausting. Is there a gentle remedy you could recommend?

When my children were babies, I used the homeopathically prepared tissue salt formulation by New Era called Combination R for pain, drooling, rashes, irritability, and slow-appearing teeth.

Combination R was developed to ease any symptoms associated with teething. It is available from health stores and Homeopathy Supplies Ireland (www.homeopathysuppliesireland.ie; 086-3779974), where 240 tablets cost €12.95.

The tiny ‘fast melt’ tablets dissolve immediately under the tongue or can be easily crushed and added to a little cooled boiled water, breastmilk, or formula. Use as directed.

If your daughter has a nappy rash associated with her teething, try treating it with Baby Balm from Dublin Herbalists.

This gorgeous balm combines hypericum, calendula, chamomile, chickweed, and sea buckthorn. A 50ml pot costs €14.94 and is available online at www.dublinherbalists.ie.

• If you have a question for Megan Sheppard, please email it to [e-mail] 
• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.