Back pain is a common health issue among elderly and middle-aged individuals, but often, even younger people suffer from it. Some symptoms of back pain include insomnia, actual back pain, pain in the thighs, reduced flexibility of the spine, and so on. Back pain can be caused by many factors such as muscle tension, improper nutrition, lack of physical activity, arthritis, excessive physical labor, incorrect sitting posture, pregnancy, and so on.
Back pain can cause difficulties in performing your daily activities. When experiencing back pain, you can try some folk remedies to get quick relief.
Here are the top 10 folk remedies for treating back pain:
Chamomile Tea
A hot cup of chamomile tea will provide relief to tense muscle tissue and help alleviate back pain. To prepare this herbal tea, take one tablespoon of chamomile flowers, steep in boiling water, and let it infuse for ten minutes. Drink two to three cups of this herbal tea per day. Instead of loose flowers, you can use chamomile tea bags.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, as well as to treat back pain. Take Epsom salt and mix it with hot water to make a thick paste. Now, take a towel, soak it in this mixture, and place it on your back to relieve pain. The warmth from the towel will also reduce swelling. You can take a bath, adding two cups of Epsom salt, for half an hour.
Honey
Back pain – what to do? Use honey, which has been recognized as an effective folk remedy for treating back pain. You can mix one tablespoon of honey in warm water and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach to soothe back pain. This is a simple and easy way to get relief from pain. You can also take one teaspoon of honey, add a pinch of cinnamon powder. Take this mixture twice a day for several days.
Ginger Root
Ginger root, commonly used to treat nausea, can also be used in treating back pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can indeed help relieve back pain. Slice fresh ginger root thinly and put it in a pot of boiling water. Simmer for about half an hour. Cool to room temperature, strain, add honey, and drink. You can also prepare herbal tea using half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of cloves, and one teaspoon of dry ginger powder.
Garlic
This is another component that can be used to treat back pain. It is recommended to eat two to three cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach. You can also use garlic oil for back massage. To make garlic oil, heat some coconut, mustard, or sesame oil over low heat, then add eight to ten cloves of garlic. Fry the garlic for some time until it turns brown. Strain the oil and let it cool to room temperature. Use it for back massage. Leave it on for some time, then rinse off with warm water.
Wheat
Wheat can also be used as an effective folk remedy for back pain. Along with wheat, you will also need vetiver grass (khus-khus) and coriander. Soak a handful of wheat in water overnight. In the morning, add vetiver grass and coriander. Finally, add one cup of milk, and boil it for a few minutes until a thick decoction is obtained. Drink this decoction twice a day as a pain reliever.
Basil Leaves
Basil leaves can also come to your rescue if you suffer from back pain. Add eight to ten basil leaves to a cup of water and boil until the water level reduces to half. Cool to room temperature and add a pinch of salt. Drink this decoction once a day to relieve mild back pain. For severe pain, drink this decoction twice a day.
Herbal Oil
During back pain, it is important to massage the back with vegetable oils. You can take any herbal oil: eucalyptus, almond, olive, or coconut. Take herbal oil and warm it, then use it for back massage. Massage gently, without applying too much pressure. If you are unable to massage yourself, you can always ask someone to help you. After a few minutes of massage, the muscles will relax, and you will get relief from pain.
Milk
Suffering from back pain, regularly drink milk. Milk is a rich source of calcium, which your body needs to strengthen bones and healthy muscles. When your body gets enough calcium, back pain problems diminish. You can simply drink milk or add a little honey for taste. You can also make a mixture of vetiver grass and sugar in equal quantities and consume it twice a day with a cup of warm milk.
Ice Packs
Cold compresses can be applied to relieve pain. Ice can help reduce pain and swelling. To make a cold compress, take a bowl of crushed ice cubes, put them in a plastic bag, wrap them in a towel, and then apply to the affected areas for ten to fifteen minutes. Repeat the procedure after half an hour to get rid of pain. Instead of ice, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.
In conclusion, when your back hurts and you don’t know what to do, try using any of the above 10 folk remedies to relieve pain. Nevertheless, if you cannot get rid of pain using these remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
