A series of LecturesByMr. Allah Dad Khan former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar allahdad52@gmail.com

2. Medicinal Plants and Natural Pain
A series of Presentation
By
Mr. Allah D ad Khan
Former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting
Professorthe
Universityof Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan

4. 1.Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens)
This ominous sounding herb
is actually great for treating
numerous health conditions,
among them are liver
problems and heart burn. It
also has anti-inflammatory
effects and can reduce pain
from arthritis, headaches, and
low back discomfort. The
University of Maryland Medical
Center has published several
studies that had great success
treating Osteoarthritis with
Devil’s Claw.

5. 2. Birch Leaf (Betula Lenta)
The leaves from the Birch tree act
much like cortisone, a prescription
drug used to treat endocrine
disorders, arthritis, lupus, skin
disease, autoimmune disorders, and
more. A main chemical compound
found in Birch leaves is methyl
salicylate, similar to salicylic acid
used in aspirin. It is anti-spasmodic,
analgesic, astringent, antifungal,
diuretic, detoxifying, reduces
oxidative damage to skin (stopping
wrinkles), and enhances circulation.
It also promotes enzymatic
secretions in the body. It is truly one
of the first powerful pain-relievers
ever used.

6. 3.White Willow Bark (Salix alba)
The active ingredient in white
willow is salicin, which the body
converts into salicylic acid. This
tree’s covering lowers the body’s
levels of prostaglandins,
hormone-like compounds that can
cause aches, pain, and
inflammation. What’s more, white
willow bark doesn’t upset the
stomach or cause internal
bleeding like many over-the-
counter aspirins. Turn to this herb
for relief from menstrual cramps,
muscle pains, arthritis, or after
knee or hip surgery as it promotes
blood flow and reduces swelling.

7. 4.Capsaicin (Capsicum)
Found in hot chile peppers,
this natural remedy does
wonders for pain. Capsaicin,
the active pain-reducing
ingredient, temporarily
desensitizes nerve receptors
called C-fibers which cause
the pain response. Capsaicin
also diminishes soreness for 3
to 5 weeks while the C-fibers
regain sensation. A single 60-
min application in patients with
neuropathic pain produced
effective pain relief for up to 12
weeks

8. 5.Cherries
Due to the presence of
compounds called
anthocyanins—the same
phytonutrients that give cherries
their rich ruby hue – you can
count on cherries to tamp down
pain. Muraleedharan Nair, PhD,
says, “They block inflammation
and they inhibit pain enzymes,
just like aspirin, naproxen, and
other nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatories.” Cherries are said
to have the highest anti-
inflammatory content of any food,
making them great for remedying
issues such as arthritis

9. 6.Aquamin
Derived from red seaweed,
aquamin is a powerful pain
reducer, too. In a study
published in Nutrition
Journal, of 70 volunteers,
Aquamin users reduced
arthritis pain by 20% in a
month and had less
stiffness than patients taking
a placebo. Helping to
diminish inflammation and
helps to build bone,
aquamin is rich in both
calcium and magnesium,
too

10. 7. Arnica
An excellent herbal rub to
use after intense sports,
an acute injury, or even
post surgery, arnica is a
well-known natural
pain killer among athletes
and yogis. It is derived
from a European flower,
and has anti-inflammatory
properties, although the
true nature of its healing
action is still unknown.

11. 8. Ginger.
Though more studies are
needed, says Dr. Kiefer,
ginger extract may help
with joint and muscle pain
because it contains
phytochemicals, which
help stop inflammation.
Few side effects have
been linked to ginger
when taken in small
doses.

12. 9.Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is most
often used as a natural
remedy for toothaches,
discomfort from bloating
and gas, joint
conditions, skin
irritations, headaches
and muscle pain.

13. 10.Boswellia
This herb is sourced from
the frankincense tree. Its
resin is used to thwart
chemical reactions that
cause inflammation, and
thus pain. Ayurvedic
scientists have used
Boswellia for centuries to
treat arthritic conditions,
as well as inflammatory
bowel disease.

14. 11.Pine Apple
Bromelain – This natural pain-
reducer comes from the enzymes
present in pineapple stems.
Research shows that it reduces
levels of prostaglandins, which
are hormones that induce
inflammation. Bromelain may
benefit people with arthritisand
conditions marked by
musculoskeletal tension (like TMJ
syndrome), in addition to those
suffering trauma-related
inflammation. The enzyme also
promotes healing in muscles and
connective tissues.

15. 12. Turmeric.
This spice has been used to
relieve arthritis pain and
heartburn, and to reduce
inflammation. It's unclear how
turmeric works against pain or
inflammation, but its activity
may be due to a chemical
called curcumin, which has
anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric is usually safe to use,
but high doses or long-term
use may cause indigestion.
Also, people
with gallbladder disease
should avoid using turmeric.

16. 13.Cranberry Juice
Having a bout of ulceritis?
Ulcers usually result from a
pathogen called H. pylori
which attacks the lining of
the stomach and small
intestines, but cranberry
juice can kill it – reducing
pain. Instead of turning to
antibiotics, destroy the
bacteria causing your ulcers
and urinary tract infections
with cranberries

17. 14.Willow Bark
People have been using
willow bark to ease
inflammation (the cause
of most aches and
pains) for centuries. The
chemical salicin, which
is similar to the main
ingredient in aspirin, is
found in the bark of the
white willow

18. 15.Cloves
Whole cloves are often
used to spice up meat
and rice dishes. Ground
cloves are used in pies
and many other foods.
As a medicine, cloves
can be found in capsule
or powder form. Clove
oil is also available

19. 16.Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice has
been used
for centuries as a
remedy for arthritis and
remains one of the
most commonly
used herbs in the US
today. In fact, the
ancient Egyptians called
it the ‘plant of
immortality’.