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Herbal Action: Analgesic/Anodyne
Updated: Sep 5
Pain relief
Analgesic herbs are used to relieve pain. Depending on the situation, they can be used either internally or externally (anodyne) — and it's often best to use them both ways at the same time for the most complete relief.
What they do:
Relieve pain without causing a loss of consciousness or sensation
Reduce inflammation, which is often a source of pain
Calm overactive pain signals traveling to the brain
Work both internally and topically, depending on the herb
Support the nervous system in how it registers and responds to pain
Often overlap with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions, since pain, swelling, and muscle tension are closely connected
Two ways to use them:
Anodynes — taken externally
Analgesics — taken internally
The best pain relief doesn't stop at the symptom
Pain relief herbs should always be paired with herbs that address the root cause of the pain — not used as a standalone fix. Relieving the pain itself is only half the picture; the goal is to also help bring the body back into balance so the underlying issue has a chance to resolve.
How they're used:
Analgesic herbs can be taken as needed for pain relief, whether internally, externally, or both — always alongside herbs targeting the actual source of the discomfort. Most analgesics are also nervines.
When to consider them:
Whenever pain is present and relief is needed, keeping in mind that analgesics manage the symptom while other herbs should be working on the cause.
Analgesic Herbs
Willow, birch (poplar family)
Chamomile
Hops – nervine, sedative, and anodyne pain reliever
Turmeric (curcumin) – natural anti-inflammatory that has been found to significantly reduce pain
Ginger
California poppy - morphine is derived from the opium poppy, this is a family member
Lavender
Lemongrass - analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
Peppermint/spearmint – mild pain reliever
Skullcap – relieves cramping and muscle/organ spasms, sedative
Valerian - highly sedative, relaxes to relieve pain
Meadowsweet
Wormwood – narcotic type qualities
Cayenne (capsicum)
Cloves
Wild Lettuce
Lomatium
Lobelia
Cramp bark
Motherwort
Passion flower
Squawvine
St. John's wort
Eucalyptus
Black cohosh
Devil's claw
Blue vervain
Fennel
Licorice root
Clove
Catnip
Kava kava - short term use
Comfrey
Anodyne Herbs
Herbs that relieve pain by lessening the excitability of the nerves and nerve centers applied externally.
When to consider them:
Joint pain and inflammation (arthritic conditions), sore muscles, toothache,
over-exertion, headache, sunburn, wounds, fractures, etc.
Cloves
Red poppy
White willow
Bugle
Calendula
Chamomile
Echinacea
Ginger
Hemlock spruce
Hop
Horsenettle
Juniper berries
Kava kava
Lobelia
Meadowsweet
Mullein flower
Passion flower
Poke root
pulsatilla
Sassafras
Skullcap
Skunk cabbage
Solomon's seal
Tobacco
Valerian
Vervain
Virginia snake root
White pond lily
Wild lettuce
Wild yam
Wood betony
