If you are looking for the best ayurvedic medicine for back pain, then you have come to the right place. According to one of the recent studies published by Indian Express, 87.5 million of the population of India suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. It is reported that lower back pain is the most frequent kind of complaint.
If you ever felt the nagging ache in your lower back after a long day at work or sharp pain when you were lifting something heavy, then ayurvedic medicine is the answer to your pain.
Ayurvedic medicine offers an ideal solution with its time-tested remedies through a natural approach for back pain relief.
Without further delay, let’s get to it.
Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Back Pain
Ayurvedic medicine utilizes natural ingredients known for their healing properties. Here are some of the best Ayurvedic ingredients for back pain.
- Dashmool
- Guggulu
- Ashwagandha
- Shallaki
- Nirgundi
1. Dashmool
Dashmool literally means "ten roots," so it is a compound formation with roots of ten different medicinal plants from Ayurveda. It is highly acclaimed for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and therefore, widely used in conditions related to period pain and inflammation. Dashmool consists of roots from Bilva, Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Patala, Gambhari, Brihati, Kantakari, Gokshura, Shalaparni, and Prishniparni.
These roots synergistically balance the Vata/Kapha Doshas, generally responsible for pain and stiffness. Dashmool targets specifically in relieving lower back pain and joint pains and brings comfort while improving mobility.
2. Guggulu
Guggulu is the resin of the Commiphora Mukul tree. Medicines made out of this resin having anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. It is the combination of plant sterols, guggulsterone, and essential oils that make this resin possess medicinal properties.
Guggulu lessens inflammation and pain. The herb is quite helpful in treating all types of arthritis, sciatica, and backaches that are relentless. It is available in the market as tablets, capsules, and powder, and also in herbal formulations.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is referred to as the Indian ginseng and is a very revered herb in Ayurveda. It has adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties. The herb is medicinally very effective, containing withanolides, alkaloids, and sitoindosides, among other compounds. It can relax the muscles and serves as an anti-inflammatory, besides being an analgesic.
It has stress and anxiety-controlling properties, which further helps in controlling back pain.
Ashwagandha can be taken in powder form along with milk or water, in capsules or tablets, and as constituents of various Ayurvedic formulations.
4. Shallaki
Shallaki (Boswellia) is an Ayurvedic herb that is well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, being a resin from the Boswellia tree. These boswellic acids are responsible for the medicinal effect.
This will help in reduction of inflammation and pain, especially for women with arthritis, osteoarthritis, and back pain. You will find them a lot as they are available in Indian stores in capsule and tablet forms.
5. Nirgundi
Vitex negundo or Nirgundi is one of the most versatile Ayurvedic herbs, commonly utilized because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils obtained in the leaves of Nirgundi make therapeutically acting compounds.
These are very effective in cases of muscle spasm and reducing inflammation. Commonly used in cases of arthritis, sciatica, and backache, Nesvadba Nirgundi Oil is a very commonly used oil form which is really helpful, if applied externally. Basically, you can get the oil and rub it to the painful or stiff part and this naturally gives a relief feeling.
Best Ayurvedic Massage for Back Pain
Ayurvedic massage is a highly effective therapy for relieving back pain. It uses the ancient principles of Ayurveda to promote healing and relaxation.
Here are the three commonly used techniques.
- Abhyanga
- Pizhichil
- Navarakizhi
Abhyanga is a full-body massage using warm herbal oils that relieves muscle soreness by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
In Pizhichil, also called "royal oil bath," pouring of warm medicated oil all over the body while massaging provides deep relaxation of muscles and relieves pain. Navarakizhi makes use of heated herbal rice poultices applied to the body to firm up the muscles.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Lower Back Pain
Ayurvedic treatment for lower back pain include Kati Vasti, Patra Pinda Sweda, and Vasti.
1. Kati Vasti
It is a localized treatment where warm medicated oil is pooled over the lower back. This technique helps in soothing the nerves, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. The warmth of the oil penetrates deep into the tissues, providing relief from muscle stiffness and improving flexibility.
2. Patra Pinda Sweda
This includes the application of heated herbal leaves tied into boluses. These herbal pouches are dipped in warm medicated oil and applied to the affected area. The combination of heat and medicinal herbs helps in alleviating pain, reducing muscle spasms, and improving blood circulation.
3. Vasti
It is a type of medicated enema that cleanses and nourishes the colon, which is vital for managing lower back pain. By balancing the Vata dosha, Vasti therapy helps in reducing pain and improving mobility.
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
If ever the pain is sharp and unremitting, then it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. The nerves could be involved if radiating pain travels down one or both legs, especially about and below the knee, which may point toward sciatica.
Other worrisome signs include weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs or arms due to nerve damage. Weight loss, which cannot be explained, accompanied by back pain can also be indicative of a serious health condition.
Moreover, if at any time you experience numbness or tingling in the genital or anal area and are unable to control your bladder or bowels, then that could be an indication of a critical condition known as cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention. In case of such conditions, it is very important to seek a doctor's advice, who will look into the cause and recommend proper treatment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the best herbal medicine for lower back pain?
Lakshadi Guggulu is one of the best herbal medicines for lower back pain. This drug is renowned for strengthening bones and reducing inflammation.
Q. What is the fastest way to recover from back pain?
No single specific method will work the fastest. Treatments like Abhyanga massage, Kati Vasti, along with ample rest, can be integrated to speed up recovery.
Q. How do I stop daily back pain?
Yes, everyday backaches can be overpowered by some stretching exercises, regular exercise, and herbal remedies like Ashwagandha and Shallaki. Good posture and not lifting heavy things also helps in saving the back.
Q. Which fruit is best for back pain?
Yes, fruits rich in anti-oxidants like pineapple, berries can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They have compounds which sustain joint health.
Q. What is the single best exercise for lower back pain?
There isn't any single exercise best for everyone, but pelvic tilts come pretty close. They strengthen the lower back and enhance flexibility.
Q. What is the best position to sleep for back pain?
Yes. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is very good. It takes pressure off the spine with this kind of alignment.
Q. What food to avoid for back pain?
Yes, of course. Avoid sugary foods and processed fatty foods as they provide good conditions for inflammation and may increase back pain. Do try to eat well-balanced food with plenty of whole foods and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
To wrap it up
Backache relief is effective and a must for a life without disease, one that is healthy and active. In an individually prescribed way, Ayurveda presents natural holistic management and relief to back pain. Starting from the potent benefits of Dashmool and Guggulu to the soothing effects of Abhyanga and Kati Vasti, there's a lot that Ayurveda has contributed towards back welfare.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with an Ayurveda doctor or other health professional to determine an appropriate treatment or therapy.