Medicinal plants and lumbago A series of Lectures�By�Mr. Allah Dad Khan �former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]�

A series of Lectures�By�Mr. Allah Dad Khan �former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]�

1. Lumbago

2. Medicinal Plants for Diseases “ Lumbigo ” A series of Lectures By Mr. Allah Dad Khan former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

3. Lumbago Lumbago in simple terms can be described as the  pain of the muscles and joints of the lower back region or spine.  The exact cause of Lumbago is very difficult to pinpoint, however, it can be caused due to injury, wear and tear of joints, excessive pressure on the muscles and joint of the back, cancer, bone disorders etc.

4. 1.Black Cohosh Black Cohosh has been used traditionally to mainly cure women related problems like painful periods, menopausal symptoms etc. However, this herb is a very good remedy for  relaxing muscles and erasing their painful soreness.  Black Cohosh has been used actively to  cure the problem of deep-seated muscle pain  associated with Lumbago, influenza etc. This herb is very useful in reducing the spasms in the muscles and helps to relax them, thus providing relief from Lumbago

5. 2.Cramp Bark Cramp bark is yet another very useful herbal remedy for treating Lumbago. Cramp bark as its name suggests is renowned for its property to  reduce cramps and spasms in the muscles and tendons of the body.  This helps in relaxing the muscles and reduces their pain. This herb is rich in chemical components known as esouletin and scopoletin , which are very good for  relaxing the muscles and reducing lower back pain.

6. 3.Lobelia Lobelia has been used since centuries for helping in treating severe muscle spasms and pain, thus proving to be very useful in treating Lumbago. Lobelia contains compounds which help in  instantly relaxing the muscle tension and provides a soothing effect to the sore muscles . This herbal remedy work extremely well when used regularly in small doses by people suffering from chronic pain of the lower back.

7. 4.St . John’s Wort St . John’s wort has been used traditionally to treat the problem of Lumbago. This herb is very effective in reducing the inflammation of the nerves and muscles. It is especially very  effective in curing the damaged nerves , thereby providing relief from pain associated with it. St. John’s wort is a very  famous muscle relaxant  and effective in curing chronic pain problem like Lumbago etc.

8. 5.Solomon’s Seal Solomon’s Seal is a magical herb used since ancient time to cure a wide range of problems, including Lumbago. This herb is very useful in  treating injuries caused to ligaments, tendons, joints, muscles  etc. and also helps in maintaining the level of synovial fluid in them. Solomon’s seal reduces the soreness in the muscles and helps in increasing the strength of cartilage, bones etc. This herb helps in  reducing the pain caused due to friction or grinding of the joints by maintaining lubrication in them,  thus helping in curing Lumbago.

9. 6.Menthol Oil Menthol oil has medicinal properties and helps in alleviating the pain caused due to lumbago. It helps in treating backache and this is why it is being used as one of the major ingredients in pain healing ointments. Menthol oil, upon topical application, can help provide relief as it helps soothe the pain-causing nerves.

10. 7. Eucommia Eucommia is also said to provide strength to the ligaments, the bones and the tendons and this is the reason why it is also used to get relief from the pain that exists in the joints and the back.  Eucommia is found to contain a compound that helps in the development of collagen  and is also said to contain some herbal supplements that can be taken in order to keep the bones and the muscles strong.

11. 8.Garlic One of the most popular  natural cures for lumbago is garlic oil and even garlic cloves that can be used along with mustard oil . The solution should be heated and then cooled for application on the back which can relieve the pain caused at the back

12. 9. Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and has a soothing nature. Have around 2 cups of warm chamomile tea twice a day or whenever you experience pain. This treatment helps in providing relief from lumbago. Alternatively, you can add a few chamomile tea bags to a tub filled with warm water. Soak the painful area and have a nice warm bath. It helps provide an instant relief from the pain.

13. 10.Betel Leaves Betel leaves can help in treating lumbago. Wrap warm betel leaves and use it as a compress to soothe a backache. You can even add some betel juice to coconut oil and use it for massaging on the painful region. The polyphenols in betel leaves help in alleviating pain and the anti-inflammatory compounds help in treating inflammation. The coolant properties and analgesic compounds in betel leaves provide a temporary relief from the symptoms of lumbago.