Review on Herbal Pain Relief Balm.

Bhaminee Madhukar Patil*, Momin Abrarul Haque, Komal Bhau Patil, Sanika Naresh Gaikwad, Tanmayi Bharat Shinde.

M. S. College of Pharmacy, Gaurapur-Kudus Rd, Dist. Palghar, Maharashtra 421312.

INTRODUCTION

The herbal balm is an ayurvedic formulation of powerful essential oils for quick relief from headache, backache, and cold and in relieving pain. Organic essential oils, organic beeswax, and other desired herbal ingredients are combined to create a herbal balm composition that has medicinal topical preparations for use on human skin. Balms are topical preparations for application to the skin to relieve pain and stiffness. These balms have anti-irritating chemical ingredients including methyl salicylate, and petroleum jelly serves as their common foundation. Herbal pain relief balm is an ayurvedic blend of potent essential oils for rapid relief from headaches backache, and cold symptoms, as well as in alleviating pain.[i]

Pain is a typical sensory experience that may be described as the unpleasant awareness of a noxious stimulus or bodily harm. In common regions, the common cold is seen as the symptom of the nose getting blocked with mucous. The common cold is arising the exposure to environmental factors such as cold, dryness, and dampness. Because of this, our body is affected by joint pain, headache, toothache, etc. Many scientists discovered many drugs but the present invention shows a different category of herbal-based balm which is used for the reduction of pain in-vitro model.[ii]

WHAT IS PAIN:[iii]

Pain is an uncomfortable sensation that is frequently brought on by strong or harmful stimuli, such as stubbed toes, burned fingers, applying alcohol to a cut, and bumping the "funny bone."  According to the commonly accepted definition of pain provided by the International Association for the Study of Pain, it is "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience related to actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage."

Body pain refers to any discomfort or ache experienced in the muscles, joints, or other parts of the body. It can be a dull, throbbing sensation or a sharp, stabbing pain. Common causes of body pain include muscle overuse or strain, injury, inflammation, and certain medical conditions characterized by painful trigger points in muscles. It can range from a mild inconvenience to a debilitating condition significantly affecting an individual's quality of life. One possible explanation for these pain symptoms is that patients have myofascial pain syndrome, a condition characterized by painful trigger points in muscles.

Pain drives a person to withdraw from harmful circumstances, to preserve a damaged body part while it heals, and to steer clear of unpleasant situations in the future. The majority of pain quickly goes away when the painful stimulus is removed and the body has recovered, but occasionally pain lingers even after the stimulus has been removed and the body appears to have healed. Other times, pain develops without any obvious stimulus, damage, or disease.

NONVERBAL INDICATORS OF PAIN

Tense body language, Restlessness, Strained facial expressions, Sad facial expressions, Tearfulness, Increased resistance/agitation with movement, Increased breathing, and Shortness of breath.

PAIN IS DIVIDED INTO SEVEN DIMENSIONS OR CORE ASPECTS: [iv]

1.      Physical dimensions:

The physical dimension refers to the influence of the patient's anatomic structure and physiologic function on the patient's total pain experience. Anatomic structure and physiologic function can have a direct impact on whether or not a stimulus causes pain, how quickly and in what way pain is transmitted, how a person feels pain consciously, and how the body reacts to pain stimuli.

2.      The sensory dimension:

The sensory dimension includes both the intensity and the quality of pain. It comprises the patient's report on the location, severity, and location of pain.

3.      Behavioral dimension:

The behavioral dimension of pain relates to the patient's verbal or nonverbal responses to pain.

4.      Sociocultural dimension:

The sociocultural dimension refers to how the patient's social and cultural background affects how they perceive and react to pain.

5.      Cognitive dimension:

In the context of pain and its treatment, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and motivations are referred to as part of the cognitive dimension.

6.      Affective dimension:

The affective dimension relates to the patient's feelings and sentiments in the presence of pain--how he or she feels emotionally as a result of the pain.

7.      Spiritual dimension:

The spiritual dimension refers to the patient's ultimate meaning and purpose for pain, self, others, and the divine.

TYPES OF PAIN:[v]

Pain is usually transitory, lasting only until the noxious stimulus is removed or the underlying damage or pathology has healed, but some painful conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, cancer, and idiopathic pain, may persist for years.

            Psychogenic pain is pain caused, increased, or prolonged by mental, emotional, or behavioral factors. It is occasionally determined that a headache, backache, or stomach ache is psychogenic. Because both medical experts and the general public tend to believe that pain from a psychological source is not real, sufferers are frequently stigmatized.

            Acute pain is usually managed with medications such as analgesics and anesthetics. Management of chronic pain, however, is much more difficult and may require the coordinated efforts of a pain management team.

·         Acute Pain

·         Chronic Pain

·         Neuropathic Pain

·         Nociceptive Pain

ADVANTAGES:

·         Excellent for Headaches

·         To treat the common cold

·         Relieved muscle aches and joint pains

·         Pain relief for sprains

·         Relieves back pain and other body aches and pains

SIDE EFFECTS:

As the product is herbal has the very least number of side effects. No major side effects have been noted to date minor side effects such as a person being allergic to any content in the balm. And should avoid open wounds and cuts.

HOW DOES PAIN RELIEF BALM WORK?

Pain relief balm work on the principle of counter irritant of actually relieving the pain they work on the principle of suppressing the pain by irritating the point where the pain relief balm is applied. Pain balm generally contains 3 components namely methyl salicylate, Menthol, and camphor all these are easily absorbed through the skin. A combination of these three active ingredients is useful in the case of headaches and rheumatic pains. The other ingredients in the pain relief balm are Eucalyptus oil, Petroleum Jelly, Negundo oil, and Bess wax. Pain relief balms have special pharmacological effects in relieving pain, it is the amount of pressure applied and the movement that plays a significant role. The balm's function also includes a local anesthetic action, which leads to a comfortable stage.

Herbal pain relief balm works through its combination of ingredients, such as camphor, menthol, and essential oils. These ingredients work together to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Source: The ingredients in the balm, such as camphor and menthol, increase blood circulation to the surface of the skin and vessels. Herbal balm extracts of organically certified herbs, and organic essentials form a medicated topical application. This application is used for quick relief from pain such as headache, backache, and arthritic pain.

Medicated Topical Application. This application is used for quick relief from pain such as headache, backache, and arthritic pain.

HERBS USE IN PAIN:

When seeking alternative methods for pain relief, Medicinal plants can be a viable option. Throughout history, medicinal herbs have been utilized for their potential therapeutic efficacy in managing pain disorders. These plants have been known to possess beneficial properties that can provide relief from various types of pain. Medicinal plants have long been recognized for their potential in alleviating pain.[vi] Such as:

1.      Boswellia (Boswellia Serrata):

Trees in the Boswellia genus are distinguished by their fragrant resin. It grows in dry hilly areas throughout India, North Africa, and the Middle East. Boswellia Serrata is a medium to large-sized branching tree of the Boswellia genus.[vii] Boswellia is known in the Western world as frankincense. This substance has anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and analgesic properties. It has also been used for ulcerative colitis, uncomfortable menstruation, and abdominal discomfort. Other uses include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.[viii]

Fig: Boswellia

2.      Devils Claw :[ix]

Pain relief with Devil's Claw has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in natural remedies. It contains bioactive constituents that have shown anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from various types of pain, including joint diseases, back pain, and headaches. Devil's Claw, scientifically known as Harpagophytum procumbens, has been extensively studied for its pain-relieving properties. The major clinical uses for Devil's Claw are as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic in joint diseases, back pain, and headaches.

Fig: Devils Claw

3.      Willow Bark: Nature aspirin: [x]

For ages, people have utilized willow bark, which is the bark of several species of willow trees, to treat pain. The use of willow bark dates to the time of Hippocrates (400 BC). Some people use willow as bark as an alternative to aspirin, particularly those who experience chronic headaches or back pain. It comes from the branches of 2 to 3-year-old willow trees. Willow bark can also be used to lower a fever and ease menstruation cramps. The salicin inside, by reducing inflammation and pain as it enters your bloodstream because of the anti-inflammatory properties of willow bark, may be especially effective in combatting joint pain as well.

 Fig: Willow Bark                                      Fig: Willow Bark Tree

4.      Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium):

 Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a flowering herb traditionally used to treat fever, migraine, headaches, arthritis, stomach aches, and other conditions.[xi] The name is derived from the Latin febrifugia, “fever reducer.”[xii] Feverfew also called featherfew or bachelor’s buttons, is a medicinal plant. Feverfew contains compounds that may reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.[xiii]

Fig: Feverfew

5.      Ginger:

Ginger (Zingiber Offlicinal Roscoe) belongs to the family Zingiberaceane. It originated in Southeast Asia and was then used in many countries as a spice and condiment to add flavor to food. Besides this, the rhizome of ginger has also been used in traditional herbal medicine.[xiv] The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of numerous ginger components have been demonstrated, and these properties may help reduce the discomfort associated with chronic inflammatory diseases.[xv]

Fig: Ginger

6.      Wild Dagga (Leomotis Leonurus):

Leonotis Leonurus is a shrub widely known as Wild Dagga found in most parts of the world and belongs to the Lamiaceae family.[xvi] The use of the Wild Cannabis Plant, endemic to South Africa, is commonly reported in TM to treat numerous ailments including eczema, headaches, hypertension, and chest infections.[xvii]

Fig: Wild Dagga

7.      Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense):

Equisetum Arvense, commonly referred to as Horsetail, is a well-known and widespread pteridophyte growing in the northern hemisphere. It occurs abundantly throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Equisetum Arvense is a species of perennial plant from the Equisetaceae family. Horsetail has been used for centuries as a traditional, folklore medicinal plant for various types of aches and pains. [xviii]

Fig: Horsetail

8.      Turmeric:

This spice has been used to relieve arthritis pain and heartburn and to reduce inflammation. It’s unclear how turmeric works against pain on inflammation, but its activity may be due to a chemical called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Fig: Turmeric

9.      Capsaicin:

Derived from hot Chile peppers, topical capsaicin may be useful for some people in relieving pain. Capsaicin works by depleting substance P, a compound that conveys the pain sensation from the peripheral to the central nervous system.[xix]

10.  Angelica:

The angelica plant has a long history of use as a natural pain reliever due to its analgesic properties. Additionally, studies have shown that the angelica plant contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory effects, further supporting its potential as a pain-relieving agent.[xx]

11.  Thunder God Vine:

Thunder god vine also known as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) is a traditional Chinese herb. With its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and analgesic effects, it has been used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint pain and insect pests.[xxi] It inhibits the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, Proinflammatory mediators, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases by lymphocytes, macrophages, synovial chondrocytes, and fibroblasts.[xxii]

APPLICATIONS:

1.      Fast action as applied in local (affected) areas.

2.      Can be safely used in children.

3.      Quick and long-lasting effect.

4.      Can used on various problems aches, pain, sprain, cramps.

5.      Deep penetrating action

6.      Topically used hence least or zero side effects

7.      Less doses give maximum effective this cost effective and least side effects to mankind.

8.      Easy to apply so the patient can apply on his/her own. Do not need any assistance for the same.

9.      Easy to store can be no specific indications are needed to store.

10.  No Special care is to be taken while using any person with any major systemic disease can use it.

CONCLUSION:

In this Review, I have explained the topic ‘Herbal Pain Relief Balm’ by providing full details on it. This review also emphasizes on main ideas related to the topic. The new pain relief balm is risk-free to use. It yields improved pain. The mixture was applied sparingly on the site of pain. The pain and the other negative consequences are not seen.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT: 

I would like to extend my gratitude towards my guide Mr. Momin Abrarul Haque sir (Assistant Professor), who guided me and provided me moral support throughout the preparation of the manuscript. I would like to thank my Sister Dr. Daminee Patil, and my friends who provided me with their full support for this review article.