3 Step Herbal Home Remedy For Alleviating Symptoms When Your Back Pain Flares Up

While your current treatment regimen for your chronic back pain may usually keep your symptoms under control, you may have days when the pain flares up, causing you increased discomfort that affects your ability to move. If so, try using the following three-step herbal home remedy to help soothe your symptoms when they become unbearable.

Step 1:  Soak In A Warm Herbal Oil And Epsom Salt Bath

The first step in this herbal home remedy is to soak in a warm bath using Epsom salt infused with herbal essential oils. The Epsom salt helps draw out inflammation and relax the muscles. Both the peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are used in this salt bath to temporarily alleviate pain by temporarily numbing the nerves.

To make the oil and salt bath, place one cup of Epsom salt in a pint-size glass mason jar. Add five drops each of the peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Then, place a lid on the jar, shake it gently, and then let it sit for an hour to give the oils time to soak into the salts.

When you are ready for your bath, fill the bathtub halfway with warm water. Empty the contents of the jar into the water, and allow it to dissolve for five to ten minutes. Then, soak in the water. Try to stay in the bath until the water starts to cool down, but try not to stay in the water once it has cooled completely, as this could cause the muscles to tighten up again.  

When you are finished, dry yourself off and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Apply A Warm Herbal Compress

In this next step, you will be applying a warm herbal compress to your back. This compress uses petroleum jelly as a base. Peppermint, eucalyptus and capsaicin oils are mixed into the jelly to form a soothing compress.

The capsaicin oil relieves pain and reduces tension in your back muscles. Capsaicin is a chemical found in hot peppers that has also been found to be effective for muscle spasms. After handling the oil, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly so it does not come into contact with your eyes or mouth since it can burn you.

To make the compress, mix together a cup of petroleum jelly with five drops each of the oils. Spread the jelly onto a piece of plastic wrap that is large enough to cover the treatment area on your back.

Place the compress directly on your back, then cover it with a warm, moist towel. The heat from the towel helps activate the ingredients and relaxes the muscles further.

Leave the compress on for ten to 15 minutes. Then, remove it and wipe off the jelly with the towel. Go on to the next step.

Step 3:  Use A Massage Oil Made From Essential Oils

After removing the compress and cleaning your skin, this next step involves massaging your back with a homemade massage oil. Depending on where the area on your back is located, you may need someone to help you with this step.

This massage oil uses olive oil as a base with peppermint and capsaicin oils mixed in. In a small dish, combine a teaspoon of olive oil with six drops each of the essential oils. Then, place a small amount in the palm of the hand, and rub the oil between both hands to warm it up. Then, gently rub the oil onto the affected area of the back

Using the above three-step herbal home remedy could reduce the pain and discomfort during your flare-ups. However, if you continue to have increased pain or find it more difficult to move, you may want to discuss your symptoms with a back or pain management doctor to find out what other options are available to you. Check out a clinic like Southwest Florida Neurosurgical Associates to learn more.