Analgesics

Effect

Speed of Action

Dose and instructions (“00” capsules, unless  otherwise specified)

Also see inflammation section

Calmplex

Temporary (2-4 hours)

Salicylate source

Very cooling

Rapid

1-5 every 2-4 hours

Kava root

Temporary (2-4 hours)

Especially urinary tract
pain

Very warming

Rapid

As indicated

Corydalis root

Temporary (2-4 hours)

Antispasmodic Sedative

Mildly warming

Rapid

1-4 every 3-6 hours

Saint Johnswort flowering
tops

Temporary (4-6 hours)

Mild painful conditions
(arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, muscle inflammation)

Mildly cooling

Moderate

5-20 per day

Feverfew leaf (Tanacetum
parthenium)

Temporary (4-6 hours)

Headache

Arthritis

Very cooling and bitter

Moderate

2-15 per day

Side effect digestive
distress at higher doses- use with food

Notopterygii root

Musculoskeletal pain

Rapid

4-15 per day

Cayenne fruit

Long-term

General analgesic,
chronic conditions

Very warming

Slow

Start with very small
dose (perhaps • capsule). Increase dose gradually as tolerated to greatest
benefit. Take with food or adequate liquid.

Jamaican dogwood bark (Piscidia
spp.)

General analgesia

Sedative

Rapid

2-10 per day

Tea- • ounce, dry weight,
brewed, per day

Tincture (1:5)- 15 ml per
day

Willow bark

Temporary (2-4 hours)

Salicylate source

Rapid

Often best as tea (1
ounce, dry weight, brewed, per day)

Capsules- max to
tolerance or as necessary, through day, to best effect

California Poppy aerial
parts (leaf, flower and stem) (Eschscholtzia californica)

Temporary (2-4 hours)

Antispasmodic Sedative

Mildly warming

Rapid

Usually available as
tincture (1:5)

Start with 5 ml when pain
begins, adjust as effective

Meadowsweet leaf

Temporary (2-4 hours)

Rapid

1-5 every 2-4 hours