Pain in the arms and legs can have a number of causes, from arthritis to muscle cramps. There are a number of ways you can relieve arm and leg pain without using prescription medications. If you prefer an alternative approach to pain relief, there are a number of herbs that can help, such as ginger, bromelain and chamomile. You should consult a physician before using herbal remedies.

Cramps

One of the most common causes of pain in the arms and legs is muscle cramps. According to Medline Plus, cramps occur when the muscles involuntarily contract very tightly. Cramps may last from a few seconds to several minutes and can be very uncomfortable. Chamomile is a very mild herb. Its leaves and flowers are used in medicinal supplements to treat several ailments including pain in the arms and legs. According to Native Remedies, chamomile is a natural pain reliever. It also helps to relieve stress and anxiety that can cause tense muscles, leading to cramps in the arms and legs.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the joints, which can result in pain in the arms and legs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger contains active ingredients that inhibit the body’s production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and painful swelling of the joints and tissue. This makes ginger a viable option for pain reduction in the arms and legs.

Sprains and Pulled Muscles

Muscle overuse, sports injuries and weak muscles can cause sprains and muscle damage. Pulled muscles in the arms and legs can be very painful. Bromelain supplements are made from an enzyme that is extracted from pineapples. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bromelain may be effective at reducing inflammation. This means it could be beneficial in the treatment of sprains and muscle damage as a means of controlling pain and promoting healing.

Rheumatism

Rheumatism is a disorder that causes painful inflammation of the joints in the arms and legs. Curcumin is extracted from the turmeric plant’s dried root. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it valuable for treating pain from swollen joints. According to the American Cancer Association, herbal practitioners also use curcumin for treating muscle pain and promoting healing.

Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve and causes shooting pain down the back of the legs. Valerian supplements come from a bushy herb that has been used in medicine for centuries. According to Mother Nature, valerian has effects like aspirin and can help to reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of sciatica.