Pharmacology in Pain Management - Essay Example

            The core aim of nursing management in pain management is to eliminate pain in patients presenting with pain within the shortest time possible. The pain elimination process in most instances requires the use of analgesics. Nevertheless, due to socio-cultural differences and beliefs, some patients prefer the use of nonprescription methods in pain management. In an attempt to understand divergence in the sociocultural approach in treatment and medication, this paper is thus going to analyze the nonprescription methods of pain management by focusing on some herbs that have been recommended for pain management.

Major herbs recommended for pain management

Ginger
            Ginger is a plant in the family of Zingiberaceae, and its roots are widely used as a spice. The use of ginger in the management of pain dates back to the ancient Chinese culture where the plant has been employed as a natural anti-inflammatory herbal medication. Ginger is significant in relieving nausea, headaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and muscle pain. The pharmacological action of ginger is derived from its content of phytochemicals that are helpful in the prevention of inflammation, thus helps in the management of pain (Black, Herring, Hurley, & O’Connor, 2010).

Feverfew
            Feverfew is a perennial plant from the daisy family. The plant grows in Canada, North America, and Europe and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. The use of the herbs has been applied in the management of pain associated with headache, stomachache as well as toothache. Nevertheless, the use of Feverfew has been recommended by herbalists in headache and rheumatoid arthritis (Pittler & Ernst, 2014).
Turmeric
            Turmeric is used as a spice and gives a distinctive color and flavor to the curry. Researchers suggest the importance of Turmeric in improving blood circulation throughout the body, possession of anticancer properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, Turmeric has been used in the management of pain associated with bruises, strains, and inflammation of joints. The pharmacological action Turmeric is derived from curcumin, which is the active ingredient in the plant and acts by lowering the body enzymes responsible for pain perception (Damalas, 2011).
Capsaicin
            Capsaicin is the active component of the chili pepper plant and belongs to the genus of capsicum. The active component in this plant is an irritant in mammals including humans and produces a burning sensation when it is exposed to tissues. Capsaicin is useful in relieving pain by depleting substance P, which is a compound in the body that helps in conveying pain sensation from the peripheral system to the central nervous system. The herb takes a number of days before its effects reach a peak level in relieving pain from the time it is used (Anand & Bley, 2011).

Conclusion

            The use of herbs in the management of pain is a traditional and time-honored way to manage a condition. Nevertheless, as there are no clear prescribed dosages of herbs in the management of pain, there is a likelihood of overdosing the herds or using herbs that have an adverse reaction while attempting to manage pain. It is thus advisable that one should consult with his/her doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal medication.