Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Pain
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Cayenne Topical (Postherpetic Neuralgia) | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas |  [3 stars] A component of cayenne pepper known as capsaicin can be applied as a cream or ointment to soothe the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. |
Chili Peppers | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas | [3 stars] Capsaicin, an extract of cayenne pepper, appears to work by blocking pain signals and may ease many types of chronic pain when applied regularly to the skin. |
L-Tryptophan | 2 to4 grams per day | [3 stars] Double-blind research has also shown that oral L-tryptophan can increase tolerance to acute pain.
|
Corydalis | Take an amount supplying 75 mg per day of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) |  [2 stars] Preliminary reports indicate that THP (an alkaloid from the plant corydalis) may be effective in reducing nerve pain. |
Phenylalanine | 1,500 mg daily | [2 stars] D-phenylalanine (DPA) decreases pain by blocking the enzymes that break down the body’s natural painkillers. Clinical studies suggest DPA may inhibit some types of chronic pain. |
American Scullcap | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] American skullcap has been historically used to relieve pain. |
Cramp Bark | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Crampbark has been historically used to relieve pain. |
Jamaica Dogwood | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Piscidia erythrina has been historically used to relieve pain. |
Passion Flower | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Passion flower has been historically used to relieve pain. |
Phyllanthus | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Extracts of phyllanthus plants have shown a marked ability to decrease pain, apparently by decreasing inflammation. With liver-protective properties, they may be safer than drugs such as acetaminophen, which has toxicity to the liver. |
Valerian | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Valerian has been historically used to relieve pain. |
Vitamin B12 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B12 appears to have pain-killing properties. In people with vertebral pain syndromes, injections of massive amounts of vitamin B12 have reportedly relieved pain. |
White Willow | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Willow bark has been used for centuries to decrease pain and inflammation. It appears to work by interfering with the process of inflammation and the pain-producing nerves in the spinal cord. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.