A Guide to Natural Pain Relief Ingredients

Lilium flower

Today’s market is flooded with artificial and processed ingredients, so it is more important than ever to understand what we absorb into our bodies. Many synthesized prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers contain addictive substances that can do more harm than good, evidenced by the current opioid addiction crisis. By turning to natural pain-relieving botanicals and minerals that have been in use for hundreds of years, these risks are bypassed in favor of effective treatment that promotes localized relief.

The formulas used in NeoRelief’s pain-relieving creams and gels are 97% natural, gentle on sensitive skin, free of dyes and perfumes, and non-addictive. Below is a list of each quality-tested, natural ingredient that is used to create NeoRelief products for therapeutic relief of pain, muscle cramping and restlessness, menstrual pain and cramps, and wound care. Click on any name for more details and to see which NeoRelief product contains that botanical or mineral.  

Actaea

actaea plant
Peter Pearsall/U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Common name: Baneberry, bugbane, or cohosh
Form: Perennial flowering plant
History: Contains elements that have a sedative effect and have commonly been used for the relief of menstrual symptoms, arthritis, and muscle pain.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain

Aesculus Hippocastanum

aesculus hippocastanum horse chesnuts
Steven Foster

Common name: European horse-chestnut or conker tree
Form: A large deciduous, synoecious tree
History: Seed and leaf are used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swollen veins
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Promotes Wound Healing
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Althaea/Althaea Off. (Althaena officinalis)

althaea officinalis marsh-mallow flower
H. Zell/Wikipedia

​Common name: Marsh-mallow
Form: Flowering plant
History: Originally used by ancient Egyptians to make a dessert similar to a marshmallow, but is no longer used in marshmallow production
Purpose: Anti-Inflammatory
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Apis

bee representing apis bee venom
Ales Tosovsky/Wikipedia

Common name: Honeybee venom
History: Used to treat symptoms that are similar to those of bee stings
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Arnica

arnica wolf's bane flowers
National Park Service

Common name: Wolf’s bane
Form: Herbs and flowers
History: Has been used medicinally for several centuries to treat bruises, sprains and muscle aches
Purpose: Relief of Bruising and Soreness, Muscle Calming, Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Belladonna

belladonna deadly nightshade flowers
National Park Service

Common name: Deadly Nightshade; name means “beautiful lady”
Form: Plant, in the same family as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant
History: Prescribed by doctors in the 19th century for inflammation and pain, and in the early 20th century for upset stomach.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Relief of Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Bellis

bellis daisy flower
Frank Vincentz/Wikipedia

Common name: Daisy
Form: Flowering plants
History: Has been used to ease the pain of respiratory tract illness, arthritis or heavy menstruation
Purpose: Relief of Bruising and Soreness, Relief of Cramping
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Bryonia

bryonia bryony plant
Wikipedia

Common name: Bryony
Form: Flowering plant, in the gourd family
History: Used to treat cough, influenza, headaches, and other symptoms that develop slowly over time. In folk medicine, it was used to treat gangrene and leprosy.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Cactus

cactus with orange flowers
NPS Photo / Katy Hooper

Form: Spiny Plant
History: Associated with the treatment of diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, colitis, and diarrhea
Purpose: Relief of Cramping
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Calendula/Calendula Off. (Calendula officinalis)

calendula officinalis pot marigold flower
Rameshng/Wikipedia

Common name: Pot marigold; means “little calendar” or “little clock”
Form: Annual and perennial plants in the daisy family
History: Used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb. May have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro.
Purpose: Relief of Bruising and Soreness, Promotes Wound Healing
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Caulophyllum

caulophyllum blue cohosh fruit
H. Zell/Wikipedia

Common name: Blue cohosh
Form: Perennial herbs with spring wildflowers and large blue, berry-like fruits
History: Traditionally used by Native American tribes to treat internal parasites, smooth muscle function, spasms and as a diuretic
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Relief of Cramping
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Cimicifuga

cimicifuga black cohosh
Wikipedia

Common name: Black cohosh
Form: Flowering plants; name means “bedbug repeller”
History: Historically used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, and menopausal symptoms
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Relief of Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Cina (Artemisia cina)

artemisia cina plant
Pebi Ydha Krisnapati/Flickr

Common name: Wormseed
Form: Perennials, in the Daisy family
History: Used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat roundworms, as a digestion aid, and in illness in the nervous system and digestive tract
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Colocynthis

colocynthis bitter apple bitter cucumber desert gourd
Frank Vincentz/Wikipedia

Common name: Bitter apple, bitter cucumber, or desert gourd
Form: Vine plant
History: Has been used to treat constipation, liver, and gallbladder illnesses
Purpose: Relief of Cramping
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Cyclamen

cyclamen sowbread flowers
Ian Kirk/Wikipedia

Common name: Sowbread
Form: Perennial flowering plants
History: The root and underground stem have been used for nervous emotional states and to aid with digestion
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Equisetum Arv. (Equisetum arvenase)

equisetum arvenase plant
Kruczy89/Wikipedia

Common name: Field horsetail or common horsetail
Form: Perennial plant and herb
History: The buds are eaten like a vegetable in Japan and Korea. The plant is rich in several vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, E, and C and potassium.
Purpose: Promotes Wound Healing
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Gelseumium

gelsenium heartbreak grass flower
H. Zell/Wikipedia

Common name: Heartbreak grass
Form: Flowering plant
History: Induces relaxation, said to be similar to laughing gas. It was used as a substitute for opium in the Civil War and by early American settlers as a cure for fever.
Purpose: Relief of Cramping
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Gnaphalium

gnaphalium plant
Bernd Haynold/Wikipedia

Common name: Cudweeds
Form: Flowering plant, in the Sunflower family
History: Used mainly for pain in the sciatic nerve by healers
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Guaiacum

guaiacum roughbark lignum-vitae flowers
Tree World Wholesale/Flickr

Common name: Roughbark lignum-vitae
Form: Flowering plants
History: Used to cure syphilis and stimulate menstruation in the 16th century. The plants are considered an antioxidant.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief

Hamamelis Vir. (Hamamelis virginiana)

hamamelis virginiana witch hazel flowers
Kristine Paulus/Flickr

Common name: Witch Hazel
Form: Deciduous shrub or small tree
History: Used by Native Americans to treat inflammation, swelling, and tumors
Purpose: Anti-Inflammatory
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Hypericum/Hypericum Perf. (Hypericum perforatum)

hypericum perforatum flowers
Frank Mayfield/Flickr

Common name: St. John’s Wort
Form: Leafy herb
History: Used to treat mild depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In the 16th century, it was recommended for wounds and pain.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Relief of Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Ignatia

ignatia st. ignatius bean tree
Edward Steven/Flickr

Common name: St. Ignatius bean
Form: Seeds
History: Traditionally used to treat grief, depression, and situational anxiety
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Jatropha

jatropha nettlespurge flowers
Fan Wen/Wikipedia

Common name: Nettlespurge
Form: Flowering plants; its name is derived from the words for “physician” and “nutrition”
History: Used in biodiesel production and to produce red dye
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Jonesia

jonesia tree flowers
Dinesh Valke/Flickr

Form: Tree, belonging to the legume family
History: Important in cultural traditions of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Its bark is often used for skin complexion.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Kali Brom. (Kali bromatum)

kali bromatum potassium bromide
Bartłomiej Bulicz/Wikipedia

Common name: Potassium Bromide
History: Used for treatment of psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, symptoms of PMS, and extreme thirst
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Kali Carb. (Kali carbonicum)

burning log with ash representing kali carbonicum
pxhere

Common name: Vegetable alkali
Form: Originally obtained from the ashes left after burning wood and vegetables; exists in all plants
History: Has been used to treat lower back pain
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Ledum

ledum labrador tea flowers
B.Lezius/Wikipedia

Common name: Labrador Tea
Form: Evergreen shrub
History: Used as a tea substitute during the American Revolution when the British imposed a tax on tea. Has been used to treat bruises, wounds, insect bites, and other maladies.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief

Lilium

lilium lily flowers
A Yee/Flickr

Common name: Lilies
Form: Herbaceous flowering plants
History: Thought to be good for symptoms related to the pelvis and the heart. Used in Chinese cooking as a starchy vegetable.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Mezereum Off.

mezereum off feburary daphne
Muriel Bendel/Wikipedia

Common name: February Daphne, due to late-blooming flowers
Form: Small deciduous shrub
History: Used to get rid of dandruff, colds, and ulcerations accompanied by itching
Purpose: Reduces itching
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Lycopodium

lycopodium ground pines creeping cedar plant
Joshua Mayer/Flickr

Common name: Ground Pines or Creeping Cedar
Form: Clubmosses
History: Used in traditional Austrian medicine for the treatment of disorders and diseases of the skin, liver and bile, kidneys, rheumatism, and urinary tract infections
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Rhamnus Calif. (Rhamnus californica)

rhamnus californica coffeeberry
Bri Weldon/Flickr

Common name: Coffeeberry
Form: Flowering plant
History: Used by native peoples to treat poison oak, burns, and wounds. Seeds can be used as a coffee substitute, similar to chicory.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Rhododendron

rhododendron flowers in the mountains
Albert Kok/Wikipedia

Form: Flowering woody plants
History: Associated with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties (preventing damage to the liver)
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief

Rhus Tox. (Rhus toxicodendron)

rhus toxicodendron poison ivy leaves
Stilfehler/Wikipedia

Common name: Poison Ivy
Form: Flowering plant, a member of the cashew family
History: Used to treat cold sores and herpetic illnesses, as well as blistering skin diseases and any intensely itchy rash
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief

Ruta/Ruta Grav. (Ruta graveolens)

ruta graveolens rue flowers
Plenuska/Wikipedia

Common name: Rue
Form: Herb
History: Traditionally used in ancient Rome to treat poisonous snake bites
Purpose: Topical Analgesic, Muscle Calming
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Sabina (Juniperus sabina)

juniperus sabina juniper berries
H. Zell/Wikipedia

Common name: Juniper
Form: Shrub with two kinds of leaves
History: Leaves are sometimes made into an ointment to treat blisters, or powdered for the treatment of warts
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps

Salix Alba

salix alba white willow tree
Wikipedia

Common name: White Willow
Form: Willow
History: Used in the treatment of aches and pains and to reduce fever. Its wood is often used to make cricket bats.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Salicylicum Ac. (Salicylicum acidum)

spirea blossom flowers representing salicylicum acidum
Saumel Stone/pixabay

Common name: Salicylic acid
Form: Found in spiraea blossoms (left) and gaultheria
History: Has been used as a natural disinfectant, but is traditionally used to treat warts, corns, and tinnitus
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief

Scutellaria

scutellaria skullcap leaves and flowers
Fritz Flohr Reynolds/Flickr

Common name: Skullcap
Form: Flowering plants, in the mint family
History: Has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat diarrhea, dysentery, insomnia, inflammation and hemorrhaging
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Stellaria Med. (Stellaria media)

sellaria media chickweed flowers
Wikipedia

Common name: Chickweed
Form: Flowering plant, in the Carnation family
History: Used as an herbal remedy to treat itchy skin and pulmonary disease. Can be eaten as a leafy salad vegetable.
Purpose: Topical Analgesic
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Pain Relief
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Symphytum Off. (Symphytum officinale)

symphytum offinale comfrey flowers
Agnieszka Kwiecień/Wikipedia

Common name: Comfrey
Form: Perennial flowering plant
History: Used in traditional medicine to reduce osteoarthritis pain
Purpose: Promotes Wound Healing
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Taraxacum

taraxacum dandelion flowers
Peter O'Connor/Flickr

Common name: Dandelion
Form: Flowering plants
History: Used in traditional medicine in Europe, North America, and China. Contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, and are sources of calcium and iron.
Purpose: Muscle Calming
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Tilia

tilia lime tree leaves
Wikipedia

Common name: Lime trees
Form: Large deciduous trees and bushes
History: Includes flavonoids that work as antioxidants and tannins that act as an astringent. The flower has been used to treat colds, cough, fever, infections and migraine headaches.
Purpose: Anti-Inflammatory
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Urtica Urens

utica urens dwarf nettles plant
Krzysztof Ziarnek/Wikipedia

Common name: Dwarf Nettle
Form: Flowering plants
History: Used for relief from symptoms of insect bites, bee stings, burns, and gout
Purpose: Reduce Itching
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Wound Care

Valeriana Off. (Valeriana officinalis)

valeriana officinalis valerian flowers
H. Zell/Wikipedia

Common name: Valerian
Form: Perennial flowering plant
History: Used to promote sleep, as it may have sedative and anxiolytic effects
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Twitching and Jerking
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Veratrum

veratarum corn lily flowers
Isidre blanc/Wikipedia

Common name: Corn lily
Form: Flowering plant
History: Used to kill external parasites, treat ringworm and scabies, and stop itching symptoms
Purpose: Relief of Muscle Spasms and Cramps
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Muscle Cramping and Restlessness

Viburnum

viburnum cramp bark flowers
NatureServe/Flickr

Common name: Cramp Bark
Form: Flowering plants
History: Used as a folk remedy to treat morning sickness and menstrual cramps
Purpose: Relief of cramping
Ingredient in:
NeoRelief for Menstrual Pain and Cramps