By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Leg Pain
Herbal creams for leg pain are topical products infused with natural herbs and extracts that help alleviate discomfort and inflammation in the legs.
These creams typically contain ingredients such as arnica, capsaicin, and CBD, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Examples include creams like Biofreeze and Capzasin, which have been shown to improve mobility and reduce pain in individuals with conditions like sciatica and varicose veins, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and allowing them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for leg pain, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 2. Artemisia annua
- 3. Corylus avellana
- 4. Calendula officinalis
- 5. Foeniculum vulgare
- 6. Echinacea angustifolia
- 7. Vitex agnus castus
- 8. Melissa officinalis
- 9. Ginkgo biloba
- 10. Rosa damascena
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for leg pain?
- What ailments similar to leg pain are treated with herbal creams?
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in the cream, such as glycyrrhizin, reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the muscles and joints. Additionally, licorice root has been traditionally used to soothe and calm irritated tissues, promoting relaxation and reducing stiffness in the legs.
By applying the cream directly to the affected area, individuals can experience relief from chronic leg pain and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with leg pain.
- Licoricidin: This triterpene glycoside has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in the legs.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpene saponin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the legs.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and alleviate pain in the legs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for leg pain.
- Roots: Used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Barks: Utilized for their potential to reduce swelling and ease pain due to their flavonoid and saponin content.
- Leaves: Employed for their ability to soothe and calm muscle spasms, reducing pain and discomfort associated with leg pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for leg pain.
- Extract the dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in 500ml of water for 30 minutes to create the herbal infusion.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl and discard the solids for clear liquid.
- Mix 200g of distilled water with 50g of vegetable glycerin and 10g of beeswax in a saucepan.
- Combine 150g of the herbal infusion with 50g of the glycerin mixture and heat it in a double boiler.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken before pouring it into a container and storing it in the refrigerator.
2. Artemisia annua
Artemisia annua, also known as sweet annie, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The cream contains artemisinin, a compound that reduces swelling and soothes irritated tissues, providing relief from pain and discomfort. Additionally, Artemisia annua creams have antispasmodic effects, which help to relax muscles and alleviate cramping. Its natural analgesic properties also work to numb the pain, providing temporary relief from leg pain and allowing for a more comfortable recovery.
This natural remedy is a popular alternative for managing leg pain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia annua creams that help with leg pain.
- Artemisinin: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the legs.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain and swelling in the legs, as well as promote healing and tissue repair.
- Artemetin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the legs, as well as improve blood circulation and reduce oxidative stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sweet annie used to make creams for leg pain.
- Leaves: They contain artemisinin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Stems: They contain a high concentration of artemisinin, making them a popular choice for pain relief creams.
- Flowers: They contain artemisinin and other flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and alleviate leg pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sweet annie for leg pain.
- Harvest 10 grams of dried artemisia annua flowers at the end of the flowering stage for maximum potency.
- Steep the dried flowers in 100 milliliters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 6 weeks.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean glass container to discard the solids.
- Mix 10 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of shea butter with 50 milliliters of the infused oil to create a smooth consistency.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler for 20 minutes or until it reaches a temperature of 40 degrees celsius.
3. Corylus avellana
Corylus avellana, also known as hazel, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The active compounds in Corylus avellana, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, work to reduce swelling and ease discomfort in the legs. This natural remedy also promotes blood flow and relaxation, helping to alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
By incorporating Corylus avellana creams into a daily routine, individuals can experience relief from chronic leg pain, improving their overall mobility and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Corylus avellana creams that help with leg pain.
- Triterpenes: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the legs by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidants may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the legs, contributing to pain relief.
- Flavonoids: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of hazel used to make creams for leg pain.
- Buds: Used due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to relieve pain and reduce swelling in legs.
- Seeds: Used because they contain a compound called betulinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to alleviate pain in legs.
- Leaves: Used due to their ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, which is attributed to the presence of various flavonoids and phenolic acids in the leaves.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hazel for leg pain.
- Harvest 100g of fresh corylus avellana leaves and flowers in the early morning when dew is still present on them.
- Combine the fresh corylus avellana leaves and flowers with 200ml of organic coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for 2 hours to extract the herbal properties from the corylus avellana leaves and flowers.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean bowl to separate the oil from the plant material.
- Whip 50g of shea butter and 100g of beeswax into the cooled herbal oil mixture to create a rich cream.
4. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, have been shown to reduce swelling and alleviate pain in affected areas. By applying Calendula cream directly to the skin, individuals can experience relief from leg pain, including pain associated with arthritis, muscle strain, and poor circulation.
Regular use may also promote faster healing and improve overall leg health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with leg pain.
- Triterpenoids: Help alleviate leg pain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to pain and discomfort.
- Flavonoids: Contribute to pain relief by acting as antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation, which can help alleviate pain and promote healing in the legs.
- Naphthoquinones: Help reduce pain by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated tissues in the legs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for leg pain.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to soothe and calm leg pain.
- Leaves: They are used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation in legs.
- Seeds: Although not as commonly used, the seeds of Calendula officinalis are used for their potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to alleviate leg pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for leg pain.
- Harvest the calendula flowers at peak potency in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2 hours to prevent degradation.
- Infuse 100g of dried calendula flowers in 500ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids.
- Mix 25g of the infused calendula oil with 50g of beeswax and 50g of shea butter in a double boiler.
5. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, creams helps with leg pain because it contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
The presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids in fennel helps to relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain caused by muscle strain, arthritis, or other conditions.
Regular application of fennel cream to the affected area can provide long-lasting relief from leg pain, allowing individuals to move and function more comfortably.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare creams that help with leg pain.
- Foeniculin: A sesquiterpene lactone found in Foeniculum vulgare, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain associated with leg pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
- Anethole: A phenolic compound that acts as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to alleviate leg pain by blocking the activity of pain-sensing neurons and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
- Selinene: A sesquiterpene found in Foeniculum vulgare, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with leg pain by protecting cells from oxidative damage and modulating the body's inflammatory response.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make creams for leg pain.
- Leaves: The leaves of Foeniculum vulgare are often used to make creams for leg pain due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are commonly used in creams for leg pain relief, thanks to their rich content of essential oils, particularly anethole, which has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Roots: The roots of Foeniculum vulgare are also used in creams for leg pain, as they contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help soothe and relax muscles.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for leg pain.
- Harvest 2 cups of fresh foeniculum vulgare leaves and stems with scissors on a sunny morning.
- Steep 1 cup of the harvested foeniculum vulgare leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the infused liquid through a cheesecloth into a bowl to remove the solids for 30 minutes.
- Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler for 20 minutes.
- Combine the strained foeniculum vulgare infusion with the melted beeswax and coconut oil mixture for 10 minutes.
6. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as alkylamides and polyacetylenes, work to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort in the muscles and joints. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate various types of pain, including leg pain caused by conditions like arthritis, overuse, and injury.
By applying the cream topically, individuals can experience relief from leg pain and improve their overall mobility and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with leg pain.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides in Echinacea angustifolia may help alleviate leg pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's pain response.
- Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides, such as echinacoside, may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Echinacea angustifolia creams, which could help soothe and relieve leg pain.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids in Echinacea angustifolia may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, potentially helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with leg pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for leg pain.
- Roots: They are rich in alkylamides and other compounds that provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Rhyzomes: Similar to roots, rhyzomes are also a source of alkylamides, making them effective in reducing inflammation and pain.
- Leaves: Leaves of Echinacea angustifolia contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to alleviate leg pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for leg pain.
- Harvest echinacea angustifolia roots in late summer or early fall after the plant has finished flowering for 2-3 years.
- Dry the harvested roots in a warm dry place for 7-10 days or use a dehydrator at 95-105 degrees fahrenheit for 24 hours.
- Grind 2-3 ounces of dried roots into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Mix 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of beeswax with 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin e oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the ground root powder.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 160-180 degrees fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches a smooth consistent texture.
7. Vitex agnus castus
Vitex agnus castus, also known as chaste tree, creams helps with leg pain because it contains flavonoids and iridoid glycosides that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds work to reduce swelling and ease discomfort in the legs. The cream's ability to relax muscles and improve blood circulation also contributes to its pain-relieving effects.
By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, Vitex agnus castus creams can provide quick and effective relief from leg pain, making them a popular natural remedy for this common issue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus castus creams that help with leg pain.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with leg pain.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Vitex agnus castus have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate leg pain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Diterpenes: Diterpenes, specifically agnuside and acutumoside, have been found to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate leg pain by blocking pain pathways and reducing inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chaste tree used to make creams for leg pain.
- Seeds: They are rich in flavonoids and lignans, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Leaves: They contain various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Flowers: They are a good source of antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing pain and discomfort associated with leg pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chaste tree for leg pain.
- Harvest 10-20 grams of dried vitex agnus castus flowers at dawn when they are in full bloom.
- Steep the dried flowers in 100ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at 60 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids.
- Add 10-20 grams of beeswax and 10-20 grams of shea butter to the infused oil and melt at 40-50 degrees celsius.
- Whip the mixture with a hand mixer until it thickens and forms a smooth creamy texture.
8. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.
The active compounds in Melissa officinalis, such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, work to reduce swelling and ease muscle tension in the legs. This helps to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and overuse injuries.
Additionally, the calming effects of Melissa officinalis can also help to reduce stress and promote a restful night's sleep, which can further aid in the relief of leg pain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis creams that help with leg pain.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the legs.
- Volatile terpenes: These terpenes have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the legs.
- Isovitexin: This flavonoid glycoside has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the legs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make creams for leg pain.
- Leaves: The leaves are primarily used due to their high essential oil content, which provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to alleviate leg pain.
- Flowers: The flowers are used for their soothing and calming effects, which help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with leg pain.
- Stems: The stems may be used in some cases, but they are less commonly used compared to leaves and flowers, possibly due to their lower essential oil content or lesser known medicinal properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for leg pain.
- Harvest 100g of melissa officinalis flowers and leaves from a clean pesticide-free area at the peak of their fragrance.
- Infuse 50g of melissa officinalis in 500ml of oil such as sweet almond oil for 2 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container and discard the solids.
- Combine the 200ml of infused oil with 50g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes then remove from heat and let cool before whipping into a creamy texture.
9. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, creams helps with leg pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The cream is absorbed quickly into the skin, where it helps to reduce swelling and relax the muscles in the affected area. The flavonoids and terpenoids present in the cream work together to improve blood circulation, which is essential for reducing pain and promoting healing.
As a result, Ginkgo biloba creams have been shown to provide effective relief from leg pain, especially in cases of poor circulation and arthritis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba creams that help with leg pain.
- Bilobalide: This triterpene constituent helps with leg pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the affected area, which in turn relieves pain and discomfort.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce pain and swelling in the legs, while also improving circulation and reducing oxidative stress.
- Ginkgolide b: This sesquiterpene lactone constituent is known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which help alleviate muscle spasms and pain in the legs, improving mobility and reducing discomfort.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make creams for leg pain.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most widely used part of the Ginkgo biloba plant due to their high flavonoid and terpenoid content, which helps to alleviate leg pain and improve circulation.
- Barks: The barks are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain associated with leg conditions.
- Seeds: The seeds are used to extract ginkgolides, which are believed to help improve blood flow and reduce pain associated with leg conditions such as varicose veins and poor circulation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for leg pain.
- Gather 25 grams of dried ginkgo biloba leaves and 500 milliliters of sweet almond oil in a clean glass jar.
- Infuse the ginkgo biloba leaves in the sweet almond oil for 4-6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a separate glass container discarding the solids.
- Combine 10 grams of beeswax with the infused oil in a double boiler and heat until the beeswax melts.
- Pour the melted mixture into a clean tin container and allow it to cool and solidify before use.
10. Rosa damascena
Rosa damascena, also known as damask rose, creams helps with leg pain because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
The essential oil extracted from this flower has been used for centuries to reduce pain and swelling in the body. The active compounds present in Rosa damascena, such as geraniol and linalool, have a soothing effect on the skin and muscles, providing relief from cramping, spasms, and aching in the legs.
Regular application of Rosa damascena creams can help alleviate leg pain and promote relaxation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosa damascena creams that help with leg pain.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain and swelling in the legs, providing relief from conditions such as arthritis and varicose veins.
- Linalool: A terpene with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, linalool helps to numb the pain in the legs and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief from conditions such as sciatica and shin splints.
- Geraniol: A terpene with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, geraniol helps to relax the muscles and reduce pain in the legs, providing relief from conditions such as muscle cramps and spasms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of damask rose used to make creams for leg pain.
- Flowers: Rosa damascena flowers are used due to their essential oil content, which provides pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: Rosa damascena leaves are used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and reduce pain in the legs.
- Buds: Rosa damascena buds are used due to their high concentration of essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that aid in leg pain relief.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic damask rose for leg pain.
- Extract 10 grams of dried rosa damascena flowers using a solvent such as ethanol or glycerin at a ratio of 1:3.
- Combine the extracted liquid with 100 grams of distilled water and 20 grams of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture at 60-70 degrees celsius for 30 minutes with gentle stirring until the beeswax is fully incorporated.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add 10 grams of emulsifying wax and 5 grams of vitamin e oil.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken completely at room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for leg pain?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with leg pain is a blend of arnica, peppermint, and capsaicin.
Arnica is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain. Peppermint oil soothes and cools the skin, providing instant relief from discomfort.
Capsaicin cream, derived from chili peppers, releases a numbing sensation that blocks pain signals to the brain. Together, these creams create a synergistic effect, providing long-lasting relief from leg pain, promoting healing, and reducing inflammation.
This combination is ideal for relieving cramps, sprains, and other leg injuries.
What ailments similar to leg pain are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to leg pain that are treated with herbal creams are joint pains, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
These conditions often manifest as aches, stiffness, and swelling in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Herbal creams containing ingredients like arnica, capsaicin, and boswellia help alleviate discomfort by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and soothing muscles.
This topical approach provides relief without the need for oral medications or invasive procedures.