Backache? Try this natural remedy

One in four British adults will be affected by back pain at some point in their lives. Accidents and strain injuries are two of the most common reasons, but sitting in one position for too long - on a car journey or at a computer for example - is another leading cause.

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While over-the-counter pain killers and remedies such as Voltarol gel, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines can help provide relief from lower back pain, many people swear by natural remedies.

If you suffer with general back pain and discomfort, a red wine vinegar and verbena treatment is easy to make at home.

Simply pour two glasses of red wine vinegar in a pan and add two pinches of verbena (also known as vervain). Red wine vinegar helps to ease muscle pain, while the herb verbena is naturally anti-inflammatory and has analgesic properties.

Let the mixture boil for 10 minutes, allow it to cool a little, and then soak a cloth in the liquid. Place the cloth on the affected area and leave for 15 minutes for best results.

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