As rates of chronic pain continue to climb and more and more pharmaceutical drugs cause adverse side effects, more people are turning towards natural methods for relieving it. Natural pain relief involves using nonpharmacological techniques which work alongside your body’s healing systems for safe and effective relief from chronic discomfort.
Herbal remedies
Natural pain relief offers an alternative approach that may be more holistic and effective than traditional medication. By including herbal remedies like turmeric and ginger in diet supplements like licorice root and white willow bark extract as well as capsaicin creams/patches in inhalations essential oils like lavender and peppermint can ease discomfort by decreasing inflammation while activating our bodies’ natural healing responses.
Relaxation techniques, exercise, proper sleep hygiene and prioritizing a healthy diet are also simple yet powerful strategies for finding natural pain relief. When used alongside an integrative medicine professional’s balanced treatment plan, these holistic approaches to wellness may provide long-term relief.
Essential oils
Essential oils have long been utilized as part of holistic healing and are a natural way to relieve discomfort. Sourced from plants, these extracts contain compounds that alleviate discomfort while simultaneously relieving stress. Furthermore, essential oils can safely complement existing medications – just a few drops in massage or bath therapy can bring relief and promote relaxation.
Lavender oil has long been recognized for its soothing properties. When mixed with peppermint or eucalyptus oil, its effects are enhanced even further and joint and muscle pain decrease significantly. Wintergreen oil also offers analgesic benefits that may help treat both discomfort and swelling.
To use these oils properly, first ensure they are properly diluted before applying them to the affected area using gentle massage techniques. This will allow more absorption of the oils. If any concerns arise regarding use, consult with healthcare professional or run a patch test beforehand.
Valerian root
Valerian Root contains sedative, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic and expectorant properties. It’s used to treat anxiety, hysteria, epilepsy, high blood pressure and stress; sometimes combined with other herbal products or medicines that induce sleep (melatonin or sleeping pills for instance). Unfortunately it should not be taken by children or those suffering from liver problems.
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Valerian root has generally been seen as safe in recommended doses and does not pose the addictive potential of other herbs such as kava. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has been designated GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status and unlikely to cause serious side effects. Due to its strong aroma, it’s typically combined with other soothing herbs like passionflower, hops, lemon balm and skullcap in order to mask its scent.
Devil’s claw
Devil’s claw is an anti-inflammatory and painkilling agent used as a topical treatment for burns, sores and sprains. It works by blocking inflammation-causing chemicals. Devil’s claw contains plant compounds known as iridoid glycosides containing the compound harpagoside that help counteract inflammation-inducing chemicals; test tube and animal studies demonstrate its anti-inflammatory benefits; one study compared devil’s claw with pain medications in people suffering hip or knee osteoarthritis pain syndrome versus medication used alone – devil’s claw users reported less pain while needing fewer pain pills after four months than drugs’ group; furthermore this herb may prevent bone loss which may lead to fractures, potentially helping reduce pain associated with osteoporosis as well.
Small studies have suggested that taking devil’s claw orally may also help relieve back pain, although more research needs to be conducted in this regard. Devil’s claw may be safe for most adults at low doses for up to 12 weeks but should not be taken by women who are pregnant as it could harm the fetus and interact with medications such as blood thinners, antacids and heart medications.
