Pain is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean we must accept it without recourse to natural pain relief methods. These natural solutions offer alternative ways of alleviating discomfort without resorting to medication with potentially adverse side effects.
Some of the best natural remedies include herbal treatments, essential oils and mindfulness meditation. Altering diet and exercising can also be effective ways of relieving pain naturally.
Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as ground turmeric or curcuma longa root powder, has long been used in traditional Indian medicine as both an ingredient for cooking and medicine due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties provided by curcumin, one of its active constituents.
Studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, cholesterol levels, blood triglycerides and lower overall cholesterol. Additionally, turmeric acts as an antioxidant and may help prevent heart disease – providing natural anti-inflammatory protection.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that dietary supplements aren’t subject to clinical testing or regulation like prescription medicines are, so adding turmeric and curcumin supplements into your diet could potentially carry risks.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), an aromatic root vegetable known as rhizome, can provide powerful natural pain relief. As an anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties and multiple consumption methods such as eating raw, cooking it or taking supplements; large doses may cause heartburn and diarrhea so it’s wise to consult your Meritas Health family medicine physician prior to increasing intake.
Gingerol, which is found in ginger root, contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help with menstrual cramps and arthritis pain, high blood pressure and cholesterol reduction, cancer cell inhibition in various cancer types as well as potential benefits to patients in test tube studies. Further investigation must be performed before real-world applications of these findings can occur.
Devil’s claw
Devil’s claw is an herb used to relieve back and osteoarthritis pain, with an active compound called harpagoside helping reduce chemicals that promote inflammation in the body. Additionally, Devil’s claw may provide muscle relief and may reduce gout attacks. Devil’s claw can also be taken in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), in order to decrease how much medication needs to achieve effects similar to effects achieved from taking NSAIDs alone.
Devil’s claw may interfere with some medications used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as anticoagulants, painkillers and heart drugs. Furthermore, it might increase warfarin’s blood-thinning effects as well as raise bruising and bleeding risks.
Some individuals may experience stomach issues such as diarrhea when taking magnesium. Furthermore, magnesium can also lower salt levels – putting those who already have low sodium at greater risk.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil boasts antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When applied topically it provides cooling, invigorating and soothing effects for immediate pain relief – it is widely used in pain relieving products including mouthwash and toothpaste.
Peppermint’s main ingredient menthol possesses strong decongestant properties. It works to thin mucus so it can easily exit from the nose and lungs, providing relief from symptoms associated with common colds, allergies, asthma and bronchitis.
Peppermint oil may help relieve indigestion when massaged into the abdomen, relaxing muscle spasms and increasing bile flow to aid fat digestion more effectively. Furthermore, its carminative properties may relieve flatulence, abdominal distension or distension as well as nausea or vomiting; it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider prior to using any herb, especially pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Frankincense
Frankincense is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, offering relief for arthritis, stomach ailments and respiratory conditions such as phlegm build-up or asthma. When used as massage oil it reduces pain and swelling significantly – or inhaled directly from its bottle or added to a diffuser for inhalation.
Cancer cells may be destroyed without harming healthy ones. Furthermore, anticancer therapy could also reduce inflammation, improve memory retention and lower levels of leukotrienes – the chemicals responsible for arthritis pain and stiffness.
Most frankincense contains boswellic acid, an ingredient thought to reduce inflammation and pain caused by biochemical processes. Somali frankincense contains another compound known as epilupeol that targets proteins associated with inflammation-based diseases; epilupeol may prevent your body from creating this protein altogether and treat chronic inflammatory conditions more effectively.
