Natural pain relief is an effective way to manage discomfort without experiencing side effects from traditional medication. From anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and ginger to essential oil’s analgesic benefits, there are various natural methods available that can be utilized to soothe discomfort.
Essential Oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and frankincense offer soothing aromatherapy and pain-relief properties. Try applying them directly onto affected areas for immediate pain relief.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) roots are widely used as an Asian cuisine ingredient and contain curcumin, an anti-inflammatory agent with potential pain relieving benefits. You can take this in supplement form or as tea.
Turmeric is an effective cholagogue, stimulating the gallbladder to secrete and produce more bile for better digestion. Additionally, turmeric may ease indigestion symptoms by decreasing gas and bloating. One double-blind study demonstrated that people taking curcumin supplements experienced significantly fewer flare-ups compared to placebo treatments.
Kohls notes if you are considering trying turmeric or another natural pain reliever, consult with your healthcare provider first so it won’t interfere with medications you are currently taking or cause any gastrointestinal upset.
Ginger
Ginger is both an abundant culinary spice and powerful medicinal plant. Derived from the root or rhizome of Zingiber officinale plants, ginger has long been used both as an edible staple and traditional remedy to alleviate pain for various conditions. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, analgesic properties it makes it a versatile natural pain reliever that’s easy on the stomach!
Ginger can be consumed in numerous ways, from raw eating or cooked into dishes to capsule form or topically applied applications.
Hot ginger compresses can provide relief for back or muscle ache by applying one ounce of freshly grated fresh root mixed with one cup of boiling water, soaked into a small towel and applied directly over the affected area. Ginger also helps relieve nausea – great for those suffering from morning sickness or motion sickness!
Essential oils
Essential oils have quickly become a go-to natural remedy for many common afflictions. These hydrophobic liquids, extracted from plants like peppermint oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil contain volatile chemical compounds with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe pain.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital suggests purchasing essential oils from reputable manufacturers and not ingesting or using essential oil diffusers (small household devices that produce fragrant vapor).
As noted above, breathing in certain essential oils may cause respiratory irritation including wheezing, congestion or shortness of breath for individuals living with chronic diseases like asthma or COPD. Furthermore, some essential oils contain irritating ingredients which could trigger allergic reactions when applied topically or when inhaled directly by individuals.[1]
Boswellia
Boswellia, commonly referred to as Indian Frankincense or Olibanum tree resin, has long been used in natural health practices for centuries. This gum-resin contains various medicinal components including monoterpenes, diterpenes and triterpenes as well as four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids including b-boswellic acid (b-boswellic), acetyl b-boswellic acid (ABBA), 11-keto-b-boswellic acid (all inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes).
Extract from this tree has been shown to be effective at relieving joint pain among people suffering from osteoarthritis (OA), with some studies even finding boswellic acids were more powerful than ibuprofen and glucosamine sulfate in this regard.
Boswellic acid may also have anti-inflammatory and immune balancing effects on the bowel, making it beneficial for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Because supplements are not regulated like pharmaceutical drugs are, be sure to choose products which have been third-party tested by U.S. Pharmacopeia, Consumer Labs or NSF before starting any new supplements – pregnant women should refrain from taking boswellic acid since it stimulates blood flow to their uterus and pelvis and should consult their healthcare provider prior to beginning any new supplements containing boswellic acid as it stimulates blood flow into these organs thus stimulating blood flow into their pelvis during gestation so as not to stimulate any pregnant mothers during gestation so as not to stimulate it may stimulate blood flow into their pelvis from boswellic acid’s stimulating effects during gestation so pregnant mothers should refrain from taking boswellic acid while pregnant women should consult their healthcare practitioner prior to beginning any supplement with which contains boswellic acid as its stimulation of blood flow may stimulate blood flow into their uterus/ pelvis therefore pregnant mothers should avoid boswellic acid as pregnant mothers should expect it when gestation begins so gestation may happen during gestation.
