If you have a toothache, backache, or any other type of pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pill. Many people rely on medications, but they come with the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and habitual use or addiction.
You may find the relief you need from a variety of natural painkillers instead. What are the best natural ways to relieve pain?
Many herbs and spices can treat inflammation and other related conditions. These plant-based options fall under a category of treatment known as alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, and other practices which has been in use for hundreds of years. When it comes to pain relief, you may be surprised by what might help you feel better.
Researchers have not fully explored these options, but some evidence suggests that certain remedies can help, and that many people find them useful.
Benefits Of Going Natural With Pain Relievers
While many people use pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen with no problems, people who experience side effects can try using natural pain relievers. These include herbal remedies and traditional practices such as yoga and acupuncture.
One 2016 review links long-term acetaminophen use to an increased risk of heart attacks, bleeding in the digestive system, and impaired kidney function.
Meanwhile, some research suggests that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen increases the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and stroke.
Some traditional remedies, such as yoga, mindfulness, and acupuncture, can also benefit a person’s mental health.
Herbal remedies could provide other health benefits alongside pain-relieving effects, such as having antioxidant effects to help keep the body healthy.
Lets Go Natural
Essential oils
Keep essential oils on hand. Rub chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rosemary or sage into temples, chest or sore joints to relax muscles and calm the mind. Aromatherapy relieves stress, often the root of our pain.
Ginger
Eating ginger may accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation after exercise. It is a root that shows promise as a natural pain reliever. A 2015 systemic review found that ingesting 2 grams of ginger per day modestly reduced muscle pain from resistance exercise and running when people took it for at least 5 days. Try including ginger in the diet by adding raw ginger to smoothies or teas. People can also use ginger supplements, which are available in health stores. However, the natural, fresh ingredient may be more healthful. Always talk to a doctor before taking any new supplement. Dietary supplements can have side effects and may interact with existing medication.
Tumeric
Curcuma, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has pain-relieving anti-cancer qualities. A small-scale 2014 study found that curcuma extract is as effective as ibuprofen for pain management in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when a person takes it for 4 weeks. Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation. Try include turmeric in its natural form in the diet, add it to curries, smoothies, or juices. You can also get turmeric supplements in pharmacies.
Cloves
People have traditionally used cloves as a home remedy to relieve pain from toothache and species for cooking. A study found clove gel or oil to be as effective as benzocaine gel, which is a topical gel that dentists often use to reduce needle pain. Researchers also believe that clove can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral activity.
Chili Pepper
Capsaicin is the active ingredient present in chili peppers, for natural pain relief. This substance can cause a mild burning or tingling sensation when a person applies it topically. Capsaicin topical creams and patches play an important role in pain management. Many pain-relieving products contain capsaicin. Researchers are not yet sure why it relieves pain, but some believe that it reduces the skin’s sensitivity to pain by working on the nociceptor fibers. These are nerves that carry pain signals.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese medical practice seeks to relieve pain by balancing the body’s natural energy pathways. The flow of energy is known as qi (pronounced CHEE). For this practice, acupuncturists place tiny, thin needles into your skin. The location of the insertion is related to the source of the pain. Based on the qi, a needle may be inserted far from the part of the body experiencing pain. Acupuncture may relieve pain by causing the body to release serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical that eases pain. A study found that acupuncture helped relieve pain associated with low back, neck, osteoarthritis or knee pain, migraines, and various locations of chronic pain.
Mindful Meditation
People experiencing chronic pain are increasingly turning to mindfulness meditation as a natural treatment. More research is needed to support this. A mindfulness meditation can improve pain symptoms, depression, and quality of life.
Yoga
Practicing yoga may help with back and neck pain. Yoga is a physical meditation practice that may offer a way to manage pain naturally. Managing back pain often includes stretching and physical therapy, yoga provides this. It incorporates breathing exercises, self-care, and relaxation methods, so practicing yoga may also relieve pain related to stress or anxiety. A 2013 study found that yoga may improve low back pain.
Be Careful When Managing Pain
The natural painkillers described above may only be effective for specific causes of pain. It’s possible that not all of the suggestions on this list will work for you. However, these natural alternatives to prescription or OTC medications may at least give you some decent options to try before you turn to pharmacological solutions.
Remember, pain is the body’s signal that something is wrong. It may be temporary, as with a strained muscle. But pain can also mean you have a serious health problem that needs professional medical evaluation. Don’t hesitate to seek out a healthcare provider to diagnose the source of your pain, and discuss some natural options for treating it.
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