Seven amazing natural pain relievers

Turmeric, cloves and cinnamon are some analgesic options for specific pain

painkillers

Edited and resized image of Chinh Le Duc, is available on Unsplash

Analgesics are medicated products used to relieve pain such as toothache, back pain, menstrual cramps, or any other type of pain. Many people rely on pain medications to relieve their pain, but they are at risk for side effects, drug interactions and chemical dependency. But some natural pain relievers can also provide the same effect as medications effectively.

Many herbs and spices can treat inflammation and other related conditions. These options fall under a treatment category known as alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, reiki, and other practices.

Five natural pain relievers

1. Willow bark

People use willow bark to relieve inflammation, the main cause of most pain for centuries. White willow bark contains the chemical salicin, which is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin.

Originally, people chewed the bark to relieve pain and fever. But nowadays, it's sold as an herb that you can brew like tea. It can also be purchased as a liquid supplement or in capsule form. You can use willow bark to help relieve discomfort caused by headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis (OA) and many other conditions.

However, willow bark can cause stomach upset, lower kidney performance, and prolong bleeding time, just like aspirin. It should only be used by adults. Similar to the way aspirin taken in large quantities can be harmful to children, willow bark can be toxic to children.

If you are sensitive to aspirin or are taking any anti-inflammatory medication (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen), avoid willow. You should also avoid taking it if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs, as salicin can increase your risk of bleeding. Seek medical advice before taking willow bark if you are taking other anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers. Learn more about willow in the article: "Willow tree: what it is and trivia".

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is the spice that gives the curry its yellow color and unique flavor. It contains curcumin, an antioxidant compound that helps protect the body from free radical molecules that can damage cells and tissues. It can also be used to treat many conditions, including:

  • Indigestion
  • Ulcers
  • Stomachache
  • Psoriasis
  • Cancer

Some people with OA also turn to turmeric as a natural pain reliever because it helps relieve inflammation. Learn more about it in the article: "Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties."

3. Clove

Cloves are commonly used to spice up hot dishes. As a powder, it is used in pies and many other foods. But it is also used in capsule or essential oil form.

Clove supplements help relieve nausea, treat colds, relieve pain associated with headaches, arthritic inflammation and toothache. Cloves can also be used as one of the natural pain relievers.

One study suggested that cloves could be used to treat fungal infections. This is due to the presence of eugenol, a natural pain reliever that is also used in some massages for pain.

Rubbing a small amount of clove essential oil diluted in carrier oil onto your gums can temporarily relieve your toothache until you can go to the dentist. But too much undiluted clove oil can really harm your gums, so discuss this approach with your dentist before trying it at home.

People with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications should be careful when consuming clove products as cloves increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.

4. 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 "xi").

For this practice, acupuncturists place small fine needles in the skin. Insertion location is related to the source of pain. Based on the qi, a needle can be inserted away from the part of the body in pain.

Acupuncture can relieve pain by causing the body to release serotonin, a chemical that eases pain.

A 2012 study found that acupuncture helped alleviate pain associated with OA, migraines, and multiple sites of chronic pain.

5. Heat and ice

Among natural pain relievers is the application of heat and ice directly to pain sites. While this treatment may seem obvious, not everyone knows exactly when to use ice versus heat.

Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation right after you feel a tight muscle, tendon, or ligament can provide relief. Interestingly, once the inflammation is gone, heat can help reduce the stiffness that comes with sprains and strains.

An ice pack worn on the head can also help relieve the pain of a headache.

If your problem is arthritis, moist heat applied to the affected joint will help more than ice. Hot water bottles can be heated in the microwave and used over and over again, making them effective and easy to use.

If you get hurt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how best to use heat or ice to help relieve the pain.

6. Cinnamon tea for menstrual cramps

In a study published by the platform PubMed, adolescents who took capsules containing 420 mg of cinnamon three times a day during the menstrual period had a significant reduction in menstrual cramps, nausea, vomiting and bleeding during the first 72 hours of the cycle compared to the group taking a placebo. These benefits were not accompanied by any side effects and, according to the study, this can be considered a safe and effective treatment for dysmenorrhea in young women. Learn more about cinnamon tea in the article: "Cinnamon: benefits and how to make cinnamon tea".

7. Meditation

painkillers

Edited and resized image of Ksenia Makagonova, is available on Unsplash

Pain perception can be heightened under stressful conditions. One study used functional MRI techniques to observe brain activity while participants experienced a painful stimulus. Some have gone through four days of mindfulness meditation training, while others have not.

Patients who meditated showed greater activity in brain centers known to control pain. They also reported increased pain tolerance.

A larger study, which looked at the effects of meditation on 3,500 participants, found that the practice was associated with decreased complaints of chronic or intermittent pain.

A further study of terminally ill patients found that meditation can help alleviate chronic pain later in life. Learn more about the benefits of meditation in the article: "12 Amazing Benefits of Meditation".

Be careful when managing pain

The natural pain relievers 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.

Remember that pain is the body's signal that something is wrong. It can be temporary, as with a tight muscle. But pain can also mean that you have a serious health problem that needs professional medical evaluation. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice to diagnose the cause of pain.



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