Whenever you feel the pain, you open your medicine cabinet and pop a tablet of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Although this can work effectively to relieve pain, long-term use can have drastic side effects. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the spice responsible for giving curry its unique flavor and yellow color. It is the yellow powder ground from the root of the plant that grows in Asia, India, and Central America. Turmeric contains the chemical compound curcumin, which is an antioxidant that helps to protect the body from free radical molecules and has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that turmeric is especially effective at decreasing pain caused by arthritis.
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant often used in cooking to add distinct flavor and taste to the food. In addition to its culinary uses, ginger has been known to provide anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties; thus, ginger can naturally relieve pain. Studies have shown that ginger can reduce muscle pain from exercise and running if people took 2 grams per day for five days. In another study, ginger has shown to relieve joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
Cloves
For centuries, people have used cloves as a home remedy to relieve pain from toothache. A study found that clove oil can be helpful in dentistry to help relieve pain before a needle is injected into the gums. Mix a teaspoon of clove powder and cinnamon oil, and you have a natural remedy for headache and pain.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is known for having natural anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, researchers instructed patients with neck or back pain to take 1200 milligrams of fish oil supplements a day. After 75 days on fish oil, more than half of the study groups reported that they had stopped their painkiller prescriptions.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory. When diluted and applied topically on the pained region, it can provide pain relief comparable to prescription medicines.
Heat or Cold Therapy
Among the most common remedies to alleviate pain is to apply either heat or cold to the affected area. This treatment is pretty straightforward; however, not everyone is exactly clear when to use cold or heat.
Apply an ice pack when there is swelling or inflammation. This is particularly useful when you experience a strained muscle, tendon, or ligament. Ice packs can also be used to relieve the pain of a headache.
For more painful problems such as arthritis, use moist heat and apply it to the affected joint.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective alternative therapy known to provide a remedy for pain. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help to relieve certain types of pain, such as:
- neck pain
- lower back pain
- knee pain
In a 2018 meta-analysis, researchers have found that acupuncture is an effective method to manage chronic pain. Research has also shown that it can help with headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and pain associated with osteoarthritis. More research has shown that acupuncture is useful for many types of pain.
The natural remedies for pain may only be useful for specific causes of pain. It is possible that most of these suggestions may not work for your particular case. However, these natural pain remedies are a great alternative to over-the-counter medications. Now you have the option to try these methods before you turn to your medicine cabinet to relieve pain.