Natural Painkillers - Use Nature to Kill Pain

As news flash around the world, about the dangers of painkillers, we should look for natural alternatives to treat our pain. As pain is an indispensible part of our life and is associated with various other issues like depression, anxiety, low immunity and restlessness, we use painkillers for everything from headaches, migraine, back pain, joint pain, muscle cramp, arthritis, stomach pain and body pain. 

Most of our pain is on account of inflammation of the tissues that cause it to swell, which is why we go for painkillers that can block the enzymes causing the inflammation, thus reducing pain. However, painkillers like Paracetamol & NSAIDs like aspirins & Ibuprofen can cause fatal side effects on prolonged overuse.

There are many natural painkillers that can provide relief from aches and pains without any harmful side effects.

Olive Oil 

Scientists have discovered that extra virgin olive oil has an antioxidant known as oleocanthal, similar to ibuprofen, that reduces inflammation and pain. As olive oil is a natural product, prolonged use is not harmful at all. Instead, olive oil has therapeutic benefits and antioxidants that improves your cardiac health, lowers high blood pressure, cholesterol, increases longevity and builds anti cancer cells. Use olive oil as a salad dressing. Mix 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil with juice of ½ lemon and 1 tbsp of promegranate juice and use it as a salad dressing. 50 grams of olive oil is equivalent to 10% dosage of ibuprofen.

Fish Oil

Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish contains EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) that is very effective in inhibiting the inflammatory chemicals in your body, thereby providing relief from pain. It is great in relieving pain from rheumatoid arthritis, gout and sinusitis. With regular consumption of fish oil, your body will break them down into anti-inflammatory compounds and use it to reduce your pain. Moreover, omega 3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial for building your brain cells, strengthening your bones and teeth, improving your vision and enhancing your immunity.

Turmeric

Turmeric comes from the ginger family and is popular for its antiseptic and medicinal properties. It contains a compound known as curcumin, which has the potency to block inflammatory compounds and strengthen your body’s capacity to kill the pain by suppressing inflammation. Turmeric is as powerful as NSAIDs and can be used continuously without fear of side effects to your vital organs like kidneys, liver and heart. Turmeric is useful in easing chronic pain from migraines, arthritis and osteoporosis. Take about 500 mg of turmeric with 500 mg of bromelain (found in pineapples) about ½ hour before your meal.

Bromelain

Bromelain is found in pineapple stems and is very effective as an anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain is available as capsules for relief from labor pains, sinusitis headaches, sprain and swelling. It is also available as a cream and can be directly applied to sprains, swellings and muscle strains.

Magnesium

Add foods rich in magnesium like nuts, seeds and whole grains in your daily diet, in order to strengthen your body against potential negative effects of intense pain. Magnesium is useful in reducing the pain and the frequency of migraine headaches as well as provide relief from pain of the lower back, knees, muscle cramps and ligament strains.

Boswellia
 

  

Boswellia is an indian herb and boswellic acids present in the herb is effective in treating pain from rheumatoid arthritis. It is available as tablets and cream for topical application.

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s claw is a herb found in South Africa. It is a hard prickly fruit with sharp hooks. Although it causes pain when it snags into your flesh or hair, it is an excellent remedy against aches and pains from arthritis, back pain and osteoarthritis with zero side effects.

Arnica
 

Arnica is a bright yellow flower found in Europe and is an ancient remedy for osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory compound found in arnica is as powerful as Ibuprofen in reducing pain and restoring smooth movement of joints. It is also used in treating pain from sprains, swelling, bruises and ligament tears. It is available as creams/gels and supplements as well.

Saliva

The human saliva has many antibacterial compounds and enzymes. It is a natural painkiller, containing a chemical substance called opiorphin that is almost six times stronger than morphine and does not have the psychological and addictive side effects of morphine. Opiorphine suppresses pain by restoring chemicals found in your nervous system and modifying your body’s response to pain. Researchers are thrilled with this discovery and hope it will create inroads into pharmaceutical treatment.

White Willow

White willow bark contains a compound called salicin which is similar to aspirin and has anti-inflammatory properties and very effective in providing relief from headaches, fever, backaches, toothaches and joint pains.  However, children and people with ulcers or gastric problems are advised not to use it.

Feverfew
 

Feverfew belongs to the sunflower family and give relief from headaches and migraines long-term. It works by relaxing your blood vessels and stop them from getting constricted, which is why you suffer from migraine. A prolonged consumption of feverfew has proved to be effective in warding off migraines in a couple of months. Feverfew is an ancient remedial medicine used by early Greeks for relief from menstrual pain and inflammation.

MSM (Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane)

MSM is a naturally formed sulphur compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties with an added ability to block pain impulses to your brain. Studies show that degenerative arthritis people who received MSM, showed a marked improvement in pain control in six weeks as opposed to people who did not receive MSM. It is available as a cream as well as a supplement.

Tart Cherries

Tart cherries are rich in anti-oxidants and contain active enzymes that inhibit pain. Regular consumption of tart cherries reduced inflammation related pains, joint pains and gout.

Ginger

Ginger is a flavored root that enhances the taste of food when added to it. It contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that inhibit pain. Regular consumption of ginger will provide relief from chronic pain. Eat it raw daily as opposed to cooking it in a recipe, in order to get full benefit of its properties.

Disclaimer - this post is only for your information and not a medical advice. Although, these are natural painkillers, it would be advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.