Everyone experiences pain at any given day. This may be caused by environmental changes, injuries, or even underlying health conditions. This is a sensation that is very debilitating especially when it doesn’t go away quickly. Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or ordinary pain relievers but side effects really put you off.
Nowadays, you already have the option of choosing natural pain relievers to help you deal with the discomfort and inconvenience brought about by either acute or chronic pains. You may want to discuss these natural pain relievers with your doctor just to make sure that you’re on the right track:
1. Arnica
One of the natural pain relievers used to take care of swelling after surgery and acute injuries. Arnica is said to be derived from a flower that is of European origin. You could very well use this herb with the usual prescribed medications, other herbs, and ice therapy. It comes in the form of ointments that you could just rub on the affected area or pellets that you could place under your tongue.
2. Capsaicin
This is one of the natural pain relievers that is used for pain caused by neuropathy, shingles, and arthritis. Capsaicin is the active chili pepper component that relieves or numbs the pain receptors (C-fibers) temporarily. It diminishes pain for 3 to 5 weeks as they recover and regain the normal sensation. In the form of cream that is applied to the inner lining of the nostrils, capsaicin lowers the intensity of cluster headaches and migraines.
3. InflaThera or Zyflamend
InflaThera and Zyflamend are natural pain relievers used to treat arthritis. They are composed of holy basil, turmeric, and ginger. These herbs all have anti-inflammatory properties that also take care of psoriasis and arthritis. This is certainly a very affordable means to deal with pain.
4. S adenosylmethionine (SAM-e)
SAM-e is known as a natural amino acid that decreases inflammation and increases both dopamine and serotonin, which are uplifting neurotransmitters. Like other natural pain relievers, this doesn’t result to many side effects such as stomach disorders and cardiovascular problems that you usually get from prescribed conventional medications. SAM-e easily degrades when it is exposed to a direct source of light and may tale weeks before you feel the effects.
5. Aquamin
Aquamin is one of the common natural pain relievers that is used for osteoarthritis. This is a supplement that comes from the red seaweed, which is rich in magnesium and calcium. Aquamin also helps in bone formation and inflammation.
6. Fish oil
Fish oil is one of the natural pain relievers that are used for autoimmune disorders and arthritis. Prostaglandins are present in this substance that dramatically reduces inflammation. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids (DHA-docosahexanoic acid and EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid) that block leukotrienes and cytokines that induce inflammation. It is very helpful in relieving morning stiffness, Crohn’s disease, and joint pains as well.
7. (MSM) Methylsulfonyl-methane
MSM is another one of the effective natural pain relievers that you could use for your osteoarthritis. It is from the element, sulfur. MSM also prevents cartilage and joint degeneration. When used in combination with glucosamine, it is proven to be more effective.
8. Count out loud
Counting backwards out loud from 100 is one of the common natural pain relievers that you could practice on your own. Doing this is a form of distraction to your brain. It keeps your brain from actually processing the pain sensation.
9. Others
Other natural pain relievers that you could try are olive oil, tart cherries, white willow bark, boswellia, devil’s claw, and curcumin. Olive oil is much like ibuprofen that targets pain. It has oleocanthal that mimics the biochemical pathway of NSAIDs as well. About 50 g of extra-virgin olive oil is equivalent to 10% of the ibuprofen that you need as an adult. Eating 20 tart cherries is equal to about twelve to twenty milligrams of anthcyanins that targets both pain and inflammation due to arthritis and gout. These have ten times lower than an ordinary aspirin dosage and also antioxidant components that help you get rid of free radicals. Saliva is also one of the potent natural pain relievers that you produce on your own. It contains opiorphin that is ten times more powerful than morphine. White willow bark is effective as a prostaglandin blocker and a fever fighter. It has salicylic acid that relieves arthritis, backache, headache, and toothache. Boswellia is one of the natural pain relievers that deal with minor and chronic pains. It is available in the form of creams and supplements. By taking it daily for 3-4 weeks, you could get rid of morning stiffness, swelling, and pain without the side effects. Devil’s claw is from South Africa that is said to be good in relieving arthritis and pain. It has iridoid glycosides that target inflammation and pain. Curcumin that is found in turmeric is a very potent painkiller that blocks inflammation. It even makes your body suppress inflammation better.
Make sure that you consult with your physician before you start using any of the natural pain relievers given. This is to make sure that they will not complicate any present health conditions that you may have.