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| Natural pain killers |
Do you tend to gravitate towards pain pills when you have a headache, backache or toothache? I used to as well. In fact most people depend on medications to help cure their pain without thinking of side effects, drug interactions or risk of addictions that come with regularly taking pain pills. There are many herbs and spices that can reduce inflammation, relieve pain and make you feel better.
Below are 7 surprising natural pain killers
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular yellow spice used in India and other Asian countries in dishes such as curry. It contains strong antiseptic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties and is thus very effective for treating pain. Some people with osteoarthritis use turmeric as a natural pain reliever since it helps to relieve inflammation.
How to use it: Mix and drink 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper daily for better absorption.
2. Wintergreen essential oil
It’s a powerful pain reliever that I use frequently. But it can be toxic to the liver, so I dilute it well with olive or coconut oil before using. Also apply it externally as it’s hugely effective for whole body pain and inflammation.
How to Use it: Mix 5 drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and rub on the affected area.
3. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin that has powerful pain relieving properties. Capsaicin is also good for managing weight, reducing inflammation and treating colds and flus. It can be taken in a tea.
How to use it: Add 1/8- 1/4 teaspoon in a cup of herbal tea or use to make a topical rub to massage the painful area.
4. Ginger
Ginger contains gingerol which is beneficial for headaches, achy bones, stomach aches, arthritis, migraines, post-surgical pain, nausea, h pylori, and gastric ulcers. I include ginger in my soups, teas, juices and shakes. Research indicates that ginger can lower prostaglandin levels, hence reducing arthritis pain. A 2005 studyrevealed that ginger can be more effective than aspirin alongside certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when it comes to reducing both inflammation and pain.
How to use it: Blend 1/3 a teaspoon of the root and mix in your tea, soups and juices.
5. Heat and ice
Cold ice packs can help reduce swelling and are quite beneficial for sprains, strains and headaches. Hot packs are beneficial for joint pain and arthritis.
How to use it: Apply an ice pack heating pad, damp cloth or heat wrap for up to 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
6. Cloves
Cloves can be used to treat nausea, colds, headaches, inflammation and toothaches. They can also be used as a topical pain reliever. Did you know that some medicines like capsules contain cloves and in powder form? If you have a bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning medication, be careful when taking clove products. Clove oil can make the risk of abnormal bleeding higher.
How to use it: Rub a tiny amount of clove oil on your gums to ease toothache pain temporarily before seeing a dentist. However discuss the approach with your dentist.
7. Willow bark
Willow bark help to relieve back aches, arthritis and headache. However, like aspirin, willow bark should only be used by adults to avoid the risk of stomach upset or any other side effects. Also avoid willow bark if you’re taking any over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen.
How to use it: Brew it as a tea or take in capsule form or as a liquid supplement.
Remember that pain can also be a symptom of a serious health problem that requires a professional medical evaluation. Besides, some natural pain killers are not safe in certain conditions for example; cloves and willow bark are not recommended during pregnancy. Always discuss natural treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Do you have any experience in using natural pain killers? Share it with other readers in the comment section. If you’re new to this home treatment, leave a comment or question below. I’ll reply you immediately I see it. Thanks for reading!