When in pain, most people’s first reaction is reaching for a box of painkillers so they can quickly alleviate the discomfort. However, even though paracetamol and ibuprofen are highly effective medicines, sometimes they aren’t the best solution. The overuse of painkillers is connected with several side effects such as drowsiness and nausea and may lead to addiction.
That’s why more and more people look for different means of soothing their aches. They find relief in alternative medicine, which offers a natural approach to the problem.
Many painkillers found in nature have been used for centuries before over-the-counter medicine was invented. Alternative solutions include CBD products for pain relief, essential oils, turmeric, capsaicin, ginger, and more.
Dealing with pain can seriously impede your daily performance, so it’s important to know what may bring you relief in your suffering. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the natural painkillers to treat your ache.
CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is extracted from the hemp plant, and it has no psychoactive effects. It means that you won’t get high after using it. At the same time, CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.
Cannabidiol can be found in different forms such as drops, sprays, or capsules, so you can choose the type that works best for you. The most recommended way of taking CBD is through CBD oil, which is applied sublingually or added to food.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are another type of painkiller which you may use to alleviate your discomfort. They are extracted from plants and herbs and have natural healing properties. There are many essential oils you can use to treat your pain, including peppermint, lavender, wintergreen, ginger, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, oregano, thyme, cajeput, eucalyptus, and myrrh.
The best part about Revive essential oils is their versatility when it comes to using them against pain. You can apply them topically on the affected area or add them to water during bathtime. The latter is especially useful for muscle aches and pains because it will allow you to soak your whole body in the product. Another great benefit of essential oils is that their smell can help you relieve stress and anxiety, which are both connected with pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice widely used in Indian cuisine, but it also has exceptional medicinal properties. It will reduce inflammation and ease your pain because it contains curcumin, an active ingredient that can fight against pain. Also, turmeric will keep your inflammation at bay because it lowers histamine levels and reduces the number of compounds associated with inflammation.
You can add turmeric to your food to relieve your pain because it’s a highly versatile spice. Many people also mix in a little bit of turmeric into their teas or even their coffee to boost the effects of this painkiller.
Capsaicin
This is a substance found in hot peppers, and it has been used for ages as an analgesic. Capsaicin increases the level of endorphins in your blood, making you feel more relaxed and relieving pain like any other relaxant drug without causing any side effects. Also, capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce swelling and irritation when applied topically.
Capsaicin can be found in topical creams and balms meant to relieve muscle aches and arthritis pain. You can also find it in ointments and patches, but they may cause a burning sensation if you don’t use them correctly. If you feel some discomfort when applying capsaicin topically, simply wash it off with warm water and soap until all traces of it are gone.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the oldest spices that have been used for culinary purposes since ancient times. Its distinct flavor makes it an excellent addition to your favorite dishes, but it’s also beneficial for your health. It contains gingerols — the active ingredients that aid digestion, reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve spasms, and help fight inflammation. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also effective against arthritis and rheumatism.
Ginger is another example of alternative medicine that is a natural analgesic. A study from 2009 states that ginger is just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing the aches caused by menstrual cramps. To try out ginger for yourself, make a tea out of fresh ginger root or take ginger capsules, so you get the maximum effect of this natural painkiller.
Cloves
Cloves have been used in cooking for many centuries. Their standout features are their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The active ingredient in cloves is eugenol, a compound known to relieve pain when applied topically. Cloves also contain beta-caryophyllene, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent on the central nervous system.
You can use them for cooking to reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain. Add a few drops of essential clove oil to some water and soak a towel in it. Apply the warm cloth to your aches and pains, then wrap it around the affected area to let the oil do its thing.
Conclusion
Even though you might think they aren’t as potent as their over-the-counter counterparts, alternative means of treating pain can be used to get rid of the discomfort and allow you to go about your daily routine. Cloves, ginger, turmeric, and others can bring more happiness to your life by relieving pain and making you feel more relaxed.
If you’re not fond of popping pills all the time, natural painkillers are a good option for you. In addition to being cheaper than prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicine, they will give you similar relief without causing side effects. You can still use them as needed or on a regular basis when you have many discomforts to deal with.
