If you have a toothache, backache, or any other type of pain, your first impulse may be to reach out for pain medication. Many people use medications, but these can come with the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and sometimes misuse.
While certain circumstances may require a prescription or over-the-counter medication, it’s also possible to find the relief you need in a variety of natural pain relievers. Many herbs and spices have long been used to relieve inflammation and pain. These natural pain relievers are part of a category of treatment known as alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, and other practices.
There can be many benefits to relieving pain and inflammation more naturally, but remember that these natural remedies can sometimes interfere with other medications you are taking. Additionally, some natural pain relievers have not been extensively studied in humans (especially regarding dosage), and many supplements are not tested by an independent laboratory to ensure their quality or Security.
If you suffer from pain or chronic problems, it is best to consult a doctor before buying natural remedies. Integrative medicine professionals, who are doctors trained in more natural remedies, can be a great option if you’re looking for alternative forms of pain treatment. It’s also important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as frankincense, is often used in Ayurvedic medicine. Resin from the Boswellia serrata tree is commonly made into tinctures, pills, or topical treatments.
What treatments are used?
Boswellia is often used to treat:
asthma symptoms
arthritis
colitis (inflammation of the colon)
general inflammation
reduction of fluid cerebral edema (swelling of the brain)
reduction of skin damage due to radiotherapy
A 2020 study of 545 people found Boswellia to be an effective and safe treatment for osteoarthritis, easing pain and stiffness.
Possible side effects
While boswellia is generally safe, applying it topically can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It may also interact negatively with certain medications, including blood thinners and antiplatelets. If you are taking any of these medications, Boswellia extract may increase the risk of bleeding.
Curcuma
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its characteristic yellow hue and unique flavor. It contains a compound, curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical molecules that can damage cells. It has also been well studied for its ability to lessen swelling and reduce inflammation. Although most often used as a spice, turmeric is also available in supplement form and is often combined with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, to increase its absorption.
What treatments are used?
Turmeric can be useful for the treatment of many conditions, including the following:
indigestion
ulcers
stomach ache
le psoriasis
inflammation caused by conditions like osteoarthritis
Possible side effects
Although turmeric is generally considered safe, several side effects have been reported. Here are some of the most common side effects:
nausea
diarrhea
headache
Rashes
yellow stools
Be sure to consult a doctor before using turmeric supplements. Stop using them if you experience any negative side effects.
Cloves
Whole cloves are often used to spice up meat and rice dishes. Ground cloves are used in pies and many other foods. Cloves are also widely used as natural pain relievers due to their content of eugenol, a natural pain reliever that is also used in some over-the-counter pain relievers.
Cloves come in the form of capsules or powder. Clove oil is also available and can be applied topically to reduce pain.
What treatments are used?
Clove is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as:
nausea
Colds
headaches
l’inflammation arthritique
Teeth ache
indigestion
diarrhea
Some research also suggests that cloves might be used to treat fungal infections, but more high-quality human studies are needed.
Possible side effects
When used as a supplement, clove may be associated with side effects such as:
liver problems
allergic reactions
skin irritation
increased bleeding
Although clove oil can be applied topically to treat issues such as toothaches, undiluted clove oil can actually hurt your gums, so be sure to see a dentist. before trying it at home. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should also be careful when consuming clove products, as clove and clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding. For this reason, it is important to consult a doctor before using any herbal supplements that contain cloves.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese medical practice aims to relieve pain from the Sure Source by balancing the body’s natural energy pathways. The flow of energy is known as qi (pronounced “chee”). For this practice, acupuncturists insert tiny, thin needles into your skin. The location of the insertion is related to the source of pain. Depending on the qi, a needle can be inserted away from the part of the body that feels the pain. Acupuncture can relieve pain by causing the body to release serotonin, a brain chemical that dulls pain. It is also believed to reduce stress levels and promote healing in the body.
What treatments are used?
Acupuncture can help relieve several types of pain, including:
knee osteoarthritis
headache
myofascial pain
acute and chronic low back pain
fibromyalgia
neck pain
heat and ice
One of the most common home pain remedies is to apply heat and ice directly to painful areas. While this treatment may seem obvious, not everyone knows exactly when to use ice or heat. Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation soon following a muscle, tendon, or ligament sprain may provide relief. Interestingly, once inflammation has subsided, heat can help reduce the stiffness that accompanies sprains and strains. A heating pad or cold pack used briefly on the head can also help reduce pain from a headache, while an ice pack can help relieve lower back pain. If your painful problem is arthritis, moist heat applied to the affected joint will help you more than ice. Moist heat compresses can be reheated in the microwave and used multiple times, making them effective and easy to use.
What treatments are used?
Applying an ice pack can help treat the following problems:
swelling
bleeding
inflammation
headaches
lower back pain
strained muscles, tendons or ligaments.
At the same time, the application of heat can relieve conditions such as:
joint stiffness
muscle spasms
arthritis
headache
Possible side effects
Applying heat or ice to an injury for too long can increase the risk of burns and other side effects.
Here are some of the most common side effects of heat or cold therapy:
Burns
ice burns or frostbite
numbness
itching
pain
If you injure yourself or have chronic pain, ask your doctor or pharmacist how best to use heat or ice for pain relief.
Be careful in pain management
The natural pain relievers described above may only be effective for specific causes of pain and may not be suitable for everyone. However, these natural options may at least give you some options to try, either alone or in combination with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Remember that pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong. It can be temporary, like a strained muscle, but it can also signify a serious health condition that requires medical treatment.
Do not hesitate to consult a medical professional to diagnose the source of your pain and discuss the best options for treating it. Also, always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal supplements or products, especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications.
