You can count on plants and herbs to alleviate everything from arthritis pain, to headaches, to burns – read on to find out more.
Many people rely on medications, but they come with the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and the possibility of becoming habit forming.
Before you do anything else though, you have to ‘quit the junk food that riles up the body’s pain system.’ The modern Western diet comprised of highly refined foods, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, while devoid of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc., is going to block the ability of other non-pharmaceutical remedies to halt pain.
Once you’ve done that, you can turn to the many herbs that truly deliver. There are also over 60 different essential oils for pain that have analgesic properties. Analgesic means that a substance has shown to relieve or reduce pain. So many plants have pain-relieving properties.
Here are just a few natural pain killers:
1. Turmeric
Yes, you’ve likely heard about this amazing root many times. Though did you know that turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory properties? Turmeric extract, has in fact, been found to be superior to a very popular arthritis drug that costs hundreds of dollars for individuals, and many billions to tax payers that help subsidize these drugs through Medicaid and Medicare. Turmeric’s cost is pennies for a daily serving.2. Ginger
The anti-inflammatory nature of ginger has been known for centuries. Studies suggest that ginger works by inhibiting CO-X2, which is a pro-inflammatory enzyme. A study involving patients who were given 225 mg twice daily noted reduced pain in 63% of the patients receiving ginger supplements compared to 50% receiving placebo.
Though it would be difficult to consume this much ginger without taking a supplement, this would still be preferable to a pharmaceutical med, many of which have unwanted side effects.
3. Pineapple
The enzyme bromelain has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple also happens to be great for boosting kidney health, as well as increasing bone density and ridding the body of parasites.4. Devil’s Claw
This ominous sounding herb is actually great for treating numerous health conditions, among them are liver problems and heart burn. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce pain from arthritis, headaches, and low back discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center has published several studies that had great success treating Osteoarthritis with Devil’s Claw.5. Birch Leaf (Betula Lenta)
The leaves from the Birch tree act much like cortisone, a prescription drug used to treat endocrine disorders, arthritis, lupus, skin disease, autoimmune disorders, and more. A main chemical compound found in Birch leaves is methyl salicylate, similar to salicylic acid used in aspirin.It is anti-spasmodic, analgesic, astringent, antifungal, diuretic, detoxifying, reduces oxidative damage to skin (stopping wrinkles), and enhances circulation. It also promotes enzymatic secretions in the body. It is truly one of the first powerful pain-relievers ever used.
6. Wintergreen Essential Oil
Also among natural pain relievers, Wintergreen Essential Oil contains 85-99% of methyl salicylate, the same component of aspirin. It's a potent topical solution for aches and pains. Don't apply this essential oil directly on the skin. Always mix this with a carrier oil such as "Sweet Almond Oil" or Olive Oil.7. White Willow Bark
The active ingredient in white willow is salicin, which the body converts into salicylic acid. This tree’s covering lowers the body’s levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that can cause aches, pain, and inflammation.What’s more, white willow bark doesn’t upset the stomach or cause internal bleeding like many over-the-counter aspirins. Turn to this herb for relief from menstrual cramps, muscle pains, arthritis, or after knee or hip surgery as it promotes blood flow and reduces swelling.
However, willow bark can cause stomach upset, may slow down your kidneys, and can prolong bleeding time, just like aspirin. It should only be used by adults. It could be poisonous to children, just like aspirin can be poisonous when taken in large quantitates.
If you’re sensitive to aspirin, or if you are taking any over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) you should avoid willow bark. You should also avoid taking it if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant treatments, as salicin could increase the risk of bleeding.
8. Capsaicin (Capsicum)
Found in hot chile peppers, this natural remedy does wonders for pain. Capsaicin, the active pain-reducing ingredient, temporarily desensitizes nerve receptors called C-fibers which cause the pain response. Capsaicin also diminishes soreness for 3 to 5 weeks while the C-fibers regain sensation.A single 60-min application in patients with neuropathic pain produced effective pain relief for up to 12 weeks. Patients at the New England Center for Headache decreased their migraine and cluster headache intensity by applying capsaicin cream to their nasal passages.
9. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
GLA can be found in numerous seed oils. According to University of Maryland, people who consume these essential fatty acids are able to reduce nerve pain associated with diabetic conditions.
10. Cherries
Among the best natural remedies for arthritis are cherries. This tasty fruit is full of anthocyanosides, plant pigments which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Researchers at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center have found that patients who consumed two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice (amounting to approximately 45 cherries) daily for 6 weeks experienced a huge improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function.
Study participants also showed a marked decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.Due to the presence of compounds called anthocyanins—the same phytonutrients that give cherries their rich ruby hue – you can count on cherries to tamp down pain.
Muraleedharan Nair, PhD, says, “They block inflammation and they inhibit pain enzymes, just like aspirin, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.” Cherries are said to have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food, making them great for remedying issues such as arthritis.
11. Aquamin
Derived from red seaweed, aquamin is a powerful pain reducer, too. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, of 70 volunteers, Aquamin users reduced arthritis pain by 20% in a month and had less stiffness than patients taking a placebo. Helping to diminish inflammation and helps to build bone, aquamin is rich in both calcium and magnesium, too.12. Arnica
An excellent herbal rub to use after intense sports, an acute injury, or even post surgery, arnica is a well-known natural pain killer among athletes and yogis. It is derived from a European flower, and has anti-inflammatory properties, although the true nature of its healing action is still unknown.13. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is most often used as a natural remedy for toothaches, discomfort from bloating and gas, joint conditions, skin irritations, headaches and muscle pain. Never apply any essential oil directly on the skin (except Lavender)...always mix with a carrier oil.14. Boswellia
This herb is sourced from the frankincense tree. Its resin is used to thwart chemical reactions that cause inflammation, and thus pain. Ayurvedic scientists have used Boswellia for centuries to treat arthritic conditions, as well as inflammatory bowel disease.15. Bromelain
This natural pain-reducer comes from the enzymes present in pineapple stems. Research shows that it reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation.Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (like TMJ syndrome), in addition to those suffering trauma-related inflammation. The enzyme also promotes healing in muscles and connective tissues.
16. Cranberry Juice
Having a bout of ulceritis? Ulcers usually result from a pathogen called H. pylori which attacks the lining of the stomach and small intestines, but cranberry juice can kill it – reducing pain. Instead of turning to antibiotics, destroy the bacteria causing your ulcers and urinary tract infections with cranberries.17. Chia, Flax, And Hemp Seeds
Foods that are high in Omega 3s are extremely good for controlling arthritis flare-ups naturally. Though you can also get your Omega 3s from fish, it is increasingly difficult to find wild caught or sustainably farmed fish that isn’t tainted.Chia, flax, and hemp seed are all full of the same essential fatty acids which not only improve joint functioning, but also boost brain power and act as a vital nutrient for growing bodies. Omega 3s help us when we are young, and help us when we are old.
18. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
What doesn’t ACV do?! This fermented apple concoction made from organic apples contains special enzymes that promote healing in the body in numerous ways.Arthritis is often caused by the lack of proper minerals in the body. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus are essential in relieving joint pain, and ACV is full of them all.
It also restores the body to its proper pH level, and is full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and acetic acid which produce almost miraculous effects in easing arthritis pain. In case you don’t already know, apple cider vinegar cures are nearly endless.
19. Cloves
Whole cloves are often used to spice up meat and rice dishes. Ground cloves are used in pies and many other foods. As a medicine, cloves can be found in capsule or powder form. Clove oil is also available.Like other herbal supplements, cloves are used to treat a wide range of conditions. Cloves may help ease nausea and treat colds.
They may also help relieve the pain associated with headaches, arthritic inflammation, and toothaches. Cloves can also be used as part of a topical pain reliever. A study indicated that cloves could be used to treat fungal infections but further research is needed.
The active ingredient is eugenol, which is a natural pain reliever and is also used in some over-the-counter pain rubs. Rubbing a tiny amount of clove oil on your gums may temporarily ease toothache pain until you can get to a dentist. But too much undiluted clove oil may actually hurt your gums, so discuss this approach with your dentist before trying it at home. (When using most essential oils, it must diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, almond oil or other organic oils).
People with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medication should be careful when consuming clove products. Clove oil can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.
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Sources:
- NBC News
- Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. "Ginger--an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions." Journal of Medicinal Food 2005 8(2):125-32.
- Reyes-Gordillo K, Segovia J, Shibayama M, Vergara P, Moreno MG, Muriel P. "Curcumin protects against acute liver damage in the rat by inhibiting NF-kappaB, proinflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress." Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2007 1770(6):989-96.