NATURAL PAIN RELIEVERS

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective pain relievers, but long-term use can cause side effects. Prescription medications may be addictive and have even more adverse effects. What are the best natural ways to relieve pain?

People have used essential oils, herbs, and alternative therapies as natural pain relievers for hundreds of years. Researchers have not fully explored these options, but some evidence suggests that certain remedies can help, and that many people find them useful.

Below, we discuss few natural pain relievers and the science behind them. Read on to learn how to manage pain naturally without relying on over-the-counter pain medication.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil may help relieve pain naturally. People use lavender oil for pain relief, to help sleep, and to ease anxiety. A small-scale 2012 study found that inhaling lavender oil may relieve pain associated with migraine headaches compared with a placebo. Some research also suggests that lavender oil has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in animals.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not currently regulate essential oil ingredients and dosages, so use them with caution. Always talk to a doctor before using any new essential oils. Do not ingest essential oils, as they can be toxic. If applying an oil topically, always dilute it in a carrier oil.

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil comes from the Mentha piperita L. plant. Some research suggests that the peppermint plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects. The active compounds in peppermint oil include carvacrol, menthol, and limonene.

People often use diluted peppermint essential oil as a topical treatment, meaning that they rub diluted oil into the area that feels achy or painful.

One 2015 review notes that people have traditionally used peppermint to relieve painful spasms and problems associated with arthritis. The researchers also report that applying peppermint oil to the temples and forehead may relieve tension headache pain.

Cloves

People have traditionally used cloves, from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, as a home remedy to relieve pain from toothache. A 2006 study found clove gel to be as effective as benzocaine gel, which is a topical gel that dentists often use to reduce needle pain. The researchers applied clove, benzocaine gel, or a placebo to the inside of the participants’ mouths. They reported lower levels of pain with both clove and benzocaine gels, but not with placebos. More research is needed to see how effectively cloves could relieve other sorts of pain. Researchers also believe that clove can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activity.

Capsaicin

People also use capsaicin, present in chilli peppers, for natural pain relief. This substance can cause a mild burning or tingling sensation when a person applies it topically. A 2011 study notes the important role that capsaicin topical creams and patches play in pain management. Many pain-relieving products contain capsaicin. Researchers are not yet sure why it relieves pain, but some believe that it reduces the skin’s sensitivity to pain by working on the nociceptor fibres. These are nerves that carry pain signals.

Ginger

Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is a root that shows promise as a natural pain reliever. A 2015 systematic review found that ingesting two grams of ginger per day modestly reduced muscle pain from resistance exercise and running when people took it for at least five days. The researchers also suggest that ginger may accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation related to exercise.

Try including ginger in the diet by adding raw ginger to smoothies or teas. People can also use ginger supplements. However, the natural, fresh ingredient may be more healthful.

Turmeric

Curcuma, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has pain-relieving qualities. A small-scale 2014 study found that curcuma extract is as effective as ibuprofen for pain management in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when a person takes it for four weeks. Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation. To include turmeric in its natural form in the diet, try adding it to curries, smoothies, or juices.

Yoga

Yoga is a physical meditation practice that may offer a way to manage pain naturally. Managing back pain often includes stretching and physical therapy. Yoga provides this. It incorporates breathing exercises, self-care, and relaxation methods, so practicing yoga may also relieve pain related to stress or anxiety. A 2013 study found that yoga may improve low back pain. The NCCIH state that yoga may help relieve low back pain and neck pain, but that there is not enough evidence that it can help for other conditions, such as headache, arthritis, or fibromyalgia.

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