Whenever we feel any kind of pain, whether it’s stomach ache, headache, muscle spasms or joint pain we usually turn to medications for relief. With the growing awareness and use of natural treatment methods, however, we no longer have to depend solely on drugs to ease pain. There are other alternative methods and here are some of the most effective:
1. Turmeric
Used widely in Indian cuisine, turmeric is also an effective antioxidant and pain reliever because of its curcumin content. You can take turmeric to treat various health concerns like stomach ache, arthritis or joint pain and skin disease such as psoriasis. Some studies have shown that it may also help treat cancer.
To get the health benefits of turmeric, add the spice to your foods and dishes, such as soups. Turmeric is also available as a tea. It may be applied topically as well similar to an ointment to help with arthritis-related pain. However, if you’d like to get the most out of turmeric, it is most potent at its supplement form.
2. Willow Bark
For years, naturopaths have been using willow bark as a solution to arthritis, muscle aches and menstrual pain. The bark of the white willow tree is effective against pain thanks to its ability to decrease prostaglandin in the body, which is what triggers swelling and body aches. Its effects on the body are similar to those of the drug aspirin.
White willow bark is available as a dried herb or as tea and can be steeped in water and drunk. It is also prepared as capsules, where the required dosage is a maximum of 240 milligrams in one day. Care needs to be taken when ingesting willow bark, however, as too much of it can also cause adverse side effects.
3. Ginger
Ginger does an excellent job of treating different health conditions as it fights against inflammation. Aside from relieving nausea and morning sickness for pregnant women, it is also used for muscle pain, headaches and arthritic pain.
To make use of the healing benefits of ginger, you can ingest it or apply it as a compress on the painful area. Although you can add it to soups, stews and other dishes, it is most effective when used in its pure form. Chop up a piece of ginger root, boil it for several minutes, and then drink the water like you would tea. It is also available in tea bags.
4. Hot and Cold Compress
For more immediate relief, use something you can find in every household, the hot or cold compress. Whether you should use specifically a hot or cold compress, however, depends on the kind of pain. For reducing the swelling in muscles that have just been injured, use a cold compress. It may also work for sudden, intense pain.
If the injury happened more than 24 hours ago, though, it’s best to use a hot compress. Muscle spasms and pain can also be alleviated with a hot compress. It’s also the preferred option if the pain is constant and recurs from time to time. You can find useful packs from the drugstore that can be used either as a hot or cold compress. You just need to freeze or heat them up as needed.
5. Acupuncture
Famous in Chinese medicine, acupuncture is also growing in popularity all over the world as an alternative to oral medication. A combination of extremely thin needles, pressure and heat are applied on certain areas of the skin. When it comes to pain, acupuncture activates the body’s serotonin, which helps relieve pain and at the same time encourages the body to heal itself.
Acupuncture is most effective, however, for chronic kinds of pain such as constant headaches, back, joint or muscle pain and arthritis. If you decide to try acupuncture, make sure you approach a certified practitioner.
Pain Relief Tea
(source)
Makes 2-4 servings
Vegan – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Detox – Paleo – Anti Inflammatory
Ingredients
- 40 oz filtered clean water (about 5 cups)
- 1/2 cup sliced ginger smashed with the back of a wooden spoon to expose flesh
- 1 Tbl + 1 tsp Powdered Turmeric (organic high quality)
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 Tbl Coconut oil or Ghee
- 2 Tbl Raw Honey
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Pour the water into a large sauce pan.
- Add the ginger to the water. Bring to a boil for 20 minutes then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the spices and ghee/coconut oil.
- Whisk to combine the spices.
- Squeeze juice from lemon.
- Remove from the heat. (This can be left overnight to infuse further with the ginger too)
- Strain into mugs and stir in raw honey
- Keep stirring while drinking this because the spices will settle to the bottom.
If you need a quick single serving:
- Mix 1 heaping tsp of turmeric, pinch of cayenne, three turns of black pepper, 1/2 tsp powdered ginger (optional but recommended) and pour hot water over while whisking to combine with 2 tsp ghee or coconut oil and 2 tsp raw honey to help absorb the spices and drink immediately.
Essential Oils For Pain!
