Natural Pain Relief: 7 Surprising Natural Painkillers

Body pains in joints, muscles, toothache, or any form of pain can be treated with natural painkillers. It is always not advisable to rely on medications any time there’s a feeling of pain in any body part. Some medicines come with severe side effects when used regularly, and this could affect normal body function. There are several natural painkillers that could help relieve pain effectively with little or no side effects.

Although very little research has concentrated on exploring this area, there is already some proof that many people find these natural pain relievers very useful and effective.

Here are some surprising natural painkillers that are effective in relieving pain without depending on over-the-counter medication.

Willow Bark

Many people use willow bark to reduce inflammation, which causes many pains and body aches. The willow bark has a salicin chemical that is similar to Bayer (aspirin’s main ingredient).

In the past, the bark was chewed to help relieve pain and fever. Today, it is available as a dry herb that can be brewed to make tea. Other forms come in liquid and capsule supplements.

Willow bark is said to be effective in relieving back pain, headache, and osteoarthritis.

Side Effects

Willow bark has its own disadvantages when not used properly. It can slow down kidney function, cause stomach upset, or extend bleeding time just like aspirin. Taking it in large quantities can be harmful to children. It is therefore advised that only adults should use it.

People who are sensitive to aspirin should avoid using willow bark as an alternative pain reliever. Talking to a specialist is recommended before taking willow bark.

Turmeric

Turmeric spice is responsible for curry powder’s yellow color. Turmeric has curcumin oxidant, a compound that protects the body from free radical molecules that may destroy body cells and tissues.

The spice is used to treat several conditions such as indigestion, ulcers, cancer, and stomach upset. It is also known as an effective pain reliever by reducing inflammation.

Cloves

Whole cloves are normally used to spice up meat and rice foods while powdered cloves are used in different foods. Cloves are available as a medicine in powdered and oil forms. It is used to treat several medical conditions including cold, headaches, toothache, and inflammation.

Clove contains eugenol, a compound that can help relieve pain naturally. This compound is also used in some over-the-counter pain relievers.

Using little amounts of clove oil to rub on the gums of a painful tooth could ease the pain for a moment before visiting a doctor. Constant rubbing with undiluted clove oil may hurt the gums.

Another study found out that cloves could be effective in treating fungal infections. However, more research is needed before this can be confirmed.

Clove oil can increase bleeding in patients with bleeding disorders or those under blood-thinning medication.

Acupuncture

This old Chinese medication sounds scary but there is proof that it works. The whole process has been studied for more than 2,500 years and is believed to work “miracles” for many, treating depression, allergies, cramps, and pain.

Acupuncture involves triggering specific acupoints on the skin by needles in order to relieve pain.

An acupuncturist places tiny needles into the area of the skin that is related to pain, making the body respond by releasing serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that triggers feelings of well-being and happiness.

In a study conducted in 2012, acupuncture was found to relieve migraine and chronic pains.

Heat And Cold Application

Heat and ice application directly on the part of the body that is experiencing pain is one of the common natural pain relievers. Many people do not understand when to use heat and when to use ice to relieve pain.

Heat application on a painful area increases blood flow and nutrients on that part and works best in the morning to warm up the muscles.

Ice application slow the blood flow and as a result, swelling and pain is reduced. This method is ideal to reduce pain for a short period.

Both methods relieve pain in the muscles, wrist, knee, back and the neck.

Depending on the method,one of these can be used to apply heat or cold in the affected areas:

• a bag of ice
• electric heating pad
• a washcloth soaked in hot or cold water
• A gel pack that can be frozen or warmed in the microwave

On average, applications on the painful areas last 15-20 minutes.

Ginger

This is a natural pain-relieving root that can help reduce muscle pains when taken every day. A study revealed that taking 2 grams of ginger every day may help in relieving pain during physical body exercises such as running.

Studies also suggest that the root is effective in speeding up recovery and reducing exercise-related inflammation.

Ginger can be included in the diet by adding it in its raw form to tea and smoothies. Ginger supplements are also available for purchase in medical stores.

Yoga

Yoga helps strengthen weak muscles that have been weak due to lower movements. Stretching helps reduce the discomfort from activities such as sleeping in bed.

Yoga does not just exercise the body, but the mind too. It helps the mind relax and focus and thereby reducing stress.

Yoga helps reduce manage pain-related conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, and chronic pain.

Apart from reducing pain, yoga has other health benefits to the body.

• it improves body part movements and functionality
• stretching prevents joint and cartilage breakdown
• protects and improves the posture of the spine
• improves the health and wellbeing

Conclusion

Some of the natural painkillers above are only effective in relieving specific body pains. Some of them do not work for some people. However, it is important to try some of these ways before resolving to over the counter medications that have severe side effects when used for a long time.

Seeking an expert to diagnose the source persistent pain will help to keep the body healthy by prescribing proper early treatments in case the condition is serious.