Safe Home Remedies for Effective Pain Relief
For many people, reaching out to over-the-counter pain medications is the first impulse when dealing with back pain, a sudden toothache, painful menstrual cramps, or any other type of pain. And while these painkillers are indeed effective, each of them comes with its own set of possible side effects and can have a damaging effect on your health in the long run.
Fortunately, there are many surprising natural pain relievers – herbs and spices that have been used for centuries for reducing inflammation and relieving pain, as well as other practices like yoga or acupuncture.
In the article below, you will find the essential information about several natural yet safe home remedies for effective pain relief. These include but are not limited to lavender essential oil cloves, CBD-based products, capsaicin, turmeric, and medical plant feverfew. Continue reading to learn more about natural painkillers you can use at home.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the Indian ginger plant and has been used in India for centuries both for cooking and as a powerful home remedy for pain relief. It contains curcumin, a chemical with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that curcumin can be used to treat joint pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
How to use it?
Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a cup of hot water and drink it as tea. You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil to increase the absorption of curcumin.
CBD
CBD or cannabidiol is a major active compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not have a psychoactive effect. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, manage anxiety and depression, and is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy. CBD is also known to fight cancer cells, reduce seizures, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
How to use it?
There are several products on the market today that contain CBD. One of the most popular products is CBD oil. It contains a high concentration of CBD and is available in oil form that can be used sublingually. You can also use a CBD pain relief stick, CBD capsules, or CBD-infused creams and lotions.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their spicy taste. It is well known for its pain-relieving effects due to its ability to increase the release of endorphins – the chemicals responsible for feelings of pleasure, comfort, and well-being. The red pepper extract has been shown to help with chronic back pain and osteoarthritis. It can also be used to relieve muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, and even post-workout aches.
How to use it?
Simply rub some capsaicin cream on the affected area. The effect will start after a few minutes and last for several hours. As an alternative, you can also make a homemade pepper spray or puree fresh chili peppers and soak them in olive oil for about 5 days before you use the oil for massage or apply it directly on the skin.
Lavender Essential Oil
The lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which means that it can help reduce inflammation and pain in muscles, joints, or any other part of your body. It is also commonly used for calming and soothing purposes. The lavender essential oil can be used to relieve pain from toothaches, headaches, low back pain, painful menstrual cramps, or burns. It is suitable for using topically, but make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first.
How to use it?
Add up to 3 drops to bathwater or apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the affected area. Use caution when using this oil around your eyes and mouth as it can cause irritation in high quantities. For topical use, dilute the lavender essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oils before applying it to the skin.
Feverfew
Feverfew is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which have been proven in many clinical studies. This herb helps reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles, relieves headaches and migraine symptoms, aids in digestion issues, and improves overall immune system functioning.
How to use it?
Simply chew on a few leaves of feverfew. Alternatively, you can brew it as tea or take it in capsule form. When used in conjunction with other herbs, feverfew may decrease the effects of some medications. Consult your doctor before taking this herb if you are taking any prescription medicines.
Final Note
These are only some of the effective natural pain relievers. It is important to keep in mind that not every product or practice mentioned above will work for everyone the same. It is also important to consult your doctor before trying any product or technique you are unfamiliar with.
But if you have been relying on painkillers for too long, remember that there are safe and natural ways to reduce pain and get back on track to health. You can try these remedies and see which ones are the best for you. Good luck!