Natural painkillers are one of the safest complementary approaches to over-the-counter medication for managing pain.
Painkillers are an effective medication for reducing pain. However, they should be taken on short-term basis, in the lowest possible quantity that controls the pain. They have a tendency to make you addictive if taken for long.
Painkillers are generally associated with mild side-effects such as nausea, constipation and dizziness. But painkiller overdose may cause more severe, sometimes, life-threatening side-effects such as shallow breathing, slow heart rate and loss of consciousness.
Fortunately, our body is capable of inducing its own pain relievers. Using natural herbs or practices, we can simulate the brain to release the ‘feel-good’ hormones that relives the pain without causing harm to other organs of the body.
Here’s a list of 7 such natural pain killers that effectively reduces the intensity of pain. Have a look.
#1: Cloves
Cloves are one of the most common spices available in all households. They have traditionally been used as a home remedy to relive pain caused due to toothache or gum inflammation.
Clove contains an ingredient called eugenol that acts as a natural anesthetic to numb the affected area. It thus, lessens the severity of pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease inflammation and the associated pain.
For quick relief from toothache dip a clean cotton swab into the clove oil and apply it gently over the affected area.
Did You Know?
Opioids, also known as narcotics, are a class of drugs prescribed by doctors to reduce persistent pain. They reduce the sensation of pain by blocking the pain signals from reaching the brain.
#2: Ginger
Ginger roots have been used for thousands of years as a traditional medicine. In Ayurveda, it is widely used as a natural painkiller to reduce various types of pains, including abdominal pain, joint pain and menstrual pain.
The chemical compounds present in ginger limits the production and release of hormones that triggers pain. Studies suggest that taking two grams of ginger on a daily basis can help reduce muscle pain caused due to intense physical activity. It is found to have powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relive pain, swelling and muscle soreness.
#3: Turmeric
Turmeric is another magical herb that acts as an amazing natural painkiller. Its potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant effects help in managing many types of pain, including joint pain and nerve pain.
Turmeric’s active ingredient curcuma, hampers the activity of enzymes involved in the production of pain-inducing hormones. It is also being used as an effective herbal remedy to reduce inflammation and flu congestion.
Experts suggest that 500-1000 mg of turmeric extracts are generally safe to consume for majority of people. However, the exact dose depends upon the medical condition of the person seeking help.
#4: Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a phytochemical present in chili peppers. Its the stuff that gives the pepper its spicy kick and makes the mouth feel hot.
Capsaicin is analgesic in nature. It primarily helps in reducing the nerve pain, which feels like a stabbing, shooting or a burning sensation. It is also effective in reducing the pain associated with a joint condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis), severe headaches, and muscle sprains.
Capsaicin is available in form of creams and patches. It reduces the skin’s sensitivity to the nociceptor fibers, the nerves that carries the pain signals to the brain.
#5: Feverfew
Feverfew is a medicinal plant which has been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis, toothaches, stomach aches, migraine headaches, and pain associated with menstrual crams and childbirth. It is one of the best analgesics that has efficient pain-releasing properties.
Feverfew extracts affect an array of psychological pathways that induce pain. It contains parthenolide, the bioactive ingredient responsible for controlling pain.
Feverfew is available in form of capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Studies suggest that daily consumptions of 50 to 100 mg of feverfew supplement containing 0.2 to 0.35% parthenolides may control migraine headache.
#6: Essential Oils
Essential oils including lavender oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil may help relive pain naturally. They have been used for thousands of years in aromatherapy to get rid of headaches, muscle pain and bone pain.
According to a study, a blend of essential oils is quite effective in reducing the severity and duration of menstrual pain. They possess strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and pain-relieving effects.
Essential oils should always be used with care and caution. Learn more about essential oils here.
#7: Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, an essential mineral in the body. It is used in hot baths, sitz baths and foot soaks to relives symptoms of inflammation and pain. When dissolved in water, it releases magnesium and sulphate ions, which perform vital bodily functions.
Epsom salt effectively reduces the pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and the skull. It also helps in managing muscle soreness and stiff joints.
Did You Know?
Epsom salt is a go-to remedy to reduce pain associated with heel spur, a condition in which calcium deposit creates a bone-like growth around the heel bone.
Final Take
While there’s no harm in occasionally taking pain relieving medication, its better to try a natural alternative if you experience any side effect. For chronic pain, a natural painkiller can act as a supplement to enhance the effect of a pain reliving medication.
Please note that in some cases, the above-listed natural painkiller options might increase potential health risks. For example, if you are on a blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, feverfew may increase the possibility of bleeding. It is important to speak to your doctor if you notice something unusual while trying out these options.
