Although over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are useful, long-term usage can generate negative effects. Prescription drugs become addictive over time and have even greater side effects. What are the most efficient natural pain relievers?
For hundreds of years, people have applied essential oils, herbs, and alternative treatments as natural pain relievers.
Although researchers have yet to thoroughly investigate these possibilities, evidence implies that specific therapies can be profitable and that many people find them useful.
12 Natural Pain Remedies
We’ll go over 12 natural pain remedies and the science behind them in this article. Continue reading to learn how to manage pain without using over-the-counter pain relievers.
Essential lavender oil
Lavender essential oil is a natural pain reliever. Lavender oil is used for sleep aid, pain reduction, and anxiety relief.
In comparison to a placebo, breathing lavender oil may alleviate pain linked with migraine headaches, according to a small-scale 2012 study.
In animals, lavender oil has been shown to have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Essential oil components and dosages are not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so proceed with caution. Before utilizing any new essential oils, always with your doctor.
Essential oils should not be consumed because they can be poisonous. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying it topically. Find out more about carrier oils by clicking here.
Lavender essential oils are obtainable for purchase online in a variety of scents.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Mentha piperita L. is the source of peppermint oil.
According to several studies, peppermint contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties. Carvacrol, menthol, and limonene are the active components in peppermint oil.
People frequently apply diluted peppermint essential oil as topical therapy, rubbing the oil into the achy or sore area.
People have always used peppermint to treat painful spasms and arthritis-related disorders, according to a 2015 assessment.
Peppermint oil employed to the temples and forehead may also help to reduce tension headache pain, according to the study.
Peppermint oil should not be used on broken skin. Because peppermint oil might induce allergic responses, do a spot test before putting it on a sore region. Peppermint oil should not be used near children.
Cloves
Cloves, which come from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, have long been used as a home cure for toothache discomfort.
Clove gel was found to be equally effective as benzocaine gel in a 2006 study, which is a topical gel used by dentists to relieve needle pain.
On the inside of the individuals’ lips, the researchers administered clove, benzocaine gel, or a placebo. They reported less discomfort when they used clove and benzocaine gels but not when they used placebos.
More research is needed to see if cloves can help with other types of pain.
Clove may also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties, according to researchers.
Ginger
Zingiber officinale, or ginger, is a root that has shown to be effective as a natural pain reliever.
When patients took 2 grams of ginger per day for at least 5 days, it reduced muscle discomfort from resistance exercise and jogging, according to a 2015 systematic review.
Ginger, according to the study, may also help athletes recover faster and reduce post-workout inflammation.
Add fresh ginger to smoothies or drinks to incorporate ginger into your diet. Ginger supplements, which are available at health stores and online, can also be used. The natural, fresh component, on the other hand, maybe healthier.
Before commencing with any new supplement, see your doctor. Dietary supplements can have negative side effects and interact with medications you’re already taking.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is the last essential oil on this list of natural pain relievers. This Eucalyptus-based herbal medicine may aid in the reduction of pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body.
In comparison to almond oil, inhaling eucalyptus oil eased discomfort, according to a 2013 study. For three days, participants inhaled eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes each day. They’d all had knee replacement surgery and were on the mend.
Eucalyptus oil should not be used around children or pets. Asthma can be triggered by eucalyptus. Before being applied topically, it’s recommended to dilute it in a carrier oil.
Also, avoid inhaling eucalyptus in public. If a person swallows eucalyptus essential oil, they will be poisoned. Make a spot test to ensure that eucalyptus administered topically will not irritate the skin.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, is also used for natural pain treatment. When used topically, this chemical might create a slight burning or tingling sensation.
Capsaicin topical creams and patches have a significant role in pain treatment, according to a 2011 study. Capsaicin is found in many pain-relieving products.
Researchers aren’t clear why it soothes pain, but some believe it works on the nociceptor fibers to lessen the skin’s sensitivity to pain. These are pain-transmitting nerves.
Another essential oil that can help with discomfort is rosemary.
According to some studies, the rosemary plant, Rosmarinus officinalis L., may aid in the treatment of headaches, muscle and bone pain, and seizures. Rosemary can also assist with muscle relaxation, inflammation, and memory enhancement.
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil. For each ounce of carrier oil, use three to five drops of essential oil.
The herb, according to the researchers, operates on opioid receptors in the brain, which are implicated in the sense of pain. In a 2013 clinical trial, rosemary oil was reported to alleviate discomfort in persons going through opiate withdrawal.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that some people feel can help them manage their discomfort. A recent study backs up these assertions.
Acupuncture, as reported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted source, can help with a variety of pains, including:
- low back pain
- neck ache
- Knee discomfort or osteoarthritis
It may also help prevent migraine headaches by reducing the frequency of tension headaches.
A meta-analysis published in 2018 indicated that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain. The researchers came to the summing-up that acupuncture could help with musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis discomfort.
More research into the benefits of acupuncture on additional pain issues is needed presently, but growing data suggests that acupuncture is useful for a variety of pain conditions.
Acupuncture can help with over a hundred different ailments.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is becoming more popular as a natural treatment for people suffering from chronic pain. More research is needed, but the first findings are encouraging.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2017 looked at 38 studies and found that mindfulness meditation can help with pain symptoms, depression, and overall quality of life. However, the authors state that more research is needed to determine its exact effectiveness.
Turmeric
Curcuma, the main component in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcuma Extract is equally efficient as ibuprofen for pain control in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when taken for four weeks, according to a small 2014 study.
Turmeric is also used as a natural anti-inflammatory treatment. To incorporate turmeric into your diet in its natural form, try adding it to curries, smoothies, or juices.
Yoga
Yoga is a form of physical meditation that can help you manage pain organically.
Stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to treat back discomfort. Yoga can help with this.
Yoga combines breathing exercises, self-care, and relaxation techniques. Thus it can help with pain caused by stress or anxiety.
According to a 2013 study, yoga may help with low back discomfort. Yoga may help ease low back and neck pain, according to the NCCIH, but there isn’t enough proof that it can help with other conditions like headaches, arthritis, or fibromyalgia.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a medicinal herb that is also known as feather few or bachelor’s buttons. Fever, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, toothaches, and stomach aches are among the traditional applications, as is boosting breast milk.
Compounds in feverfew may help to decrease inflammation and muscle spasms. Sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids are thought to be the major active molecules, according to some experts.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, there are mixed results when it comes to feverfew’s effectiveness, but it’s undoubtedly helpful in preventing migraine headaches. According to a 2011 review, feverfew flowers and leaves contain analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and an increased risk of bleeding are all possible side effects of feverfew. As a result, it is inevitable to see a physician before attempting to use feverfew.
