1. Turmeric
Turmeric is instantly recognizable to curry-lovers because it is the
spice that gives that signature dish its distinctive flavor and gold
color. Besides tasting delicious, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
It both prevents free radical damage to your cells and reduces the
swelling that occurs in damaged tissues. A great deal of pain is caused
by inflammation, which is why OTC ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory more
than a direct painkiller, is so often used for pain.
2. Willow Bark
Willow bark is actually quite similar to a common OTC painkiller because it contains salicin,
a close relative of acetylsalicylic acid, i.e. aspirin. People have
long chewed willow bark to relieve aches and pain, lower fevers, and
reduce inflammation. These days, willow bark is sold dried for use in
teas, or as a liquid or capsule supplement.
Because willow bark is so closely related to aspirin, it carries
similar side effects. Prolonged use may upset the stomach, increase your
risk of bleeding disorders, and slow down kidney function. It is not
recommended for children and should not be mixed with other painkilling
medications. Willow bark is not safe if you’re taking warfarin or any
other anticoagulant medicines because of its association with bleeding
disorders.
3. Epsom Salt
Some times an external remedy is just as effective as something you
ingest. Epsom salt is a prime example. Soaking in warm water with Epsom
salt can relieve bone and joint pain as well as muscle soreness. This treatment can also be a lifesaver for women with post-childbirth soreness and for anyone with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
It works because Epsom salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate
when dissolved in water, which then penetrates to painful areas.
Magnesium, especially, has been found to play an important role in the
way pain signals are sent from brain to body. It also helps regulate
muscle contractions and reduces the symptoms of depression.
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth may have fallen out of popularity in today’s diets, but
that’s a shame. Not only does it mean less of an animal is wasted, it
also adds collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine to Western diets now
largely lacking these critical elements. Made from bones, marrow, and
skin, bone broth is very flavorful and contains many nutrients that can
reduce pain.
For example, bone broth contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine,
which you might otherwise be dropping big bucks for in the form of a
supplement. Due to its gelatin content, bone broth lubricates and
reduces friction in your joints. The amino acids glycine and proline
work to reduce inflammation, build muscle, and repair tissue.
5. Cloves
Cloves are a sweet and spicy herb that can relieve pain whether eaten
or applied topically. Cloves come whole, powdered, or in oil. Many
people use clove to treat headaches, arthritis and other forms of
inflammation, and toothaches. They may even be good for knocking out
fungal infections, though more research is needed on this topic.
The painkilling compound in cloves is called eugenol,
and it is found in lots of OTC ointments for pain. Straight clove oil
can also be applied to gums in the case of toothache or to sore joints
and muscles, but too much clove oil can damage skin so avoid using it
for days on end. People who take blood thinners should skip cloves all
together.
6. Comfrey Extract
A promising study of comfrey root cream has shown that it can do
wonders for people with back pain. In the study, 95% of participants who
received the comfrey cream as opposed to a placebo reported a
significant reduction in their pain. Other studies have found similar
results in the treatment of arthritis and ankle sprains.
Researchers think comfrey works because the roots and leaves contain allantoin and rosmarinic acid.
It’s the rosmarinic acid that reduces inflammation and relieves pain,
but allantoin is credited with accelerating the growth of new skin
cells. However, comfrey should only be used externally as there is some
concern that it may be carcinogenic when consumed.
7. Heat And Ice
Often used in conjunction with other medications, you may want to try
the process of alternating heat and ice before popping any pills. Used
together, this is one of the very oldest and most effective ways of
knocking out pain caused by an injury or chronic inflammation. However,
it needs to be done in the correct order to work.
First, apply ice to the site of your pain. This not only reduces
swelling and inflammation, it numbs the area. Make sure to keep a towel
between your skin and the ice to prevent ice burn. Then, after no more
than 30 minutes, remove the ice, let the affected area return to room
temperature, and apply heat. Once the inflammation has been reduced by
cold, heat relieves stiffness and relaxes muscles that have contracted
around the painful area.
Unless it is contraindicated
by a pre-existing condition, any of these natural pain remedies are
worth a try before you turn to OTC or doctor-prescribed pain medication.
In the case of dandelion root, it is absolutely free, but many other
natural remedies like heat and ice and Epsom salt are very inexpensive.
It’s good policy to use the least extreme and least expensive remedy
that works for you, so you can only benefit from experimenting with the 7
natural pain relievers on our list. Just remember that none of them
treat the underlying cause of pain, so a trip to your doctor may still be advisable. We hope you feel better soon!