Painkillers are used by most of us. Most take either an over-the-counter medication or prescription medication. But, regular use affects your body. It leads to liver failure, intestinal damage, high blood pressure and other side effects.
Yet there are ways to ease the pain with minimal to no side effects. Yes, this is possible with natural alternatives for pain relief instead of regular pills.
You can knock off pain, inflammation and swelling with natural alternatives. It's amazing how simple ingredients from your kitchen can do a neat job of pain relief. I use them too!
8 Natural Painkillers You'll Find in Your Kitchen
1. Turmeric
A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent it is a cure-all for most conditions. It improves circulation and the nutrient curcumin in turmeric is a natural painkiller.
It helps in conditions ranging from diabetic neuropathy to wounds. It's most recommended for pain relief by the U.S Army Institute of Surgical Research.
Curcumin is used in treating burn pains in place of conventional medicines. The anti-inflammatory and healing effects of curcumin have a profound effect in pain relief. Be sure to choose organic turmeric in your smoothies and soup recipes.
2. Cloves
Cloves are the unopened flower bud that comes from an evergreen tree. Ayurveda (an ancient form of medicine) uses cloves for its digestive power and its ability to relieve toothaches.
For toothache relief take a few drops of clove oil on a cotton swab and apply in the pain area.
Tweet3. Ginger
One of the top benefits of ginger is its anti-inflammatory effect. The active ingredient gingerol in ginger has a direct effect on the pain receptors and eases the pain.
Add ginger to fresh pressed juices or enjoy it as a tea.
4. Garlic
Garlic is rich in sulfur compounds that help fight inflammation and acts as a pain reducer in arthritis. The combo of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect helps with easing the pain of arthritis.
5. Pineapple
If you feel bloated and heavy, pineapple can relieve those symptoms. The enzyme bromelain in pineapple helps to reduce these symptoms.
It also helps with sprained ankles, arthritis, and joint pain. Bromelain prevents inflammation, improves circulation and eliminates the inflammatory compounds in the blood.
6. Valerian root
Drink a cup of Valerian root for stress and anxiety relief. It helps to relieve menstrual cramp, pain and body aches. It helps suppresses muscle spasms and acts as a muscle relaxer. In a study conducted in 2011, researchers confirmed its calming effect on uterine contractions.
7. Cherries
Cherries are rich in anthocyanins which reduce inflammation. Tart cherries are good for reducing pain and athletes take tart cherry juice to lessen pain.
Research shows that taking tart cherry juice for a week before and during a running event lowers pain. The study found tart cherry reduced muscle damage due to inflammation among runners. They even fight painful gout symptoms.
8. Essential oils
Use essential oils like chamomile, lavender or sage to get relief from muscle aches and pain. Aromatherapy is a quick and easy way to get pain relief.
A whiff of pleasant smelling oils may soothe your body, make you relax and relieve pain. Try them to complement the other natural therapies for effective pain relief.
Next time, before you pop a pill for a pain symptom, be sure to try these natural remedies for relief. Help yourself with natural painkillers right in your kitchen cabinet.
Enjoy a side effect free pain relief. Remember, besides pain relief, these natural ingredients offer other health benefits too.
Yours in health and happiness,
Danette
P.S. Please share this handy guideline with your loved ones and I love hearing from you in the comments below. Do you have a go-to natural pain reliever?