Natural Painkillers: 7 Alternative Forms Of Pain Relief
Many over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can be effective forms of pain relief, but these aren’t good options for everyone. Whether you have allergies or simply want a break from pills, here are 6 natural remedies that could help to relieve some of the pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties. This is due a chemical in the spice called curcumin that lowers histamine levels and stimulates adrenal glands. Turmeric if often used to relieve joint conditions such as arthritis. You can buy it in its raw powder form from companies like The Turmeric Co and even use it in cooking such as mixing it with rice or scrambled egg.
Ginger
Another spice that has long been used for its pain relief properties is ginger. This spice has been found by some people to have similar anti-inflammatory effects that make it good for helping to relieve headaches, joint pain and back pain. It’s ability to reduce excess stomach acid and aid digestion also makes it a good supplement for stomach aches and nausea. Ginger is best consumed in ginger tea.
Omega-3
This essential fatty acid is most commonly found in fish oil and can also have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s commonly used to help relieve muscles soreness and nerve damage pain. You can buy omega-3 as tablets in many stores – if you can’t find it local to you, you can always order it from sites like Omega 3 Innovations. Another option is to simply eat lots of fish (especially mackerel!).
Kratom
Kratom is a tropical plant that many find to be an effective form of pain relief. It is particularly effective against chronic pain by stimulating opioid receptors in the brain, although due to its psychoactive effects it is not recommended for everyone. You can buy it as a raw powder from sites like Kratom Connection. You can drink the powder with water or even with hot water as a tea - many people find it is best to take Kratom on an empty stomach and as a small dose at first. There are also many strains to choose from via websites like konakratom.com, which is why it's important to shop around before testing!
Exercise
Physical activity can in fact be an effective pain relief – not only does it help fight inflammation by getting the blood flowing, but it also releases endorphins that help to numb pain. Obviously, not all exercises will be good for all types of pain. If you have joint problems you may want to stick to low-impact exercises like swimming and yoga. Always talk to your doctor about the type of exercise they recommend to ensure you are getting the best out of your workout. You can also incorporate stretches before and after your exercises to help aid any joint stiffness and pain. Some people even use topical products such as cbd balm to help combat any aches and pains for targeted relief and to help in the recovery of sore muscles. These anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxation properties can be a great addition to a pain-management routine.
Laughter
The phrase ‘laughter is the best medicine’ has some truth in it – when we laugh, our body is flooded with endorphins that can help to temporarily numb pain. Hang out with your friend or watch a comedy you love and laugh the pain away!
A hot bath
A hot bath is such an effective form of pain relief that doctors recommend it to people with joint problems and pregnant women going through early contractions. Hot water helps to relax tight muscles whilst also bringing blood to the surface of the skin, all in all having anti-inflammatory properties. You can even go one step further and look into hydrotherapy, which is professional treatment using hot water.