Do you want your pain to stop, but hope to avoid medications? Of
course, pharmaceutical drugs may not be the only way to gain a pain relief.
Natural pain killers – like herbal medicine in which some parts of a plant are
used to treat health issues- are becoming a common way to put the pain under
control as well.
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| Some herbs can work as highly effective natural pain relievers. |
However, you
should not abuse herbal medicine because it has the potential to harm your
health through unexpected side effects, allergic reactions or interactions with
other substances. Thus, a safe and smart using is needed to get the
effectiveness. Here are just a few natural pain relievers you should concern.
Turmeric
Turmeric
contains a chemical called curcumin which is an anti-inflammatory agent. If you
suffer from arthritis pain and heartburn, this spice may be helpful. Turmeric
is safe to use, but you shouldn’t take high doses or use in a long-termed
period since it may result in indigestion. Further, people with gallbladder
problems should avoid using it. You can cook this dark-yellow spice or make tea
or take turmeric capsules of 1-2 grams a day.
White willow bark
People have
been using white willow bark to treat inflammation- the cause of most aches and
pains- for thousands of years. A key element present in the bark named salicin
is similar to the main ingredient acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin.
Additionally, it contains flavonoids which are valuable for those suffering
from headaches, backaches and osteoarthritis. White willow bark can be used raw
for chewing or sold as a dried herb to make tea or a capsule or liquid
supplement. However, this bark can cause stomach upset, slow down the kidneys
and prolong bleeding time, just like aspirin. It should not be used for
children or anyone who is allergic to salicylates because it may have negative
side effects.
Devil’s claw root
The key
compound found in this herb is the iridoid glycosides which are highly
effective in easing inflammation. Thus, if you are having heartburn, lower back
pain and liver problems, devil’s claw root could be the right option. Side
effects are rare if taken at a small dose for the short term, but it’s not
recommended for pregnant women and people with gallstones or stomach and
intestinal ulcers.
Capsicum/ Capsaicin
Derived from
hot chili peppers, this natural remedy does wonders for easing pain. Capsicum
works by depleting substance P- a compound that signals the pain to the brain,
thereby reduce the pain. A skin cream with 0.25-0.75% of capsicum may relieve
your back pain or supplement pills may also help with diarrhea and cramps.
Birch leaf
The leaves
from the Birch tree act like cortisone, a drug used to treat arthritis,
endocrine disorders, lupus… A main compound present in the leaves is methyl
salicylate which is similar to salicylic acid in aspirin. It is antifungal,
diuretic, analgesic, detoxifying, astringent and anti-spasmodic, reduces
oxidative damage to skin and promotes circulation. One warning is that it may
make the body retain salt, thereby might increase the risk of high blood
pressure.
Cherries and other berries
Due to the
presence of anthocyanins- the same phytonutrients that give cherries the
fantastic color- you can count on cherries to ease pain. They act as pain
relievers by suppressing the pain enzymes and neutralizing the free radicals,
which result in inflammation.
Wintergreen essential oil
This oil
contains a high content of methyl salicylate like the birch leaf which makes it
an effective painkiller. You should use the oil in the diluted form instead of
toxic pure form.
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