Effective pain relievers are over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but long-term use can cause side effects. It is likely that prescription drugs are addictive and cause far more adverse effects. What are the best approaches to alleviate pain in a natural way?
For hundreds of years , people have used essential oils, spices, and herbal treatments as natural pain relievers.
These options have not been thoroughly investigated by researchers, although some data indicates that some treatments can help, and that many individuals find them helpful.
We are addressing 12 natural pain relievers and the research behind them in this post. Read on to learn how, without relying on over-the-counter pain killers, to treat pain naturally.
- Essential Oil Lavender
The essential oil of lavender can help naturally alleviate pain. For pain relief, to aid sleep, and to relieve anxiety, people use lavender oil.
A small-scale 2012 study found that , compared to placebo, inhaling lavender oil could alleviate migraine-related pain.
Some findings also indicate that lavender oil in animals has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant impact.
At the moment, essential oil ingredients and dosages are not controlled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so use them with caution. Before using any new essential oils, please speak to a doctor.
Do not eat essential oils, since they can be poisonous. Still dilute it in a carrier oil if the oil is added topically.
- Essential oil with rosemary
Another essential oil that can alleviate pain is rosemary.
Rosmarinus officinalis L., a rosemary plant, can help treat headache, muscle and bone pain, and seizures, some researchers claim. Rosemary can also decrease inflammation, relax muscles that are smooth, and improve memory.
Dilute essential oils such as olive oil in a carrier oil. For each ounce of carrier oil, use three to five drops of the essential oil.
The researchers propose that the herb works on receptors called opioid receptors in the brain that are associated with pain stimuli. A 2013 clinical trial showed that in individuals undergoing opium withdrawal, rosemary oil decreased pain.
- Essential Oil for Peppermint
From the Mentha piperita L, peppermint oil comes. Uh, vine.
Some research indicates that there are anti-inflammatory , antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects on the peppermint plant. Carvacrol, menthol, and limonene are active compounds in peppermint oil.
As a topical remedy, people also use diluted peppermint essential oil, meaning they rub diluted oil into the area that feels achy or painful.
One 2015 study states that peppermint has historically been used by people to alleviate intense arthritis-related spasms and problems.
The researchers also report that the application of peppermint oil to the temples and forehead can reduce headache pain from stress.
Stop putting on broken skin with peppermint oil. It may cause allergic reactions, so prior to using peppermint oil on a sore area, do a spot test. Around girls, do not use peppermint oil.
- Important Oil of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is the final essential oil on this list of natural ways to alleviate pain. This Eucalyptus plant herbal remedy can help to reduce the body 's pain, swelling , and inflammation.
One 2013 study showed that pain compared to almond oil was relieved by inhaling eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil was inhaled by the participants for 30 minutes a day for 3 days. Both of them were recovering from a knee replacement procedure.
Do not use eucalyptus oil around kids or animals. Eucalyptus can cause asthma. It is important to dilute it in a carrier oil before topically applying it.
Often, do not publicly distribute eucalyptus. The essential oil of eucalyptus is toxic if swallowed by a human. Do a spot check to make sure the skin will not respond to topically applied eucalyptus.
- Cloves
Cloves from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant have historically been used by individuals as a home remedy to alleviate toothache pain.
In a 2006 study, clove gel was found to be as effective as benzocaine gel, which is a topical gel mostly used by dentists to minimize needle pain.
The researchers applied the inside of the mouths of the participants with clove, benzocaine gel, or a placebo. Lower pain levels with both clove and benzocaine gels were recorded, but not with placebos.
In order to see how effectively cloves can alleviate other kinds of pain, further research is needed.
Researchers also conclude that antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral activities may occur in cloves.
- About Capsaicin
For natural pain relief, individuals also use capsaicin, found in chili peppers. When a person applies it topically, this substance may cause a mild burning or tingling sensation.
A 2011 study notes the significant role that topical creams and patches of capsaicin play in the treatment of pain. Capsaicin is used in many pain-relieving drugs.
Researchers are not yet sure why it relieves pain, but some suggest that by operating on the nociceptor fibers, it decreases the skin's sensitivity to pain. These are nerves bearing signs of pain.
- Ginger
A 2015 systematic review showed that when people took it for at least 5 days, ingesting 2 grams of ginger per day modestly decreased muscle pain from endurance exercise and running.
The researchers also suggest that ginger can speed up recovery and decrease exercise-related inflammation.
By adding raw ginger to smoothies or teas, aim to include ginger in the diet. Ginger supplements, which are available in health stores and online, can also be used by people. The normal, fresh part, however, may be more safe.
Before you take some new supplements, please speak to a doctor. Dietary supplements may have side effects and may be able to interfere with current medications.
- Fieberfew
A medicinal plant is Feverfew, also referred to as featherfew or bachelor's buttons. Treating flu, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, toothaches, and stomach aches, as well as growing breast milk, are common uses.
Feverfew is composed of compounds that can minimize muscle spasms and inflammation. Sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids are the main active compounds, some researchers say.
The American Migraine Foundation notes that there are conflicting studies about how effective feverfew is, but that it is possibly useful to avoid headaches from migraine.
A 2011 research review concludes that feverfew flowers and leaves have properties that are analgesic, or pain-relieving.
Side effects such as stomach pain , nausea , vomiting, and increased risk of bleeding can be caused by feverfew. So, prior to attempting feverfew, it is important to speak to a doctor.
- Curcuma
The active ingredient in the spice turmeric, Curcuma, has qualities that alleviate pain.
A small-scale 2014 study found that curcuma extract, when a person takes it for 4 weeks, is as effective as ibuprofen for pain relief in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Turmeric is a common herbal remedy to relieve inflammation as well. Try adding it to curries, smoothies, or juices, to have turmeric in its natural form in the diet.
- With acupuncture
An alternative medicine that proponents claim can help relieve pain is acupuncture. These convictions are reinforced by recent studies.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that some forms of pain may be helped by acupuncture, including:
Pain in your lower back
Pain in the neck
Knee pain or osteoarthritis
It can also decrease the incidence of stress headaches in individuals and may help avoid migraine headaches.
A meta-analysis published in 2018 found that acupuncture is an efficient method of treating chronic pain. The researchers concluded that acupuncture may assist with osteoarthritis-related musculoskeletal pain , headache and pain.
There is now a need for more research into the impact of acupuncture on other pain conditions, yet growing evidence suggests that acupuncture is successful for many forms of pain.
In fact, in more than 100 different conditions, acupuncture can help.
- Yoga
Yoga is a practice of physical meditation that can provide a way to naturally relieve pain.
Managing back pain also requires physical therapy and stretching. This is given by Yoga.
It requires breathing exercises, self-care and methods of relaxation, so practicing yoga can also alleviate stress or anxiety-related pain.
A 2013 study found that yoga could relieve pain in the lower back.
Yoga can help to alleviate low back pain and pain in the spine, the NCCIH reports, but there is insufficient evidence that it may help with other conditions, such as headache, arthritis, or fibromyalgia.
- Meditation on Mindfulness
As a natural therapy, individuals suffering chronic pain are gradually turning to mindfulness meditation. More research is needed, but there are encouraging initial studies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2017 looked at 38 studies and ultimately concluded that meditation on mindfulness can improve symptoms of pain, depression, and quality of life. The writers, however, claim that to see exactly how successful it is, larger studies are required.
- Advantages of natural methods
While pain relief medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are used by many people without problems, people who experience side effects may try to use natural pain relievers. They include herbal therapies such as yoga and acupuncture, and conventional methods.
One 2016 study relates the use of long-term acetaminophen to an increased risk of heart attacks, digestive system bleeding, and decreased function of the kidney.
Some study, meanwhile, indicates that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen raises the risk of stomach ulcers, stroke , and kidney failure.
The mental wellbeing of an individual may also benefit from certain conventional remedies, such as meditation, mindfulness, and acupuncture.
Along with pain-relieving effects, herbal medicines may have other health benefits, such as providing antioxidant effects to help keep the body safe.
- Whether to see a doctor
For all forms of pain, natural pain relievers may not be as effective. When the pain is more severe, they can not provide relief. When this is the case, to improve the effect, a person should add them to other approaches to pain management.
Anyone with extreme pain should talk to their doctor, including pain connected to an underlying health condition. They will tell you how best to do this.
Also, they can see a doctor if a person starts feeling pain and doesn't know the cause. They will diagnose the disease that causes the pain and treat it.
- Outlook
It is a safe and reliable way to treat pain when a person takes conventional pain relief medicine as prescribed, with advice from a doctor.
However, natural pain relievers provide an option for individuals who wish to prevent the long-term side effects of treatment for pain relief.
Through applying a few drops to a tissue or a steam bath and inhaling the vapor, individuals may use essential oils. The herbs and spices mentioned above can also be applied to food by people. However, if a person is unable to do that, they can take them as supplements instead.
Mindfulness at home is easy to try. Many individuals may also be able to try yoga at home, for which there are many online introductory videos.
It is best to visit a qualified, licensed practitioner to try acupuncture.
Not every pain relief that is normal will work for everyone. Some individuals may find that a natural alternative works well in the long term for them. Others may not be able to naturally handle pain and may prefer conventional medicine.