5 Natural Painkillers That Will Surprise You
Natural painkillers exist and are effective. Moreover, they are preferable as they don’t always come with side effects.
Natural Painkillers
If you have a toothache, backache, or any type of pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pill. Many people rely on prescription medications, but they come with the risk of side effects. For example, drug interactions, and addiction.
Natural painkillers such as herbs and spices can successfully treat inflammation and other conditions. These plant-based options fall under a category of treatment known as alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, and yoga. Indeed, you can find effective pain relief outside of a bottle. We list below 5 amazing natural painkillers.
Willow Bark
People have been using willow bark to ease inflammation, the cause of most aches and pains, for centuries. The bark of the white willow contains the chemical salicin, which is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin (Bayer).
Originally, people chewed the bark itself to relieve pain and fevers. Now willow bark is sold as a dried herb that you can brew like tea. It also comes as a liquid supplement or in capsule form. You can use willow bark to help relieve discomfort from headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis (OA), and many other conditions.
However, willow bark comes with some risk of side effects. It can cause stomach upset, may slow down your kidneys, and can prolong bleeding time, just like aspirin. It should only be used by adults. Similar to how aspirin taken in large quantities can be harmful for children, willow bark could be poisonous to children. Also, talk to your doctor before taking willow bark if you’re already taking anti-inflammatory or pain medications such as aspirin or coumadin.
Tumeric
Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical molecules that damages cells and tissue. It is effective for indigestion, ulcers, psoriasis, cancer, inflammation, and an upset stomach.
Cloves
The active ingredient in cloves is eugenol, a natural pain reliever. Whole cloves spice up meat and rice dishes and pies. Cloves are also available in capsule or powder form. In addition, Clove oil is also available.
Like other herbal supplements, you can use cloves to treat a wide range of conditions. Cloves may help ease nausea and treat colds. They may also help relieve the pain associated with headaches, arthritic inflammation, and toothaches. Cloves can also be used as part of a topical pain reliever.
People with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medication should be careful. Clove oil can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture relieves pain by balancing the body’s natural energy pathways by releasing the neural transmitter Serotonin.
Moreover, a 2012 study found that acupuncture helped relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis, migraines, and other locations of chronic pain.