Natural Pain Relievers That Really Work

Everyone has experienced pain at some point in their life. Whether it is chronic or it comes and goes, pain can affect daily activities that cause a disruption in an individual’s quality of life. Many over-the-counter medications are available to treat pain, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and acetylsalicylic acid. However, these medications contain harsh ingredients that can cause unwanted side effects, such as ulcers and kidney problems, though these side effects typically only happen if a patient does not follow the directions or has an atypical reaction. That said, many individuals still prefer to limit their usage of pain medications.

Corydalis Yanhusuo

Corydalis yanhusuo is a type of Corydalis plant frequently used by Chinese herbalists to reduce inflammation and treat acute nerve pain. A 2014 study found the plant contains an analgesic compound called dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), which is capable of treating issues such as headaches, inflammation, nerve pain, as well as back pain, including back pain due to muscle spasms. It does this by binding dopamine to receptors to reduce painful sensations. The study indicated corydalis yanhusuo also significantly reduced tissue damage, nerve damage, and neuropathic pain. Corydalis yanhusuo can be taken in supplement form.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient found in the Indian spice turmeric. Research shows it is extremely effective at treating inflammation, which is a common cause of pain. A 2012 study concluded curcumin was effective in treating pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, and another study from 2016 found supplementing with turmeric and thus, curcumin, significantly reduced muscle soreness and pain associated with exercise. Individuals should look for a supplement with ninety-five percent curcuminoids for the best results, and consider taking it with a few peppercorns to increase absorption.

Proteolytic Enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes are responsible for breaking down protein into amino acids, though they are also extremely useful for reducing inflammation and decreasing pain. Research shows proteolytic enzymes can control inflammation and encourage blood flow, relieve digestive pain caused by irritable bowel disease, and boost the immune system. The most common types of these enzymes are bromelain, papain, and pepsin. Pepsin is naturally occurring in the intestines, while papain and bromelain are found in pineapple and papaya, respectively. Proteolytic enzymes are also available in supplement form. Taking a supplement or being sure to get these enzymes through papaya and pineapple can be quite helpful, therefore, in dealing with pain. Individuals should still be sure to follow dosage directions on the supplements though!

Willow Bark

The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin, which has a similar chemical composition to acetylsalicylic acid. Due to this similarity, willow bark is often used to deal with pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, muscle aches, and ankylosing spondylitis. Unlike acetylsalicylic acid, however, it also contains digestive benefits to help relieve constipation and treat gastrointestinal disorders. Research shows willow bark is also quite effective at reducing inflammation, relieving fevers, and even settling general nausea. Willow bark is typically taken in supplement form, though individuals can also find it as an extract or powder, as well as in topical ointments for external use.

Heat Or Ice

Muscle and joint pain can be treated by using heat or ice therapy. Heat is most useful for treating chronic pain because it relaxes tight joints and muscles by increasing blood flow to the painful area. Heating pads or hot water bottles are typically quite effective at relieving menstrual cramps in women as well. Ice is excellent for constricting blood flow to the painful area, which numbs the area and reduces painful sensations sent to the brain. To use, individuals should apply a heating pad or an ice pack to the affected area on and off for twenty minutes at a time.

Arnica

Arnica is a perennial plant high in anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used to treat pain for centuries. Arnica contains several fatty acids that are quite useful in treating bruises, sprains, aches, as well as muscle and joint stiffness when applied topically by stimulating the flow of white blood cells to the affected area. Research shows arnica oil is incredibly effective in treating the pain often associated with osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Arnica oil is available as an ointment and thus, applied topically to affected areas, but it can also be taken in oral supplement form.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice used to treat all kinds of pain by placing needles in the skin to stimulate certain areas of the body. According to a 2017 study published in Pain Medicine, acupuncture treated both pain and anxiety associated with patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a hospital. Unlike other forms of treatments that target specific areas of pain, such as inflammation, nerve pain, or joint pain, acupuncture has the advantage of being able to treat many different types of pain to achieve whole-body wellness. Other types of pain it can treat include pain from fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, lower back pain. menstrual cramps, and osteoarthritis. Some reports even indicate acupuncture has been used to some effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment.

Ginger

Ginger is a highly regarded spice around the world, and is used in a wide array of cuisines. The root of the plant has been used in Chinese and Indian cultures for centuries and is often powdered, pickled, dried, and crushed. It has made its way into many popular dishes, such as carrot cake and pumpkin pie. Despite its use in many culinary dishes, it is also widely used for medicinal purposes. It’s often used to relieve nausea, motion sickness, and pain. Although it's a popular medicinal aid for nausea, it's an unsung hero when it comes to pain relief. This is shocking considering its effectiveness at managing pain and inflammation. While it’s mostly used in managing chronic pain and inflammation, ginger has shown promising results in combatting acute inflammation and pain as well. Multiple studies have shown it can be just as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this regard, it can be prepared in various ways and comes in multiple forms: teas, capsules, powders, and tinctures.

Capsaicin

Some individuals may know capsaicin as the chemical responsible for giving hot sauce its powerful kick, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Capsaicin has made its way to dining tables, nutrition shops, and even pharmacies. While it’s mostly used as a spice through chili peppers, it also has other applications. It has many purposes and uses, from increasing metabolism to managing pain. It’s difficult to think of something that generally causes pain to also relieve it, but in this case, the results speak for themselves. Studies have proven capsaicin to be a moderately effective chronic pain reliever, mostly due to the chemical's effect on pain receptors (nociceptors). The chemical has been shown to desensitize nociceptors by depleting levels of substance P (a chemical that transmits pain signals). It is used as a topical ointment for the treatment of pain associated with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle sprains and strains.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is a sedative and sleep aid that has been utilized for centuries. Its effects on the nervous system are similar to those of chamomile. Due to how it relaxes the nervous system, it's been used as a medicinal aid to treat insomnia, stress, and anxiety. There is, however, another use of valerian root: pain relief. The main phytochemicals in valerian root that are responsible for its effects are known as valepotriates. Multiple studies have proven valepotriates to be quite beneficial at reducing pain by quelling nerve signal transmission. In turn, this works to reduce the nervous system’s response to pain (nociception).

Cat's Claw

Cat's claw isn’t normally something most individuals would think of taking for pain relief. The name itself is reminiscent of receiving the business end of a family pet. However, cat's claw is merely a name given to a species of vine native to South and Central America. Its name is derived from the claw-shaped thorns under the plant's nodes. Studies have concluded the alkaloids and flavanols in cat’s claw make are effective anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. It also serves to relax smooth muscles like those of the digestive tract. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cat’s claw is often used in the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and digestive disorders. It can be taken as a tea or in capsule form.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral some may overlook, but it plays a crucial role in the body. It’s a cofactor in various biological processes such as regulating blood pressure, muscle and nerve functions, blood glucose levels, and protein synthesis. Despite magnesium's significance in the body, it can also play a crucial role in pain management. It’s been shown to reduce muscle pain by relaxing muscle fibers, and it also helps to relieve nerve pain by reducing transmissions of a neurotransmitter, NMDA, responsible for pain perception (nociception). It’s commonly used for treating pain associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis. Magnesium is available in most pharmacies and grocery stores in capsule form.