Let’s say you’re sore from an intense workout. Or maybe you have a headache, thanks to a long day at work. What do you do? Most of us pop a painkiller without a second thought. It could be anything from ibuprofen to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or even over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers that help any type of pain.
But if you want a more natural option, make a painkiller tea. No, you don’t mix hot water and crushed pills. The tea includes ingredients that have natural analgesic properties. Most importantly, they don’t have any harmful side effects.1
OTC painkillers are another story. They’re safe when used correctly, but overdoing it can damage organs. For instance, high doses of acetaminophen will harm the liver, while too much NSAIDs may cause kidney damage and stomach bleeding. It’s not a bad idea to limit your pill intake. Here’s how to make a painkiller tea and when it will come in handy.2
How To Make Painkiller Tea
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of water
- ½ thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Honey and lemon to taste
Directions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Add ginger.
- Boil it for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Add the turmeric and cinnamon.
- Mix it well.
- Add honey and lemon for taste.
- Mix it well and enjoy.
- For a kick of caffeine, add 1 teaspoon of black tea before straining.
Types Of Pains That The Tea Targets
1. Arthritis
About 54.4 million Americans have arthritis, a disease of chronic joint inflammation. The risk significantly increases with age. Without proper management, daily tasks can be painful.3 4
But turmeric will save the day. Curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One 2012 study even found that curcumin does a better job at treating arthritis pain and swelling than NSAIDs.5 Ginger also fights arthritis inflammation, making this drink a joint-friendly beverage.6 7
2. Headache
Headaches are really common. You can get them from stress, crying, lack of sleep, or alcohol. Working too much or missed a meal? Expect a throbbing headache.8
Ginger is an excellent remedy. It fights inflammation, pain, and even allergies, so it’ll work if your headache is due to a reaction. And ginger’s medicinal properties come from active compounds called gingerols.9
Do you suffer from migraines? According to a 2014 study, ginger works just as well as the migraine drug sumatriptan.10
3. Stomach Ache
From irritable bowel syndrome to bacterial infections, stomach aches have countless causes. Even constipation, diarrhea, and nausea can spark pain. Ate one too many tacos? A stomach ache is in your future.11
Ginger and turmeric both help here. The gingerols alleviate nausea, while curcumin controls inflammation. Drinking a hot liquid also helps.12 13
4. Sore Muscles
Exercise, tension, and overuse often lead to muscle pain. It’s even more common if you have a physically demanding job. And often, more than one muscle is affected.14
That’s where cinnamon comes in. In a 2013 study, cinnamon and ginger decreased muscle soreness in athletes. Ginger has also been found to speed up recovery and muscle strength.15 16
5. Menstrual Cramps
More than half of menstruating women deal with dysmenorrhea or painful periods. Cramps can also show up even before the period starts. For most, this can make daily activities like work or school a literal pain.
According to a 2015 Iranian study, cinnamon can shorten and lessen the pain. It doesn’t work as well as ibuprofen, but there are fewer side effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric will also ease menstrual pain.17 18 19
This tea is best for conditions that can be treated at home. It won’t miraculously cure everything! And if you have other symptoms or the pain gets worse, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
References
