Painkillers have been a matter of contention for a long time now, and not everyone feels safe using aspirin for every little ache and pain. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is used as a common drug to treat pain, fever, headache, and prevent heart diseases. However, it has turned out to be one of the worst over-the-counter drugs people have been using so far. Common side effects of using aspirin for a long time include gut issues such as nausea, indigestion, ulcers, and even heartburn. This is why many people look for natural remedies to replace aspirin if they are suffering from some kind of physical pain. To find safer, better, and faster natural painkillers, read on.
1. Turmeric
Used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is a powerful pain reliever. It has proved to work even better than allopathic painkillers when it comes to reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.1 Turmeric contains curcumin, which gives the herb its unique yellow color and attributes it with painkilling properties. Highly versatile in nature, turmeric can be found in various forms, such as fresh turmeric root, turmeric tincture, turmeric powder, and even turmeric supplements.
How To Use Turmeric To Kill Pain
- For topical application: Mix 2 tablespoons turmeric with water to make a paste. Apply this paste on wounds or arthritic joints.
- For extreme conditions: Take 1/2 to 1.5 teaspoons of dried turmeric root powder daily, until the symptoms improve. Alternatively, you can take 400 to 600 mg turmeric extract thrice daily.
2. Pineapples
Pineapples contain bromelain, which is a potent pain reliever. It has been scientifically proven that bromelain has the ability to lower the prostaglandins, which are the hormones that trigger inflammation. Bromelain particularly helps people who are suffering from arthritis, gout, asthma, and conditions that are marked by musculoskeletal tension.2
How To Consume Pineapple To Get Relief From Pain
- For arthritis: Have a freshly made glass of pineapple juice daily.
- For asthma: Have pineapple salad to alleviate asthma symptoms.
3. Cloves
Cloves are filled with volatile oils and flavonoids that contain potent pain-relieving properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves mostly come from eugenol, which is a volatile oil used to relieve people of tooth pain and pain that is felt during tooth extraction.3 Cloves can also treat symptoms of cold and nausea. You can easily find them in the form of dried cloves, clove powder, clove essential oil, and clove capsules.
How To Use Cloves To Reduce Pain
- For tooth pain: Take a piece of clean tissue, a cotton ball, or a cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab, tissue, or cotton ball in clove oil. Gently wipe the cotton or tissue soaked in clove oil over the gums where the pain originates.
- Alternate method: Chew a whole clove on the side where you are experiencing pain.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is basically magnesium sulfate, and magnesium is a great pain reliever when it comes to bones, joints, and muscles.4 The magnesium in Epsom salt can easily stop muscle cramps and heel spur pain. All you need to do is soak the affected area in your body with an Epsom salt bath. The salt works wonders by pulling the toxic matter out from the system and relieve people from pain and inflammation.
How To Use Epsom Salt For Pain Relief
- Epsom salt bath for pain: Take 1 tablespoon each of salt, Epsom salt, and baking soda. Let them dissolve in a quart-sized jar of boiling water and set the solution aside. Fill a tub with warm water and add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to it. Pour the salt mixture into it and add a few drops of essential oil to it if you wish. Soak in this bath for at least half an hour.
- For foot pain: Mix half a cup of Epsom salt in one gallon of hot water. Soak your feet in this solution for ten minutes at a stretch two to three times a week.
5. Mustard Seed Oil
Mustard seed oil should be applied directly to the area where it hurts. This improves blood flow in the body and relieves the affected area of the pain. This is because of the high content of magnesium, omega-3 fats, and selenium in mustard seeds. These nutrients also help in improving inflammation and symptoms of arthritis.5
How To Use Mustard Seed Oil To Get Relief From Pain
- For joint pain: Take 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Heat it in a pan and add a 1 to 2 cloves of garlic in it. Fry the garlic in the warm oil and use this oil to massage the joints.
- To encourage blood flow: Add two to three drops of mustard essential oil in 1 tablespoon carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Use this mixture to massage parts of the body where you experience pain to increase blood flow to the muscles.
6. Heat And Ice
You probably are already familiar with how heat and ice can work wonders on injuries.6 However, most of us are ignorant of how exactly they work. While heat relieves people from joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis, ice promotes healing and helps in reducing swelling and inflammation resulting from injuries such as sprains. So, when you suffer from a sprain, apply ice to calm the inflammation down. Apply heat to relax the area where you experience muscle pain and stiffness.
How To Use Heat And Ice To Reduce Pain
- For painful acute injuries and inflammation: Take a plastic bag and stuff it with ice. Apply this ice pack to the wound.
- For muscle pain and stiffness: Use a hot water bag or a heating pad and press it on the areas where you feel pain.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Oils
Anti-inflammatory oils such as peppermint oil, lavender oil, arnica oil, flaxseed oil, and primrose oil have proved to be wonderful painkillers. Similarly, if you suffer from a minor injury and arthritis flare-ups, reduce the inflammation by applying arnica oil twice a day on the bruises and joints. People with carpal tunnel syndrome can massage flaxseed oil in the wrists on a regular basis to feel better. Women suffering from premenstrual cramps can relieve themselves by taking primrose oil.7
Note: Always use essential oils with a carrier oil and never directly. For every drop of essential oil, add at least 5-6 drops of carrier oil like olive, coconut, sweet almond, or avocado oil.
How To Use Essential Oils To Kill Pain
- For headache: Pour a few drops of peppermint oil or lavender oil in your palms along with a carrier oil, rub it to warm it up, and then, apply onto the back of the neck, the temples, and the forehead.
- For fibromyalgia and muscle cramps: Massage the affected area with peppermint oil.
- For arthritis symptoms: Apply arnica oil twice a day by mixing a few drops of it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
- For carpal tunnel syndrome: Massage your wrists with flaxseed oil once daily.
- For menstrual cramps: Take 1.5 g of evening primrose oil starting on the first day of period.
Always remember to check with your doctor before you take any essential oil or any other natural pain-relieving remedy. Certain essential oils are toxic in nature and some must never be taken by people suffering from certain health conditions, pregnant women, or children.
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