While we are always encouraged to take over-the-counter painkillers, they can come with side effects. Did you know that there are some natural painkillers that could provide as much or even more pain relief than OTC medication?
People have used alternative therapies, herbs, and oils for thousands of years. We are only now discovering and fully understanding how well they work. Below you will find a list of some of the best natural painkillers and how they can help you:
Peppermint Oil
Research has shown that peppermint can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and acts as an antimicrobial. While many people like to drink peppermint tea, peppermint can come in the form of an oil. Used as an essential oil, peppermint can be rubbed onto a painful area.
A 2015 study showed that peppermint can help to relieve pain that has been associated with arthritis and spasms. Other studies have shown that it can help to relieve headaches
CBD Oil
More and more people are now discovering how well CBD oil can work to relieve pain. This perfectly natural and entirely legal oil comes from the cannabis plant. However, it does not contain any THC, which is the psychoactive chemical found in cannabis.
You can typically buy this oil in many different forms, so it might be confusing to know how much to use. It is recommended that you try a few drops of the oil to see how you respond to it. If your pain goes, you don’t need a higher dose. If your pain has subsided a little, you might want to take another 1-2 drops.
Ginger
If you were to eat 2 grams of ginger a day, you could reduce the pain in your muscles. This is the result of a 2015 study that looked at ginger’s effectiveness when used to treat pain. You can also use ginger supplements if you wish, but they can be quite expensive. Fresh ginger is likely to provide more benefits while being less costly.
Turmeric
Did you know that turmeric is thought to be as effective as ibuprofen when it comes to relieving pain? If you have pain that is associated with osteoarthritis, you might want to consider taking some of this spice. Turmeric is also thought to be good at helping to reduce inflammation. One of the best ways to take this spice is to add it to juices, curries, or smoothies. You can buy turmeric supplements, but they tend to be a lot more expensive than a small bag of the spice sold at a market or your local grocery store.
Please make sure you always talk to your doctor before you take any supplements. This is to ensure they do not interact with any prescribed medication that you’re taking.
Why not use some of the above natural painkillers to help you deal with your pain? Chances are you already have some of them in your kitchen cupboards. You could soon find that you’re in a lot less pain thanks to the power of nature.