Since ancient times, people have employed herbs, essential oils, and alternative medicines to ease pain naturally.
Although these options have not been fully investigated by researchers, some data indicates that many people find certain treatments to be helpful.
The science underlying 12 natural painkillers are covered in this article. Continue reading to discover natural ways to manage pain without using over-the-counter painkillers.
What is pain management?
Techniques to lessen and regulate the level of pain a person feels over the long term are referred to as pain management.
Not all methods of pain management involve the use of prescription drugs. There are natural ways to relieve pain. You do not need over-the-counter drugs always.
How common is chronic pain?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8% of adults in the United States had high-impact chronic pain in 2016, compared to 20% of adults with chronic pain overall.
Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 According to Trusted Source, chronic pain is now experienced by an increasing number of people worldwide, and pain-related illnesses are the main cause of disability.
Numerous physical and mental health conditions, such as the following, have been linked to chronic pain:
1. depression
2. Sleep issues
3. social withdrawal
4. Excessive medication use
What are the natural ways to relieve pain?
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Peppermint essential oil
The Mentha piperita L. plant yields peppermint oil.
According to some research, peppermint has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties. Carvacrol, menthol, and limonene are some of the active ingredients found in peppermint oil.
People frequently apply diluted peppermint essential oil to the area that hurts or aches to treat it topically.
According to a 2015 review, peppermint has historically been used by people to treat arthritis-related issues and painful spasms.
Additionally, according to the researchers, rubbing peppermint oil on the forehead and temples can ease tension headache discomfort.
Peppermint oil should not be applied to damaged skin. Before applying peppermint oil to a sore area, test it on a small area to see if it causes any allergic reactions. Avoid using peppermint oil near kids.
A variety of peppermint oils are available for purchase online.
2. Rosemary essential oil
Another essential oil that may lessen pain is rosemary.
According to some studies, the rosemary herb, Rosmarinus officinalis L., may be used to treat seizures, muscular and bone pain, and headaches. Additionally, rosemary may ease tense muscles, lower inflammation, and improve memory.
Essential oils should be diluted in carrier oil, like olive oil. For every ounce of carrier oil, use three to five drops of essential oil.
According to the researchers, the herb affects opioid receptors in the brain, which are involved in the perception of pain. According to a research trial conducted in 2013, rosemary oil helped those going through opiate withdrawal feel less discomfort.
Online retailers provide a variety of rosemary essential oils.
3. Lavender essential oil
The natural painkilling effects of lavender essential oil are possible. Lavender oil is used by people to reduce pain, promote sleep, and reduce anxiety.
According to a tiny 2012 study, lavender oil inhalation may lessen migraine headache pain compared to a placebo.
Lavender oil may also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving benefits on animals, according to some research.
Use essential oils with caution as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently regulate their dosages and ingredient lists. Before utilizing any new essential oils, always see a doctor.
Essential oils shouldn’t be consumed because they may be poisonous. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil before using it topically. Here is more information on carrier oils.
4. Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus oil is the final essential oil on this list of all-natural ways to get rid of the pain. This herbal treatment made from the Eucalyptus tree may lessen bodily discomfort, bloating, and inflammation.
According to a 2013 study, eucalyptus oil alleviated pain better than almond oil when inhaled. Over three days, participants inhaled eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes each day. After having their knees replaced, they were all in recovery.
Use eucalyptus oil away from kids and animals. Asthma triggers include eucalyptus. Before application topically, it is crucial to dilute it with a carrier oil.
Eucalyptus should not be diffused in public either. If ingested, eucalyptus essential oil is poisonous. Make a spot check to ensure that the skin won’t react.
5. Cloves
Cloves, which come from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, have long been used as a natural toothache cure.
In a 2006 study, cloves gel was found to be equally effective as benzocaine gel, a topical gel frequently used by dentists to lessen needle discomfort.
The individuals’ mouths were treated with clove, benzocaine gel, or placebo by the researchers. With clove and benzocaine gels, they had less discomfort, but not with placebos.
To determine how well cloves could treat other types of pain, more study is required.
Additionally, according to researchers, clove may have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
6. Capsaicin
Additionally, people use the natural painkiller capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. When used topically, this chemical may have a minor burning or tingling effect.
The significant significance that capsaicin topical creams and patches play in pain management is noted in a 2011 study by reliable sources. Capsaicin is an ingredient in many painkilling medications.
Although scientists are unsure of the exact mechanism by which it alleviates pain, some think that acting on the nociceptor fibers lessens the skin’s sensitivity to pain. These are the pain-signaling nerves.
7. Ginger
A root known as ginger, or Zingiber officinalethe has the potential as a non-drug pain treatment.
Taking 2 grams of ginger per day for at least 5 days reduced muscle discomfort from running and weight training, according to a 2015 systematic review trusted Source.
Additionally, according to the study, ginger may hasten healing and lessen post-exercise inflammation.
By incorporating raw ginger into smoothies or teas, try incorporating ginger into your diet. Supplements with ginger are also an option, and they can be found online and in health stores. The natural, fresh ingredient, though, might be healthier.
Before ingesting any novel supplement, always see a physician. Dietary supplements may interact with prescription drugs and cause unwanted side effects.
8. Feverfew
A medicinal plant, feverfew is also known as feather few or bachelor’s buttons. Traditional applications include raising breast milk and treating fever, migraine migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, toothaches, and stomachaches.
Compounds in feverfew may help to lessen inflammation and muscle spasms. According to some scientists, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones are the main active ingredients.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, there are conflicting studies on feverfew’s effectiveness, but it helps prevent migraine headaches.
Research from 2011 Reviewed
According to a dependable source, feverfew has analgesic, or pain-relieving, qualities in both its flowers and leaves.
An increased risk of bleeding is one of the negative effects of feverfew, along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a doctor before using feverfew.
9. Tumeric
The active component of the spice turmeric, Curcuma, has pain-relieving properties.
According to a small-scale 2014 study Trusted Source, when taken for 4 weeks, Curcuma extract is just as effective at treating knee osteoarthritis pain as ibuprofen.
Another popular natural treatment for decreasing inflammation is turmeric. Try adding turmeric to curries, smoothies, or juices to incorporate turmeriintoin your diet in its natural form.
10. Acupuncture
Advocates for acupuncture assert that it can help people feel less pain. These ideas are supported by recent studies.
Acupuncture can help with several types of pain, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source, including:
- Low back discomfort
2. Neck ache
3. osteoarthritis or pain in the knee
Additionally, it might lessen how frequently patients get tension headaches and might aid in avoiding migraines.
A recent meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture is a useful treatment for chronic pain. The study’s authors concluded that musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis pain may all be alleviated by acupuncture.
Despite mounting evidence that acupuncture is useful for many different types of pain, further research is now required to determine how it works for various pain problems.
11. Yoga
Yoga, a form of physical meditation, might provide an all-natural means of pain management.
Stretching and physical treatment are frequently used to treat back pain. This is offered via yoga.
Yoga is a form of self-care that involves breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and self-care practices.
According to a reliable Source study from 2013, yoga may help with low back discomfort.
According to the NCCIH, yoga may help reduce neck and low back pain, but there is insufficient data to support its use in treating headaches, fibromyalgia, or arthritis.
12. Mindfulness meditation
More people are turning to mindfulness meditation as a natural remedy for their chronic pain. Although preliminary results appear encouraging, more study is required.
38 studies were examined in a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis, which concluded that mindfulness meditation can lessen depressive symptoms and increase the quality of life. The authors note that larger research is required to determine its precise level of efficacy.
Disclaimer
This is not medical advice. Visit the hospital when you are sick.
