(HealthyResearch.com) – Most people in extreme pain just want it to stop. Most of us will do anything to put an end to it, whether that means taking a pill, sitting in a hot bath, or slathering ourselves in smelly rubs. Unfortunately, though, many prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers have their own side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, ulcers, kidney and liver damage, internal bleeding, and more. Prescription painkillers can be even more dangerous. This is where natural pain relievers might be able to help. They’re effective, and they generally don’t cause scary side effects.
Compresses
Warm and cold compresses can be used to treat a host of painful conditions, which is why every home should have ice packs and heating pads (or a hot/cold combo compress). The key to effectively treating pain with a compress is to choose the proper therapy: hot or cold. Use ice for the first 24-48 hours for acute injuries with associated pain, inflammation, and/or swelling. After the first 48 hours, you can alternate ice and heat to promote blood flow and healing. Use dry or moist heat for chronic pain, including muscle pain and stiffness. Neither hot nor cold compresses, when applied directly, should be used for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
Cloves
Clove oil is ideal for treating a toothache. It contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic, and antibacterial. A paste made from cloves can also be used for topical pain relief to treat muscle soreness and arthritis pain. In pill form, it can treat stomach pain and nausea.
You can purchase clove oil, ground cloves, and clove capsules from any natural or health-food store. Because clove oil could irritate the skin, you should dilute it three drops of clove oil in 120 drops of olive or coconut oil and test the mixture on the inside of your forearm before using it elsewhere on your body as a muscle rub. A more concentrated mixture may be used for tooth pain, taking care to avoid your gums as much as possible.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may be as powerful as some over-the-counter pain relievers. It can improve the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and stomach ulcers. It may even ward off and/or reduce the flare-ups associated with inflammatory conditions. Turmeric is available in pill and powder form. The powder can be mixed in a drink or sprinkled on food. Be aware that effects build up over time and are not immediate.
Willow Bark
Willow bark is a great alternative to aspirin because it’s easier on your stomach. The main ingredient, salicin, can be effective at headache relief, and relief of inflammation, back pain, and more. It can be used topically. However, some people may experience skin irritation. Willow bark is available in a capsule, liquid, and tea. You can also purchase the bark itself and chew on it.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a common ingredient in topical rubs that gets warm and tingles. Capsaicin can be ideal for relieving muscle, joint, and nerve pain — anything you would use a topical pain reliever for. Capsaicin is available in a cream, lotion, or smear-on stick.
Essential Oils
Essential oils (EOs) have become the butt of many jokes lately, but some people find they work well to help with anxiety, pain, muscle aches, inflammation, stomach upset, and even minor kitchen burns. Common EOs used for pain relief include wintergreen, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, yarrow, chamomile, blue tansy, and eucalyptus.
The last thing you want to do when you’re in pain is to leave home in search of pain relief to purchase. So, keep these all-natural painkillers stocked in your home. Create a simple first-aid kit to store your remedies and supplies. They’ll easily be at hand when you need them.
~Here’s to Your Health & Safety!
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