Most people experiencing pain immediately reach for some form of pain medication. While over-the-counter and prescription medications are effective for pain management, they often risk side effects, drug interactions, and dependency or addiction. Natural painkillers can be just as effective at treating pain, inflammation, and other related conditions, especially for those suffering chronic pain. If you’re suffering from chronic or regular pain, consider these natural alternatives to medications that effectively relieve pain without any additional risks to health.
Cloves
Cloves have long been used as home remedies for relieving toothache pain. Clove gel has been found to be as effective as the topical benzocaine gel used by dentists to reduce needle pain. Researchers believe that cloves have antioxidants, anti-inflammation, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. People use clove oils, clove gel, or consume the spice for pain relief.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural and therapeutic way to help relieve pain. Researchers believe that rosemary helps treat headaches, muscle and bone pains, and seizures. It can also reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and improve memory. Research suggests that active compounds in peppermint oil — carvacrol, menthol, and limonene — have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects. Peppermint oil can help relieve painful spasms, problems associated with arthritis, and tension headache pain. Lavender essential oil is a natural remedy for pain relief, better sleep, and stress management. Inhaling lavender oil can help relieve migraine headache pain, as it has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a natural way to treat pain, recover from injury, and improve mobility. Sometimes the best way to overcome pain, at any age, is to understand how to listen to your body and move in a healthier way. Medical treatments and physical therapists have become more innovative over the years as advancements in technology allow medical professionals to update and improve patient care.
For example, Ekso Bionics uses exoskeleton technology to enhance natural abilities and improve quality of life. The leading manufacturer of exoskeletons creates disruptive clinical robotics targeted for loss of mobility and cognition. The Ohio health rehab hospital offers Ekso intervention for inpatients who have been referred by an Ekso certified therapist. The rehabilitation hospital combines the convenience of community-based care with national clinical expertise to provide the most comprehensive medical rehabilitation.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an aromatic spice whose active ingredient, curcumin, has pain-relieving qualities. Studies have shown that curcumin extract is as effective as ibuprofen for long-term pain management. Turmeric is a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation and can be consumed in natural form by adding the spice to smoothies, juices, or curries. It’s also possible to achieve positive effects by taking turmeric supplements.
Hormone Balancing
When there’s an imbalance in hormone production it’s important to replace deficient nutrients with vitamins and supplements, balance hormones, and implement dietary and lifestyle changes to make health and wellness gains.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of hormone imbalance including fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, and low libido. Menopause in women and andropause in men can cause hormonal imbalance. Women frequently experience common menopause symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, breast soreness, low sex drive, and not getting enough sleep.
The Advanced PainCare and BioHealth Institute offers patients holistic treatment plans for hormone imbalances including hormone balancing and pellet therapy to achieve consistent blood hormone levels. Estrogen and testosterone pellets that mimic natural hormones are inserted under the skin to slow-release hormones into the bloodstream. This method avoids fluctuations in hormone levels to achieve better hormone balance. You don’t realize how important the role of hormones is to your bodily functions until malfunctioning hormone health disrupts your daily activity.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic practice that uses ancient Chinese medical practices to relieve pain. Small, thin needles are inserted into the skin in a location related to the source of pain. It’s believed that when the body’s natural energy pathways are balanced, it promotes positive Chi or energy flow. Acupuncture helps relieve pain by causing the brain to release the feel-good chemical serotonin, which is known to ease the pain. This practice can help relieve pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and points of chronic pain.
There are several natural pain treatment options that are as effective at relieving pain as medications. Always consult with a medical professional before supplementing or altering any treatment plan.
