5 Ways to Relieve Pain the Natural Way

Often, we are troubled with pain and just want to get relief as fast as possible. We may opt for our usual over the counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, but an increasing number of health-conscious individuals are turning to nature-based remedies for pain management.

We’ve saved you the search and have put together 5 ways to relieve pain with natural painkillers:

Willow Bark – Tree Pain Relief

Willow bark, from the bark of several species of willow trees, has been used as a pain reliever for centuries. As strange as it sounds, the branches of 2–3-year-old trees are utilised for their bark, which contains salicin, a chemical like aspirin.

There are a few forms that willow bark is available in and you can even chew on the bark if you are that way inclined. Capsules containing a powdered form, distilled tinctures, tea, and topical ointments are also available.

Some of the potential benefits of Willow Bark include treatment of lower back pain, menstrual cramps, fever, and joint pain. The salicin in the bark works in a similar way to aspirin by targeting inflammation and pain and is a widely used natural remedy.

Turmeric – Spicy Painkiller

Turmeric, an ingredient commonly added to your favourite curries, is a bright yellow spice derived from the Turmeric plant. The compound that makes turmeric an effective natural pain reliever is curcumin, which has a host of antioxidant properties and reduces inflammation. In supplement form it is often paired with piperine, an alkaloid from black pepper, to increase bioavailability. Turmeric is commonly used to ease symptoms of indigestion, ulcers, upset stomachs and inflammation.

Cloves – Exotic Pain Relief

Originating in Indonesia, cloves are the dried buds of flowers from the clove tree. This well-known spice is used in a variety of ways but notably has a host of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and even beta-carotene.  Cloves are also widely used as a natural painkiller because they contain eugenol, the main component of aromatic clove oil extracts. This compound has been shown to alleviate pain particularly toothache and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. This natural pain reliever is usually available in whole form, as well as in ground form. It is also available in capsule, powder, and oil form.

CBD Oil – Mellow Pain Relief

CBD oil is one of the trendiest supplements around right now and its popularity may be for a good reason. CBD is made by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from the cannabis plant into an oil form and is usually taken as drops or used in edible form. The many benefits of CBD oils and products include improving the quality of sleep, helping with symptoms of anxiety, and mild pain relief. Just a side note – CBD does not get you high! Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, and studies show that these cannabinoids bind to immune system receptors in the brain that control inflammation and pain. It is a great way to reduce pain and inflammation and is easy to add to your daily routine.

If you are interested in trying CBD oil for yourself, ask your doctor about trying the Rethink CBD Oil range available at Wellness Warehouse.

Capsaicin – Hot Pain Relief

When you bite into a spicy dish or chilli popper, the first taste is usually a burning sensation, which comes from the capsaicin in the chilli peppers themselves. This burning sensation is a signal from your pain receptors that are telling your body that it needs to stop doing what its doing. It may be surprising that the same mechanism is used in pain relief. It is thought that capsaicin decreases the ability of the nerve cells to send pain signals to our brain. Capsaicin is used in many pain relief products because it is so effective at targeting pain receptors even though scientists aren’t sure why it works. Because it’s known to work it is a key ingredient in skin creams and patches that are used for natural nerve pain relief as well as in joint pain, headache, and muscle strains and sprains remedies.

Getting The Best Natural Pain Relief

If you are looking at getting the best natural pain relief and want to try some of these natural remedies, then it’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner first in case there are any interactions with current medications or health conditions. Find some of these natural pain remedies and more on our website and keep a look out for more detailed wellness information in our quarterly magazine and online.