Chronic pain can disrupt your ability to lead a fulfilling life. Many people will seek medical treatment to reduce their pain levels. Doctors have prescribed strong painkillers like codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. While these drugs can provide immediate pain relief in the short term, many of them create dependency problems in patients who then turn to street drugs to fulfill their newly formed addictions. The good news is that there are natural alternatives to these powerful drugs.
Most natural remedies, including those on this list, are lacking in a volume of peer-reviewed studies. This is often due to the fact that drug manufacturers have no interest in sponsoring studies that would reduce their profits. Instead, they invest in studies that show that their drugs work, so that doctors will prescribe them, and insurance companies will cover them. If you are considering natural alternatives for pain relief, then start with this list. Just keep in mind that results may vary, and you should always consult with a doctor before putting anything into your body, and whenever you have serious problems.
CBD Oil
Today, most people are aware of CBD oil. It comes from the same plant family that people use for its psychoactive properties. Cannabis plants contain THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, which people smoke or ingest to get high. However, they also contain Cannabidiol or CBD. This is a phytocannabinoid that does not have psychoactive effects. Instead, it is used to treat pain, anxiety, and other ailments.
Kratom Powder
This powder is made by pulverizing and then sterilizing the dried leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, which grows in Southeast Asia. Most kratom powder is imported from Indonesia, though many strains are named for different countries and cities in the region. One popular strain that people say helps them with pain relief is Vietnamese Kratom. It’s also known as Yellow Vietnam Kratom, because of the yellowish color that it takes on after it’s sterilized. Other kratom strains are named for their leaf vein colors, which grow in green, red, and white varieties.
Willow Bark
This holistic remedy is a popular choice for easing inflammation associated with common aches and pains. People used to chew the bark of White Willow trees, which contains salicin, a natural chemical with a structure that’s similar to aspirin. They also used this bark to reduce fevers and other sources of pain. Now, you can buy dried willow bark over the counter, which you can brew into tea. You may also take a liquid supplement, or bark capsules.
Turmeric
If you enjoy the flavour of curry, then you no doubt have consumed this yellow powder. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals that cause cell damage. In addition, it is considered to be a natural pain reliever, which reduces inflammation.
Cloves
Whole cloves are another popular food ingredient. People use it as a spice to add flavour to ham and other dishes. But, it also has a number of reported medicinal properties, especially when it is ground into a fine powder and ingested in capsule or liquid form. In addition to its popular use as a treatment for nausea and minor colds, it is said to reduce inflammation and pain associated with headaches, arthritis, and toothaches. You may even experiment with applying it topically to your skin as a local pain reliever. Some dentists will even prescribe clove oil as a topical treatment for toothaches.
Essential Oils
The nose is said to be a direct path to your brain. This is true in the sense that your olfactory nerve picks up scents, which are then translated in the brain. Different smells will evoke different feelings and other sensations. And, some of them may even have pain-relieving qualities. Lavender essential oils are said to reduce pain, in addition to acting as a sleep aid, and to reduce anxiety. One study even showed that it relieved migraines when compared with a placebo. Another popular essential oil that is said to reduce headaches, inflammation and other pain is Rosemary essential oil. It is said to activate the opioid receptors in your brain, which are directly linked to pain sensations. Other essential oils with pain-relieving qualities include Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oil.
Capsaicin
People with a high tolerance for spicy foods may indeed have a high tolerance for pain. This is no coincidence since chilli peppers are high in capsaicin, a natural pain reliever. If you apply it topically, you’ll feel a mild burning or tingling sensation. This makes it a popular ingredient for topical creams that people use for pain management. It is said to interact with nociceptive fibres, the nerves that carry pain signals to your brain.
Get Started With Natural Pain Relief Today
If you are open to trying holistic remedies instead of prescription drugs, then give this list a try. You can either buy the raw ingredients, or you can purchase creams and other products which contain them. You’ll be able to judge their effectiveness on your own, in order to make intelligent decisions about your pain management.