Pain is never fun. However, it is necessary, to a point. It is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. It is important to investigate any pain to rule out anything serious. Currently, the medical fields answer to pain is pain medications like opioids, NSAID’s and steroids. Unfortunately, all of those pain relievers come with unwanted side effects and some serious risks.

The good news is that nature has provided us with her own pain relief med in the form of botanicals! These natural pain relievers along with a diet high in fruits and veggies (anti-inflammatory) and low in processed foods and sugar (highly inflammatory), can control pain safely and naturally without the unwanted side effects and risks from the pharmaceuticals. Below we will discuss a few of these pain relievers and how they can help you.

4 Natural Remedies For Pain Relief

Arnica

Used since the 1500’s for medicinal purposes, arnica can be applied topically for bruises, muscle aches, sprains, and strains. It can also be taken internally in the form of a homeopathic remedy for more chronic pain in the form of muscle aches or osteoarthritis. I personally use Arnica both internally and externally with my son who is an athlete. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly it relieves his soreness or injury.

 

Ginger

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is an amazing and delicious pain reliever. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, try out some ginger and see if it helps. In a study of 100 people who suffer from migraines, it was found that both ginger powder and the drug sumatriptan had comparable pain relieving effects. Also, a six-week trial of patients with osteoarthritis saw then swap their pain medication for ginger extract twice daily. Participants felt less pain when standing and walking after taking the ginger extract.

Curcumin

Probably the most popular natural pain relievers out there right now and with good reason. Turmeric is now the most clinically studied botanical in the US. It has not disappointed in any of those studies. It has been shown to be beneficial in relieving any pain related to inflammation. That includes arthritis pain, pain associated with autoimmune diseases, migraines, injuries etc… Tumeric’s phenomenal results are linked to a chemical called curcumin, which is the most prevalent active ingredient in Tumeric. When buying a Tumeric supplement, look specifically for 95% curcuminoids listed on the back. When you see that, you know you are getting a therapeutic level of the ingredient that targets inflammation. It works best if taken daily. You should reach peak results within about 2 weeks. Everyone is different, so use this as a guideline, not a guarantee.

Devil’s Claw

Although this botanical has a strange name, it is definitely worth taking a closer look. Today the most popular use for Devil’s claw root is to relieve arthritis. In France Devil’s claw root products can be marketed with a claim for traditional use for symptomatic relief of painful joint disorders. The herb is approved by ESCOP for painful arthritis, tendinitis, loss of appetite and dyspepsia.

One study on Devil’s claw was performed on patients with slight to moderate muscular tension or slight muscular pain of the back, shoulder, and neck. On a double-blind randomized basis, a total of 31 patients received doses of Devil’s claw root extract twice daily, and 32 received a placebo. The duration of the therapy was 4 weeks. A highly significant clinical efficacy was achieved with Devil’s claw extract in cases of slight to moderate muscular pain.

In a published analysis of several Devil’s claw root studies, extracts of Devil’s claw root proved valuable for the supportive treatment of degenerative painful rheumatism. Use of devil’s claw extract improved mobility and a reduction of pain sensation in several clinical studies. Pharmacological experiments have shown analgesic (pain relieving), antiphlogistic and anti-inflammatory actions.

There are no known negative side effects or drug interactions associated with Devil’s claw. You can use Devil’s claw as a tea or in tablets and capsules. As a tea, brew 4 – 5 grams of the root daily for relief of joint or muscle pain. In supplementary capsule form, look for products containing extracts of Devil’s claw standardized to 2  – 3% iridoid glycosides. Take 200 – 2500 milligrams per day.

Understanding Pain

The above-mentioned botanicals are very helpful with pain due to inflammation. They also have other health benefits along with the pain relief they can provide.

There are, however, different types of pain. Most pain is related to inflammation but there are some forms of pain that require a combination of anti-inflammatories and nervine herbs to help relax muscles and address fascia based pain. A few of my favorites are California Poppy, Skullcap, Hops and Jamaican Dogwood. These can have a somewhat sedative effect so use caution when first starting to take them. Sometimes people do well taking less during the day and a full dose before bed. These are also wonderful for pain that interferes with sleep.

The truth is, nature has many answers when it comes to pain. The best way to manage pain naturally is finding what works for you. I have managed several health food stores and have come across some phenomenal pain relieving products. I will list a few of my favorites below for you. I would like to end my reminding you to always focus on getting your diet right and use supplements as needed. Diet plays a pivotal role in the body’s inflammatory process. That is definitely where you want to start.

Pain Relieving Formulas:

• Pain-Eze by RainbowLight

• IBUACTIN by Solaray

• Turmeric Supreme PAIN by Gaia

 

About The Author

Jami Oles, HHP, Holistic Nurse and Health Educator

Jami is a mother of three and a Holistic Health Practitioner with a 10-year background in Nursing and Emergency Medicine. She is a Certified Children’s Nutritional Therapist, Holistic Nurse, EMT currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Naturopathic Medicine. Jami is also a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association. She offers both local and long distance services. You can reach Jami via email – [email protected]

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