10 natural pain killers
Many pain killers are available in the market some of which are more effective as compared to the others. But after reading this article you would be saying “Who needs a pain killer, when you can make the pain go away naturally”. This article will inform you about natural pain killers for relieving pain.
Natural Pain Killers
Before going into the details of the natural pain killers, it’s important to inform the readers what pain killers are. A natural pain killer, unlike an ordinary pain killer, can either be a stimuli, a herb, or a traditional medicine. Natural pain killers interfere with the nervous system’s transmission of nerve signals. Most pain killers effect the portion of brain associated with sense of pleasure. That’s why, sometimes, in addition to blocking pain, they produce a sensation of good feeling in the body.
Due to this reason, an expert Dr. Alf Collins also a consultant at Musgrove Park Hospital, suggests that anyone suffering from pain and not wanting to take medications should try out natural pain killers.
Top Ten Natural Pain Killers
Top ten natural pain killers are mentioned below:
1. Release of Inner Endorphins
Endorphins are natural chemicals which block pain signals from reaching the brain. They are natural pain killers of the body. Endorphins alleviate anxiety and depressions which are the major conditions accompanying chronic pain. As a general rule, any exercise which gets the blood pumping in the body for a certain duration of time will release endorphins in your body. However they are mostly produced during the aerobic exercises which include cycling, running, jogging, boxing etc.
2. Finding Good Company
If you want to get rid of pain soon, you need to divide your concentration. The best way to do this is to sit in some good company. For example, if you are suffering from back pain, you can sit among people with similar problem. You can also join an online group that is both active and supportive.
3. Cooling with ice
Ice cools down the inflamed and sore tissues in the body. Ice can be used in all the pains involving some level of inflammation, e.g. back pain. The benefit of ice is that it acts as a local anesthetic and slows down the nerve impulses, thus interrupting the pain reaction in the affected area.
4. Meditation
Research has proven that meditation has many health related benefits. You can easily learn and try it. Meditation has a variety of forms, some of which are quite simple whereas others are complex. For example, one type of meditation involves imagining yourself in a calm and beautiful place. Another kind of meditation involves finding a sound pleasing to the ears even though it has no specific meaning. You can lie down on a couch, close your eyes and repeat the music constantly in your head. In case your thoughts wander, you will notice that they wander for some time and then return to the sound. You can try this meditation for just two minutes at first and then gradually increase the time span to thirty minutes daily. After practicing meditation for some time, the overall pain in your body will be reduced. Moreover, depression and anxiety which accompany chronic pain, will also be reduced.
5. Arnica
Arnica is a herb which comes from a European flower. The science behind its healing is yet unknown. Nevertheless, it has anti-inflammatory properties. According to researchers, taking oral homeopathic arnica after a painful disease helps in the reduction of pain sensation in surgery related knee swelling. You can use arnica either as a herb or as a conventional medicine present in the market. To use arnica as a cream, you can rub it on bruises and strained muscles. On the other hand, if you want to use it in as an herb, take three pellets and put them under the tongue up to six times a day. The sensation of pain will end within three to four days of usage.
6. Aquamin
Aquamin is a sea weed rich in calcium and magnesium. There isn’t much research done so far related to it. However, some preliminary researches have shown that the ingredients present in it may reduce joint inflammation and even help in the building of bones. In a study of 70 volunteers published in the Nutrition Journal, it was proved that Aquamin helps in reduction of arthritis pain. In tablet form, you can take 2400 mg (two tablets) of Aquamin daily. After taking the dosage for three to four days, you will find some relief.
7. Tumeric
Tumeric has plenty of pain-relief benefits. It is used in traditional medicines for easing pain from strains, bruises and sprains. New researches have found that turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, some research has found out that turmeric also helps in the improvement of blood circulation and blood clotting. For relieving pain, turmeric can be used as an active ingredient in food.
8. Valerian Root
Valerian root also helps in relieving pain in the body. It has been used by people for centuries for the regulation of nervous system and relieving tension, stress and insomnia. Moreover, it is a natural pain killer and reduces the sensitivity of nerves. Due to these health benefits of valerian root, it also known as nature’s tranquilizer. To relieve pain, you can take a cup of valerian tea.
9. Loosening up
Stretching the soft tissues in and around the spine can be quite helpful for people with back pain. The back of a person is designed for movement. Limiting the motion of the back can worsen things. In case you are suffering from chronic pain, you should try to keep your back moving and not put to rest.
10. Ginger
Ginger has been used by Chinese for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover it can also help in relieving nausea, headaches, arthritis, muscle soreness and menstrual cramps. It also increases the blood circulation level in the body. To help relieve pain, you can make a ginger tea.
For this purpose, cut up a root and boil it in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Cool this solution for 10 minutes. After that, strain the water and sip the tea. Other than making ginger tea, you can directly take advantage of ginger by wrapping it in a hot cheese cloth and putting it on the affected area for about 30 minutes. The pain sensation will go after sometimes.
Conclusion
This article has discussed some natural pain killers for the body for relieving pain. In conclusion, if you are experiencing pain and don’t want to take any medications, you need to try natural pain killers.
Written by: | Michal Vilímovský (EN) |
---|---|
Education: | Physician |
Published: | February 26, 2014 at 9:05 AM |
Next scheduled update: | February 26, 2016 at 9:05 AM |
Get more articles like this in your inbox
Sign up for our daily mail and get the best evidence based health, nutrition and beauty articles on the web.
Ache in left arm that you should not ignore
Alkaline water dangers: why you should not drink it
How to Avoid Sleepiness While Studying?
23 Foods That Increase Leptin Sensitivity
Low dopamine (e.g. dopamine deficiency): causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options
Swollen taste buds: the ultimate guide to causes, symptoms and treatment
Thin endometrial lining: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Pimples inside nose: the complete guide
Holes in tonsils: definition, symptoms, treatment and prevention
How to deal with an ingrown hair cyst
Allegra vs. Zyrtec vs. Claritin
How to get rid of phlegm (excessive mucus) in throat? Detailed guide to medical and home remedies, symptoms and causes
Allergy to penicillin and alternative antibiotics
What causes stomach ache after meals?
Liver blood test results explained