Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can manage persistent pain, but they can cause detrimental side effects when used for a long time and may cause addiction. Fortunately, there are alternatives all around us, with many people turning to nature for the best pain killers around. These natural remedies aren’t just a load of “hocus pocus”, with many of them being backed by extensive scientific research. Throughout this article, we will discuss the most effective natural pain killers.
Cloves
Cloves come from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, which is a natural remedy renowned for relieving tooth pain. The plant can be turned into a topical gel that’s used by dentists as a local anesthetic for needles. Despite existing research on clove, there is more work to be done to find out what other pains clove can kill.
Ginger
If you’re an avid cook, you’ve likely got ginger kicking around the kitchen somewhere. As well as adding a delicious tang to food, ginger can be used to relieve pain. According to this systemic review, muscle pain can be relieved by ingesting 2g of ginger across five days. You can increase your intake of ginger by adding it to smoothies and cooking some of these delicious meals.
Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom)
Kratom is a naturally occurring opioid that has been used in medicine for centuries, and it’s especially effective for treating pains, low moods, and demotivation. The kratom plant, a member of the coffee plant family, is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, and Indonesia. Typically, the leaves are crushed into a powder and ingested as tea or juice – you can’t vape or smoke kratom. To find out more about this powerful painkiller, head over to KratomIQ.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has many benefits around the home, including reportedly keeping spiders away. However, when it comes to pain relief, it’s been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The oil can be diffused into the air, but people have been known to use diluted peppermint oil as a topical solution. Back in 2015, this review demonstrated that arthritis-related spasms can be eased using peppermint essential oil.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has been shown to lessen anxiety, promote sleep and reduce pain. In 2012, a study of migraine sufferers found that lavender was effective compared to those with a placebo. Before trying lavender, we suggest speaking to a medical professional because the FDA has no regulatory dose information. Also, if applying topically, you must dilute the oil using a carrier oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil has also been proven to ease pain by reducing inflammation and swelling. According to research, eucalyptus oil has the most benefit when inhaled, which should only be done for no more than 30 minutes across three days. If you’re going to be applying eucalyptus to your skin, you should carry out a spot check in case you react.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary is another pain killer from the essential oil family, and it has been shown to relieve headaches, improve memory, and relax muscles. According to research, rosemary provokes a response out of the brain’s opioid receptors, which manage pain in the body. In a controlled 2013 clinical study of opioid addicts, rosemary was found to ease cravings. Remember, when applying rosemary essential oil, it needs diluting with a carrier oil.
Medical pain killers are great for short-term pain relief, but they can have a negative impact when used long-term. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided us with plenty of readily available remedies that have been proven to ease pain. Before trying a new natural pain killer, be sure to apply a small amount to ensure you’re not allergic – consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
