Some of the cheapest, most widely used pain-relievers on the market are also the most dangerous. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAID’s are used to treat everything
from joint pain to back aches.
Unfortunately, the hidden dangers of NSAID’s, have only recently come to light. NSAID’s increase your risk of stroke, erectile dysfunction, blood clots, and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal perforation, and ulcers.
But, what other safe alternatives are available to treat pain?
The number one cause of pain in adults is chronic inflammation.
Before NSAID’s hit the market, people would turn to plants and herbs to treat that inflammation. Because the following herbs and plants have similar effects to NSAIDs (but without the side effects), they can be effectively used
to treat pain and inflammation.
Turmeric - Turmeric is a plant that’s used for arthritis, heartburn, headache, stomach disorders, heartburn, lung infections, and fibromyalgia.
Willow Bark - Willow bark comes from a variety of willow trees (white/black willow, pussy willow) and is great for treating fever, muscle pain, flu, and arthritis.
Willow bark comes in tea or capsule form.
Fish Oil - Fish oil is useful for reducing joint pain, menstrual cramps, and inflammatory bowel disease. Fish oil that’s high in omega 3’s,
comes in gel-cap form.
Vitamin D - Multiple studies have shown that many people with pain disorders suffer from a lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D is good for treating fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and Thyroid problems. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of sun on the hands and dace daily helps the body
produce Vitamin D naturally.
Capsaicin - is the main ingredient found in hot peppers, and comes in pill and capsule form. Capsaicin has been found effective in treating arthritis, shingles, and other pain disorders. Magnesium - Magnesium is effective in treating pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, and ADHD.
Glucosamine - Of all of the supplements on the market, glucosamine has been the most studied. Glucosamine is excellent for treating arthritis, and muscle aches.
Arnica - comes in cream form and can be applied to bruises, swelling, sprains,
aching joints, aching hands, and tennis elbow.
Never take Arnica orally, as it is highly toxic.
MSM - Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriasis, eczema, and helps hormonal imbalances. MSM comes in powdered or gel form, and can be applied directly to the affected area, or consumed.
Combining multiple medications or supplements may be risky,
so it’s important your doctor is familiar with all of the
supplements that you wish to try.
Herbs or herbalism can be used to effectively treat both acute and chronic pain.
There are plenty of herbs that heal pain, and reduce inflammation.
Arthritis
Migraines
Menstrual cramps
Fibromyalgia
Induce relaxation for better pain management
And More
When used correctly herbs are a safe alternative or addition to
NSAIDs in the treatment
of chronic pain and mild to moderate acute pain.
When prepared as prescribed, chemical compounds found in plants are unleashed to bind to receptor molecules in the human body, which, allows them to
effectively and efficiently
deal with pain sensations.
Many herbs mimic the effects of synthetic drugs, such as, the anti-inflammatory,
aspirin and ibuprofen, but,
without common side effects like stomach problems that are found
with those drugs.
As with other herbal therapies, herbal preparations for pain relief need to
be done in specific
ways to unleash their therapeutic properties.
Typically Herbs Can Be Used Through
Decoctions
Tinctures
Teas
Poultices
Some herbal remedies to alleviate pain are also available as topical oils and ointments, salves or aromatherapy oils.
Herbs can be grown at home or purchased ready to use from herb shops and online.
Aloe Vera
Burdock
Cayenne Pepper
Devil's Claw
Eucalyptus
Feverfew
Flax Plant
Ginger
Lavender
Licorice
Nettle
St. John's Wort
Turmeric
White willow Bark