Discover effective natural remedies for chronic pain relief, including turmeric, ginger, and willow bark. Learn how these remedies can help manage pain and reduce the need for medications. Although we focused on herbs in this article, we will likely explore the pain-relieving effects of many essential oils in future posts! Take note that this is not a comprehensive list. Many more herbs are effective for pain relief, which are not discussed in this article.
Pain is one of the most common complaints. It is one of the main reasons people seek out Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Chronic or persistent pain lasting for weeks or even months can be incredibly distressing. Natural remedies have a special place in managing chronic pain syndromes since taking painkillers constantly is often not an option.
Even if one needs to take painkillers, natural remedies for pain relief must be explored, as they help lower the dosage of medications. The beauty of herbal medicine is that one herb possesses multiple therapeutic properties and can relieve various illnesses! How amazing is that?!
Additionally, it is worth understanding that chronic pains differ in how they may sometimes occur for no apparent reason. Furthermore, chronic pain occurs due to multiple reasons like tissue degeneration, inflammation, stress, depression, nerve changes, certain brain changes, and more.
Here are some of the natural remedies that may help relieve pain:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is among the most popular natural antioxidants. It works due to its content of a yellow-colored compound called curcumin. Turmeric is an excellent choice for those living with pain and inflammation. Some studies suggest that turmeric may be as good and effective for pain management as some commonly used drugs. Turmeric has additional health benefits and can reduce the risk of chronic ailments (Paultre et al., 2021). Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties are responsible for these benefits. It should be taken with black pepper for better absorption.
Turmeric tincture: https://amzn.to/4bi3PrY
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is widely used as a condiment in culinary practices. However, many people need to realize that it has many medicinal properties. It is a good remedy for overcoming nausea, reducing blood pressure, and boosting metabolic health. It can also lower pain and inflammation. Thus, it has both direct and indirect benefits for those living with chronic pain. Although it only has mild pain relief action, it is suitable for daily use, making it an excellent choice for those with chronic health issues (Rondanelli et al., 2020).
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
This natural plant is native to South Africa and has many medicinal uses. It is an excellent option for joint pain. Studies show that using Devil's Claw regularly for 8-12 weeks may help significantly with chronic joint pain. Some studies suggest that it is as good as some anti-inflammatory drugs but without their side effects. It contains an organic compound called iridoid glycosides with potent anti-inflammatory action (Devil's Claw Information | Mount Sinai—New York, n.d.). Devil's Claw is proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-killing therapeutic effects for multiple chronic pain issues like lower back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more (Gxaba & Manganyi, 2022).
Devil's claw tincture: https://amzn.to/4ezKk18
Willow Bark (Salix alba)
People call it nature's aspirin for a reason. It contains salicin, a chemical very similar in structure to aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid. It might be even better than aspirin, containing other natural compounds like antioxidants, flavonoids, and more. It may help with a range of painful conditions like headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, menstrual cramps, and even help reduce fever (Willow Bark Information | Mount Sinai - New York, n.d.). Willow bark is also proven to have antioxidant action while reducing oxidative stress (Ishikado et al., 2020). Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which is responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
Willow bark is contraindicated for pregnancy and should not be used on children. It should not be taken with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. So, take precautionary measures and consult a qualified health professional or clinical herbalist.
Willow bark tincture: https://amzn.to/3xqUAry
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These fatty acids are essential for well-being. They might not have direct pain relief action, but adequate intake can help reduce pain and inflammation. New studies suggest that many health issues occur due to high dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids and low intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In the long run, omega-3 can be as good as ibuprofen for joint pains. It may help with neck pain, lower back pain, various joint pains, sports injuries, and more. It reduces the levels of inflammation-causing prostaglandins, thus helping provide pain relief. Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for brain, nerve, and heart health (Jc & Jw, 2006). Some good sources are nuts, seeds, fatty fish, flax seed oils, and extra virgin olive oil.
Capsaicin
It is one of the most commonly used topical natural remedies for pain relief. It is the most active ingredient in cayenne pepper! Studies show it can block pain receptors, thus providing quick pain relief in some conditions. It is pretty good for sprains and strains and various sports injuries. It is also good for managing neurological pain and neuralgia and may help with arthritis. When applying capsaicin topically, one generally feels instant pain relief and warmth (Mk & Jn, 2016).
Cayenne pepper tincture: https://amzn.to/3xqBlhT
Note all links provided are affiliates!
The Bottom Line
When living with chronic pain, it is always good to consider natural remedies. However, remember that natural remedies do not just involve using herbal or health supplements. One must also consider lifestyle changes and implement exercise, stress management, and dietary changes for a more effective result. One may also benefit from increasing intake of vitamin Bs and magnesium, massage therapy, and practicing mindfulness. Acupuncture is also known to be effective for pain relief. Hence, it is worth considering. For optimal benefit, combine multiple methods. Moreover, natural remedies are good for prolonged use, and they can be used even as a preventive measure.
Please leave us a comment to let us know what natural remedies you have tried for pain relief and benefitted from.
References:
Devil’s claw Information | Mount Sinai—New York. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/devils-claw
Gxaba, N., & Manganyi, M. C. (2022). The Fight against Infection and Pain: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) a Rich Source of Anti-Inflammatory Activity: 2011 2022. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(11), 3637. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113637
Ishikado, A., Sono, Y., Matsumoto, M., Robida-Stubbs, S., Okuno, A., Goto, M., King, G. L., Keith Blackwell, T., & Makino, T. (2013). Willow bark extract increases antioxidant enzymes and reduces oxidative stress through activation of Nrf2 in vascular endothelial cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. Free radical biology & medicine, 65, 1506–1515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.12.006
Jc, M., & Jw, B. (2006). Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: An alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surgical Neurology, 65(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surneu.2005.10.023
Mk, C., & Jn, C. (2016). Use of Capsaicin to Treat Pain: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Considerations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 9(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph9040066
Paultre, K., Cade, W., Hernandez, D., Reynolds, J., Greif, D., & Best, T. M. (2021). Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. BMJ Open Sport — Exercise Medicine, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000935
Rondanelli, M., Fossari, F., Vecchio, V., Gasparri, C., Peroni, G., Spadaccini, D., Riva, A., Petrangolini, G., Iannello, G., Nichetti, M., Infantino, V., & Perna, S. (2020). Clinical trials on pain lowering effect of ginger: A narrative review. Phytotherapy Research, 34(11), 2843. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6730
Willow bark Information | Mount Sinai—New York. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/willow-bark
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