Food

16 Of Nature’s Best Natural Pain Killers You Didn’t Know About

2. Cloves A toothache can be nasty and will give you an uncomfortable day. Cloves are spices that are used in a variety of foods and… Simi - December 10, 2017

The bodies need proper care for it to function appropriately. Most people have a habit of promising themselves to live a healthier lifestyle but this is not always the case. It is something that is only well-practiced having promised you all manner of things over the years. The problem is that often times, the resolutions that are made are not worth the paper they are written on. Not because you don’t have the organizational foresight to put in motion the right train of events.

Take an issue such as your health for instance. How many times have you promised yourself that you will begin to lead a more active lifestyle? Didn’t you promise to start jogging at the beginning of last year?

Did you ever actually even get off the coach? You probably didn’t get far with that because you fell into the same psychological sandpit that traps many. Those who are well intention end but poorly organized individuals seeking to improve the health of their bodies.

One essentially modern condition that causes the body to experience various health problems is neglect. The body is able to work on its own without needing any external interference. However, there are times when the bodies are overwhelmed because they are being exposed to many harmful substances. In other cases, the bodies are just not capable to work on their own to fight infections. This is the time when they require your help and assistance. Read on to find out some of the natural best painkillers.

1. Ginger

Ginger is a good remedy for the muscles. Most people use its root as a spice for their food. It is a preferred spice because of its noticeable flavor that it provides. In addition to its culinary use, it is used as a natural medicine. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Ginger has compounds called gingerols which reduce the production of pain-triggering hormones. For those suffering from arthritis, its anti-inflammatory properties are of great help. The anti-inflammatory compounds that are in ginger work in the same way as the COX-2 inhibitors. These inhibitors are medicines that are used for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Several studies have been conducted to see how effective ginger is in treating pain. In a study that was done in 2000, they found that ginger extract worked in the same way as ibuprofen. In another study in 2001, it was revealed that high-concentration doses of the ginger extract were capable of treating those with osteoarthritis of the knee. If you have knee pains, taking ginger will reduce the pain when standing and after walking.

Ginger is again used as a pain reliever for muscle pains. If after an exercise you had an injury and have some pains, taking it will greatly bring relief. Inflammation on the affected part can also significantly be reduced.

Ginger can be added to food by taking one or two teaspoons of dried ginger or chopped ginger to your meals every day. If you are not keen on eating ginger, you can apply a cream that contains ginger directly on the affected part. It’s known that those suffering from osteoarthritis in their knees see great improvements when applied topically.

2. Cloves

A toothache can be nasty and will give you an uncomfortable day. Cloves are spices that are used in a variety of foods and most people like having them in their gingerbread and pickles. If you can’t get to the doctor quickly enough, there is no problem. Cloves are also used as a natural medicine for treatment of the teeth problems. They are known to give relief to tooth pain and gum inflammations.

They contain a compound called eugenol which is strong and acts as a natural painkiller. This has been used for centuries and it used to be inserted into an infected tooth or cavity. Its ingredient would numb the tissues around the affected tooth, providing them with temporary relief from the pain. Nowadays, most people use clove oil. The oil is then extracted and highly concentrated fluid from the plant.

It is easy to use cloves for a toothache and will save you time from seeking other medications. The other benefit is that eugenol works again as an antiseptic. This ensures that it kills the microorganisms that are causing the toothache. The cloves are available in powdered or grounded form, whole, and oil. If you have a toothache, you can use any of these forms and they will be helpful. Ground cloves are mostly used in homes as spices. When using the ground cloves, take a pinch and put it between the gum that is infected and the cheek.

Whole cloves are the dried buds that come from the clove tree. Take two or three of them and hold them in the mouth by the infected area. When they begin to soften, chew them a little to make them soft. The oils will be released that will help in treating the pain. Ground cloves can also be added to your food. Sprinkle 1/4 of a teaspoon on your food daily.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

There are some people who experience heartburn after eating a meal. This is a burning sensation that occurs in your chest. Taking cider vinegar is known to relieve pain in some individuals. There is an acetic acid that is found especially in apple cider vinegar which has many benefits.

In some people, acid reflux happens because of too little stomach acid. Cider vinegar gives more acid to the digestive system. The malic and tartaric acids found in cider vinegar are strong digestive compounds that accelerate the breakdown of fats and proteins. This enables the stomach to empty quickly before the food goes into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

The lack of acid causes the stomach to have strong movements to make use of small amount of the acids. These strong movements result in the build-up of pressure and some of the acids flow back. This creates a bad combination of back-flow of the acids into the esophagus and movements. The pain comes in due to these two actions. Apple cider vinegar imitates the acid level that is in your stomach to enable proper digestion of food.

To reduce heartburn, take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal. This should be continued for about three to nine months to completely get rid of the acid reflux. Most people mix it by taking either one or two tablespoons in a glass of water just before drinking. There are others who swallow one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This normally causes a burning feeling for a little moment but you will get fast relief from the heartburn.

4. Garlic

Earaches is one of the infections that affect many people every year caused by bacteria. The good news is that you may be having treatment for this right in your home. Garlic is very effective for treating earaches. Garlic has strong aromatic compounds such as germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds that contain both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a faster and more effective way of combating ear infections and works better than some antibiotics. The antiseptic compounds are absorbed into the skin through the eardrum and all other tissues around it. The infection is significantly removed and reduces inflammation. Garlic can be mixed with olive oil to get what is called garlic oil. This oil is applied in the ear as ear drops and relieves the pain. Garlic can also be combined with mullein flowers to make an effective cure for ear pain. The other option is to rub the garlic oil around the affected ear.

Another common way of using garlic is to chop into small pieces of fresh clove. They should be in sizes that will fit the outer ear. At no point should you push the garlic clove into the ear canal as this may cause some problems. The leaves need to lie in the outer ear. A burning feeling may be felt and this can be reduced by using olive oil. This method might not be comfortable for some people but it is an effective method to fight infection.

When using garlic oil, put two drops of warm garlic into the affected ear daily until the ear is cured. The sulfur and selenium fight against the pain-causing bacteria. Cool down three garlic cloves in a cup of olive oil for about two to three minutes when preparing the garlic oil. It has to be placed in the refrigerator for two weeks.

5. Cherries

Cherries are some of the most loved fruits that are eaten for their flavor and taste. They are a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. There are various varieties of cherries, all of them are edible and sweet. These fruits can be used to relieve most of the pains that you may be experiencing. Most of the common pains can be cured that are caused by diseases including arthritis, headaches, and gout. The cherries contain some important compounds such as anthocyanins. This component has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is more than 10 times more powerful than aspirin and ibuprofen.

The anthocyanins which are found in their skins are highly concentrated. They prevent cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 from affecting the body. This is the reason why those that have arthritis, gout and chronic headaches get relief when they eat cherries. The cherries contain another compound known as melatonin that is capable of moving between the blood and brain. This causes a calming effect on the neurons in the brain and relieves headaches.

The cherries are capable of preventing the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation. Due to this characteristic, they are able to prevent and treat various types of pain. Most stomachaches are caused by most of the painkillers that are taken when you get sick. The good part with the cherries is that you cannot get a stomach upset from taking it.

If you are suffering from any pain, you may have to consider eating cherries. The pigment which is the anthocyanins will reduce your pain. They can be eaten raw as fruit or mixed with other fruits and vegetables to make an appetizing salad. Others might prefer getting them crushed to make cherry juice. These should be taken daily.

6. Fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel problems and inflammatory bowel diseases can bring pain to your body. Fish has got fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which decrease intestinal inflammation, cramping and stomach pains. In some situations, it has been compared to work like corticosteroids.

The acids in fish will help if you are suffering from arthritis as they prevent inflammation. They interfere with the body’s immune cells. Studies indicate that fatty acids are able to prevent inflammation right in its early stages. Furthermore, research has shown that people who eat fish cannot develop rheumatoid arthritis. But if you already have this disease, the acids will reduce joint swelling and pain. The fatty acids have other benefits including preventing diseased that are associated with inflammation such as heart disease.

They even reduce the blood fats called triglycerides, decrease the growth of clogs in the arteries and lower blood pressure. This ensures that there is proper circulation of blood and opportunistic diseases cannot come and cause various pains. There is some particular type of fish from which you can get good sources of fatty acids. These include salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Eating three to six ounces of fish at least two to four times will help you.

The most important thing to note is that fish that have a high source of these fatty acids also contain a high amount of mercury. Therefore, eating smaller fish is recommended because they have smaller amounts of mercury. This is the reason eating an appropriate amount of fish is good because larger than the recommended can be harmful.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular East Indian spice that people prefer to use in their meals. Another important use is its medicinal characteristics. It is used to relieve pain and is known to be three times more effective than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Studies have shown that it can reduce chronic pain for those suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia by 50%.

Turmeric has an active ingredient known as curcumin that prevents cyclooxygenase 2 from acting in the body. It is an enzyme that promotes pain-producing hormones. Studies have shown that curcumin works better than celecoxib in those getting treated for arthritis pain. Its antioxidant, antiviral and anti-fungal properties play a crucial role in reducing the anti-inflammation. It has a high amount of natural pain-relieving COX-2 inhibitors. The inhibitors are the ones that induce the formation of prostanoids that cause inflammation. Studies have shown that turmeric works just as good as other fourteen medicines. Some of these medicines include aspirin, sulindac, tamoxifen, and celecoxib.

Curcumin decreases inflammation by reducing the amount of histamine and stimulates the adrenal glands to make more cortisone. Cortisone is the body’s natural painkiller. It reduces pain including ones from rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diverticulitis, kidney stones, headache, backache, gout. ulcers and osteoarthritis.

If you are using turmeric, take fresh roots and mix them with juices, soup, rice, and potatoes. The turmeric powder can be mixed with fruit juices and soup. If the taste might not be favorable to you, then mix it with honey to get a better taste. The powder form can be mixed by getting one tablespoon and mix it with five tablespoons of honey. Keep it in a sealed jar and take in half a teaspoon twice daily. You can sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of the powder daily on your rice, meat or vegetable meal.

8. Salt

The in-grown toenails can be unpleasant and painful. Studies show that there are at least six million Americans that have this problem every year. Apart from its use in the culinary, salt is popular for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is able to destroy the microorganisms that cause pain and swelling. When the ingrown nails are soaked in warm salty water baths, the pain is significantly reduced within a few days.

Epsom salt is mainly used to treat aches and pains. When you put your skin into the bath with this salt, it absorbs it which reduces the pain, relaxes the muscles and tendons. It also reduces swelling and promotes good blood circulation. It is recommended to soak your feet regularly rather than only once when you have the pains. This improves circulation and prevents the occurrence of pain.

To treat the aching feet, mix one teaspoon of salt into a cup of water. Heat it at the lowest temperature to be warm enough so that you can soak your feet. Put your affected foot in the water for about 20 minutes. This should be done twice daily until you feel better.

You can also treat ingrown nails in the quickest time. Mix one tablespoon of salt in a cup of water and heat it to the lowest temperature. Soak the feet for about twenty minutes.

When using Epsom salt, add two cups of salt to your bathtub. If you are using a foot bath, add one cup. Stir the water to enable the salts to dissolve quickly. Massage the cuticles by rubbing with a drop of cuticle oil on each toe. The soaking should be done for at least ten minutes.

9. Water

Water is one thing that most people take for granted. However, its usefulness to the body is so many that you cannot do without it. The experts at New York’s Manhattan College remarked that water can be used to treat various pains. These include pain in your feet, knees and shoulders. They further state that you can recover in a week’s time by drinking 8 ounces of water daily.

Water is able to dilute and gets rid of histamine, a compound that causes pain that is caused by injuries. Water is used as an important component in building cartilage that absorbs shock at the end of your bones. Where the two bones meet, the joints, there is a lubricating fluid. When they are kept well hydrated, there is no pain because they can easily slide over each other.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition when the immune system starts attacking the tissues around the joints. It’s normally conspicuous in the toes and fingers. Dehydration can increase the pains and drinking water can reduce them. The water stimulates the production of synovial fluid, reduces inflammation around the joint and promotes the growth of new cells in the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes “wear and tear.” it is a common cause of joint pain and happens in the larger joints such as the hips and knees. The tissues in the joints become worn out. Individuals with this condition are advised to lose weight. Having a lot of water helps the weight-loss process by increasing blood circulation. It also assists in the formation of stronger tissues in the areas that are affected. When drinking water, take 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. The size of the glasses varies but you can measure to get the recommended 12 ounces of water for a day.

10. Flaxseed

There are many women who suffer from cyclic breast pain. Studies indicate that 70% of women suffer from the pain at some point in their lives. This happens before or during a menstrual period, when pregnant or during menopause. It’s a result of hormonal fluctuations which you might be experiencing at that time. The flax seed gives relief to this pain.

The flax seed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and is highly recommended as the first treatment. Fatty acids are the best cure for breast pain that is associated with periods. They have phytoestrogens that replace the estrogens with the weaker ones in your body. The weaker estrogens are the reason why you experience breast pains. Another benefit is that they help with constipation and this makes them a good dietary meal.

The flax seed can be taken when it has been prepared in bread. It can also be prepared in other baked products such as muffins and yogurt. There are supplements that are available and can be taken if you prefer them. It can be ground with your blender and get enough for a few days. Store it in an airtight container and should be placed in a refrigerator. There are some people who like taking it when added to smoothies, vegetable or fruit salads. Whole grains can be eaten and taste delicious. Studies have shown that adding three tablespoons of ground flax to your daily meals reduces breast pain within 12 weeks.

The flax seed should not be cooked as this will destroy the important ingredients that reduce breast pain. If they have to be taken, it should be in their natural state by grinding or sprinkling them on your food.

11. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another used commodity in most homes. Whenever you have something to bake, the first thing people will think of is baking soda. There is another important use for soda as it helps relieve stomach pains and pains from burns. The stomach is made of a thin layer and is in a pouch form. After eating it is filled with food and stretches to its limits. When eating the food, air is inhaled together with the meals.

This is made worse when you have to eat very fast and take in carbonated drinks. Air can also find its way into the stomach through speaking a lot and smoking when you are eating. This leads to excess accumulation of gas in your stomach that can cause great irritation. An already stretched stomach from your meals can cause stomach pains. Taking the baking soda helps react with the stomach gases and when carbon dioxide comes into the mix.

This reaction results in expulsion of gases which reduces stomach pains. The gases need to be removed through belching otherwise it may cause you more discomfort. If you have burns, baking soda can relieve the pain. Make a powder paste and apply it to the area that is affected. Cover it with wet gauze for some minutes. The baking soda is alkaline and will neutralize the acid that is found in the wound. This also prevents infection.

Making baking soda for the treatment of stomach pains is easy. Take a 1/2 teaspoon or 4 ounces and mix it with water in a small glass. You don’t need too much soda as this may increase the number of gases to an undesired level. Take it after eating some food.

13. Cayenne pepper

The cayenne pepper contains an active ingredient that is called capsaicin. This compound stimulates the release of a substance P in the body. It is discharged from the nerves and inflammatory cells of the immune system. This substance is greatly significant in assisting the body sense pain and stimulates the discharge of several cytokines. These are responsible for helping the body get the right response to inflammation.

Another important role that cayenne plays is helping the blood vessels dilate. This helps more of the anti-inflammatory cells move to the affected part. What happens is that when substance P is discharged and eventually exhausted, the amount of pain increases. This occurs when you use it frequently. That part of the body is less sensitive to pain and you feel less of it. With reduced pain, the body part can have enough time to heal with your other process in place to help. There are many ways you can do to help the healing process. These include walking, exercises or physical therapy.

Cayenne pepper has been known to help with a sore throat. These sores can be painful and capsaicin helps in preventing the sending of the neurotransmitter. This transmitter is accountable for transmitting pain signals to the brain. There are many ways in which the cayenne pepper can be taken in. There are some teas that are mixed with it to heal sore throats.

The taste of cayenne is not favorable to some people, but its effectiveness cannot be ignored. Should you want to take it, add one to three teaspoons of cayenne pepper in a glass that has 8 ounces of water. This is an effective way to treat a migraine headache. For muscle, joint and arthritis pains, you can apply warm cayenne pepper oil to the affected parts.

13. Oats

Oats are commonly used for their fiber content which helps in the digestive system. In other cases, it is used in the treatment of endometriosis pains. This is a condition that happens when the lining of the uterus develops outside the uterus. This can cause significant pain to individuals suffering from it. The oats prevent constipation by providing fiber. Constipation can be painful as well and this can be avoided by eating oats.

In addition to this pain, you can have period cramps and heavy periods. All these pains can be reduced by eating as much oats as you can possibly take. There is a substance called gluten which causes inflammation. This is accompanied by pains and the oats don’t contain gluten.

There have been several studies that indicate the usefulness of oats in reducing pain. Experts say that when the little pieces of the uterine lining detach and grow outside the uterus, oats reduce pain. They further state that the migrating cells can cause tremendous pain to those menstruating. There is an inflammation that they cause due to extreme cramping during the period.

Some individuals get a strong headache that can run for some months and create great misery. The diet that has oats helps reduce endometrial pain for up to 60% of women within the first six months. Credit goes to the lack of gluten in the oats, a protein responsible for inflammation and this pain. Oats can be taken in the morning when having breakfast. A good amount of oats in your bowl will make a difference in a short while. There are no known side effects of eating a lot of oats, therefore, you can take as much as you can.

14. Peppermint

The sore muscles can be treated with peppermint oil and this significantly reduces pain. Its many uses have attracted many people to use in their homes as an alternative to other drugs. Other uses include freshening your breath, soothe nausea and stomach problems. The knots in the muscles can last for a few months if they don’t get treated. These are painful and peppermint oil can be used to relieve it.

Peppermint oil is highly concentrated and needs to be carefully used when taking it internally. The topical use is normally safe but you will still have to dilute it with other oils such as almond oil. There are some individuals who may experience some side effects such as a burning feeling or allergic rash. This should not be given to children as it can have more serious implications.

The peppermint plant has a substance known as menthol. It is an organic chemical that has a natural anesthetic property. When used, it has a cooling effect and reduces general irritation. It has also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antispasmodic properties. If you get frequent headache attacks, it is advisable to keep peppermint at hand. It is known that it reduces related symptoms such as sensitivity to noise and light, nausea, and vomiting.

A headache can be reduced by mixing peppermint oil with almond oil. Take a small amount of almond and a drop of peppermint oil and rub them on your forehead. Consider rubbing it on the back of the neck and over sinuses. This reduces a headache and leaves a cooling sensation. When you want to relax your muscles, soak in a warm bathtub with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The nerves will also be soothed.

15. Grapes

Grapes contain a chemical called resveratrol that is highly concentrated in their skins. Studies have shown that this substance is able to prevent some cells from responding to the signals. The signals are for inflammation which means they can help combat pain. Regular eating of grapes helps reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. It also improves the flexibility of the joints which helps you move comfortably.

Proper blood circulation is required in the body for proper functioning. If you have back pains, eating the grapes can alleviate it. Studies show that if you have knee osteoarthritis, eating grapes can reduce the pain. Furthermore, it improves joint flexibility. The increase in cartilage metabolism means that you can increase your physical activities. The grapes promote the level of cartilage growth that ensures that there is enough fluids and the bones at the joints can easily glide against each other.

Proper blood flow is very important for every part of your body including your back. If you suffer from back issues you can heal the damaged tissue by drinking a cup of grape juice every day. Grapes relax the blood vessels and promote blood flow thus helping repair the damaged tissues by providing them with nutrients and oxygen.

Skin infections and acne can be a source of pain. To treat these you need to extract fluid from the grape seed. Get 1 tablespoon of water and add a few drops of the extract. This can be applied to the affected area. When taking the extract internally, pour ten to fifteen drops of the extract into a 1/2 glass of water and drink it. You can take it for at least two to three days.

16. Bromelain

Most people enjoy eating the juicy pineapple and its medicinal properties are what make this fruit stand out. It is a natural pain killer and contains enzymes in its stems and juice that fight the pain. There have been studies that have shown that eating pineapples decrease the amount of prostaglandins which are hormones that cause inflammation.

Bromelain is mostly used by people suffering from arthritis and conditions that are related to musculoskeletal tension. The enzyme is also useful for healing the muscles and connective tissues. Its use in reducing inflammation and indigestion has been known for many years. This proteolytic enzyme breaks down and removes excess proteins that have concentrated the area of an injury, irritation or burn. This is an important process because, after the mid-20s, you stop producing enough of the proteolytic enzymes.

This leaves the body susceptible to inflammation that increases your aches and pains. This is closely linked to arthritis as you age. Renowned to be one of the 12 natural and powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, bromelain is a must-have in homes. It heals and soothes the aching muscles as well as the fight against pain. Eating pineapples will increase the presence of proteolytic enzymes.

Pineapples should be eaten raw and it’s better to avoid processed ones. Food processing destroys the natural enzymes and this will render them ineffective in your body. The juicy part of it and its benefits can be eaten even by children. There are no known side effects that are associated with eating pineapples. They are normally eaten as part of fruit salads, on their own or crushed to make fruit juice.

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