Introduction:

With the public’s growing awareness of the deadly side effects associated with the regular use of synthetic painkillers like ibuprofen, the need for natural, evidence-based alternatives has never been greater.

People generally think that over-the-counter drugs are safer than physician-prescribed ones. Unfortunately, that does not hold true for drugs like ibuprofen, consumed at a rate of billions of doses, annually, and responsible for thousands of cardiovascular disease-related deaths each year.

5 clinically validated, natural alternatives worth considering:

1. Arnica, A study found that arnica, applied topically, was as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the wrist, and with less side effects.
2. Ginger, a study found that ginger was effective as ibuprofen for pain symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).
3. Turmeric, a study found that turmeric extracts were as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
4. Thyme, a study found that an extract of thyme was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain and spasm symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).
5. Omega- 3 fatty acids a study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with fish oil helped neurosurgery patients reduce their need for medications, and experienced results consistent with previous research indicating palliative effects at least as effective as ibuprofen.
6. Cinnamon, a study found that cinnamon was as effective as ibuprofen for pain associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).

Other useful essential oils and herbs to mitigate pain:

1.Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil may help relieve pain naturally. People use lavender oil for pain relief, to help sleep, and to ease anxiety.

2. Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary is another essential oil that may relieve pain.   It  may help treat headache, muscle and bone pain, and seizures. Rosemary may also reduce inflammation, relax smooth muscles, and boost memory.

3. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil comes from the Mentha piperita L. plant. The peppermint plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects.

4. Eucalyptus essential oil

The final essential oil on this list of natural ways to relieve pain is eucalyptus oil. This herbal remedy from the Eucalyptus plant may help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body.

5. Cloves

People have traditionally used cloves, from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, as a home remedy to relieve pain from toothache.

6. Capsaicin

People also use capsaicin, present in chili peppers, for natural pain relief. This substance can cause a mild burning or tingling sensation when a person applies it topically. Capsaicin topical creams and patches play in pain management. Many pain-relieving products contain capsaicin.

Conclusion:

When a person takes traditional pain relief medication as prescribed, with guidance from a doctor, it is a safe and effective way to manage pain.  Natural pain relievers, however, offer an alternative for people who want to avoid the long-term side effects of pain relief medication.

People can use essential oils by adding a few drops to a tissue or a steam bath and inhaling the vapor. People can also add the herbs and spices listed above to food. However, if a person is unable to do that, they can instead take them as supplements.