5 Surprising Natural Painkillers: Boswellia, Turmeric, and More

5 Surprising Natural Painkillers: Boswellia, Turmeric, and More

Pain medication isn’t the only option available to you for pain relief. Next time you’re experiencing a toothache, back pain, or any other pain, you can try an herbal and natural pain reliever like turmeric.

Many people rely on medications, but they can come with a risk of side effects, drug interactions, and sometimes misuse. While certain circumstances may require a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, it may also be possible to find some of the relief you need from a variety of natural pain relievers. Many herbs and spices have a long history of being used to relieve inflammation and pain.

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These natural pain relievers fall under a category of treatment known as alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, reiki, and other practices. There can be a lot of benefits to easing pain and inflammation more naturally, but keep in mind that these natural remedies can occasionally interfere with other medications you are taking.

Furthermore, some natural pain relievers have not been well studied in humans (especially when it comes to dosage), and many supplements are not tested by an independent lab to ensure quality or safety. Supplements are also not regulated for quality by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like drugs are.

If you’re dealing with pain or chronic issues, it’s best to talk with a doctor before buying any natural remedies. Integrative medicine professionals, which are physicians who have training in more natural remedies, may be a great option if you’re seeking alternative forms of pain therapy.

It’s also important to consult a qualified health professional before adding any supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Boswellia

Boswellia, otherwise known as frankincense, is often used in Ayurvedic medicine. The resin from Boswellia serrata trees is what is typically turned into tinctures, pills, or topical treatments.

What is it used to treat?

Boswellia is often used to treat:

• Asthma symptoms
• Arthritis
• Colitis (inflamed colon)
• General inflammation
• Reduction of fluid cerebral edema (brain swelling)
• Reduction of skin damage due to radiotherapy

A 2020 study involving 545 people found that Boswellia was an effective, safe treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), easing pain and stiffness.

Possible side effects

While Boswellia is generally safe, topical application can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It may also negatively interact with certain medications, including anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.

Turmeric

Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its signature yellow hue and unique flavor. It contains the compound curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical molecules that can damage cells. It has also been well studied for its ability to ease swelling and reduce inflammation.

Turmeric can be found in capsule or powder form, and is often paired with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, to increase its absorption.

What is it used to treat?

Turmeric may be useful for the treatment of many conditions, including:

• Some research also suggests that turmeric could be used to treat fungal infections, but more high-quality studies in humans are needed.

Possible side effects

Though turmeric is generally considered safe, several side effects have been reported. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Be sure to talk with a doctor before using turmeric supplements. Stop using them if you experience any negative side effects.

Cloves

Whole cloves are often used to spice up meat and rice dishes. Ground cloves are used in pies and many other foods. Cloves are also widely used as a natural pain reliever due to their content of eugenol, a natural pain reliever that’s also used in some OTC pain rubs.

Cloves can be found in capsule or powder form, and are often used topically to reduce pain. Clove oil is also available and can be applied topically to reduce pain.

What is it used to treat?

Clove is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Some research also suggests that clove could be used to treat fungal infections, but more high-quality studies in humans are needed.

Possible side effects

When used as a supplement, cloves may be associated with side effects such as:

• Though clove oil can be applied topically to treat issues such as toothache pain, undiluted clove oil may actually hurt your gums, so be sure to talk with a dentist before trying it at home.
• People with bleeding disorders or those who are taking blood-thinning medication should also be careful when consuming clove products, as clove and clove oil can increase the risk of bleeding.

For this reason, it’s important to consult a doctor before using herbal supplements that contain clove.

Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese medical practice seeks to relieve pain by balancing the body’s natural energy pathways. The flow of energy is known as qi (pronounced “chee”).

For this practice, acupuncturists insert tiny, thin needles into your skin. The location of the insertion is related to the source of the pain. Based on the qi, a needle may be inserted far from the part of the body experiencing pain.

Acupuncture may relieve pain by causing the body to release serotonin, a “feel-good” brain chemical that eases pain. It is also believed to reduce stress levels and promote healing in the body.

What is it used to treat?

Acupuncture may help provide relief from several types of pain, including:

•

Possible side effects

Acupuncture may be linked to several potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

• To make sure it’s safe for you, talk with a doctor before trying acupuncture if you:

Applying Heat and Ice

Among the most common home pain remedies is applying heat and ice directly to sites of pain. While this treatment may seem obvious, not everyone is clear on exactly when to use ice versus heat.

Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation shortly after you experience a strained muscle, tendon, or ligament may bring relief. Interestingly, once the inflammation has decreased, heat may help reduce the stiffness that comes with sprains and strains.

A heating pad or cold pack used briefly on the head may also help reduce the pain of a headache, while an ice pack can help relieve low back pain.

If your painful problem is arthritis, moist heat applied to the affected joint will help more than ice. Moist heat packs can be warmed in the microwave and used many times, making them effective and easy to use.

What is it used to treat?

Applying an ice pack may help treat issues like:

• Applying heat can provide relief from conditions such as:

Possible side effects

Applying heat or ice to an injury for too long could increase the risk of burns and other side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

• If you get injured or experience chronic pain, talk with a doctor or pharmacist about how to best use heat or ice to help ease the pain.

Conclusion

Natural pain relievers can be a safe and effective way to manage pain, especially when combined with traditional medical treatments. However, it’s important to remember that these natural remedies can occasionally interfere with other medications you are taking.

Before trying any natural remedies, it’s best to talk with a doctor and consult with a qualified health professional. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

By exploring these natural pain relievers, you may find a safe and effective way to manage your pain and improve your overall well-being.

FAQs

Q: Are natural pain relievers safe?

A: While many natural pain relievers are considered safe, it’s important to talk with a doctor before trying them, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Q: Can I use natural pain relievers instead of prescription medications?

A: Natural pain relievers may be effective for managing pain, but it’s important to talk with a doctor before stopping or reducing the dosage of prescription medications.

Q: Are supplements regulated by the FDA?

A: No, supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that prescription medications are. This means that it’s important to choose high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers.

Q: Can I use heat and ice together?

A: It’s generally not recommended to use heat and ice together, as this can cause injury or discomfort. Instead, try alternating between heat and ice or using one or the other as directed.