Modern painkillers are the most effective method of pain relief – yet, some of them may be addictive, and others may be harmful to your stomach if taken regularly. Fortunately, nature offers us many alternatives that, in some situations, may be just as effective as the pills you can buy over the counter.
In the article below, you’ll find a list of several natural ways to ease pain, including CBD, essential oils, massage, capsaicin, acupuncture, and some more. Of course, if you have broken your leg or have just undergone major surgery, these methods won’t help – and we really recommend relying on your doctor in such a situation. They may, however, work wonders when it comes to menstruation cramps or nasty back pain. Read on – and give them a try.
CBD
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis – and it’s similar to THC, except it doesn’t make you feel “high.” It’s thought that CBD can help with muscle pain by activating your endocannabinoid system – all people and most animals have it. However, there are no conclusive studies on the effectiveness of CBD – so if you want to give it a try, speak to your doctor before you do so.
And while there are lots of CBD-based products available on the market today, it might be challenging to choose a good quality one. For that reason, remember to make sure there are no additional unnatural ingredients in the product’s composition and opt for products in amber containers – they protect the properties from UV rays. However, you can also find a ready-made set for dealing with particular types of pain, such as this CBD bundle for back pain – so make sure to determine your needs before you start searching for products.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat therapy involves exposing the affected area to heat – either directly or indirectly. When choosing an indirect way of heating the area, use a heating pad or a warm bath. And when using a direct method of heating the area, you can try using a hot water bottle or a heat pack.
Cold therapy is also effective for relieving pain. You can use ice packs or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Never apply ice directly to your skin, though – this may cause frostbite. Wrap it in the towel for the best effect.
Aromatherapy
Many essential oils are great for relieving pain and enhancing your overall mood. For example, some studies show that lavender oil can help with menstrual cramps, while you can also use peppermint oil to treat headaches or migraines.
To enjoy all of the benefits of aromatherapy, you should either inhale the essential oils or apply them topically – for example, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil to your bathwater. However, always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and stick to recommended dosages, as too much essential oil can irritate your skin and burn.
Massage
Massage is another great way of relieving pain. Moreover, different types of massage can help manage pain in various segments of your body. For example, Swedish massage helps deal with muscle pain and manages both acute and chronic pain, while neuromuscular massage targets regions of tension in the back.
If you’re not interested in spending money on a massage therapist, you can still try some self-massage techniques.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points on your body – known as “acupoints” – with needles usually made from metal or bamboo. Practitioners believe that negative energy should leave through these points, relieving pain and improving overall health. It’s unclear whether acupuncture is effective for treating pain, but there’s certainly no harm in trying it as long as you see a professional practitioner.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers, and it triggers a burning sensation when it comes into contact with your skin. This reaction may cause you to avoid using it – however, it’s actually highly effective for easing pain, especially if you want to get rid of menstrual cramps or back pain. Capsaicin helps by depleting the substance P – a neurotransmitter responsible for sending pain signals to your brain.
One of the most convenient ways to use capsaicin for pain relief is by applying a capsaicin cream, ointment, gel, lotion, etc.; however, doctors may also suggest using capsaicin patches to treat long-term conditions. Remember to wash your hands before and after using them and keep them away from your mouth and eyes.
Yoga
Yoga is excellent for relieving stress and improving your overall health, but did you know that it could also help with pain? Yoga can help you relax and relieve some of the tension in your muscles. If you don’t have much time to spare for attending yoga classes, try doing just 10 minutes of it every day. It will not only help you relax and ease the pain but will also improve your sleep.
Final Thoughts
While modern medicine has a lot to offer, there are some things that nature can handle better. Keep this list of the natural remedies for pain in mind – they’ll work great if you want to deal with some other types of non-severe pain.
We hope that this article was helpful and that you will be able to ease any unpleasant feelings you may be experiencing. After all, some of these remedies – including yoga or aromatherapy – can help you deal not only with pain but with many negative feelings, such as anxiety or restlessness.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to reflect the specific views of the publication.
