Alternative ways to relieve pain

For those who suffer interminable pain in their joints, sinuses or nerves, there are some proven natural ways to relieve it without resorting to pharmaceuticals.  Herbs and diets of varying kinds have been shown to provide relief to some, while for others, a behavioural approach reaps more benefits.  Whilst these options don’t work for everyone, they are some ideas you can try.  Have you found something that works to help your pain?

1. Curcumin

The yellow spice, turmeric, has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Much of its benefits are attributed to curcumin, one of its key components.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

In research, it has been found that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.

In a clinical study, curcumin was more effective than a leading anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, for arthritic pain. After eight weeks of use, participants taking the curcumin had a 60% reduction in pain scores.³

2. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is extracted from chili peppers. It’s one of the most heavily studied extracts for the management of pain.

Capsaicin is used as an analgesic in topical ointments, nasal sprays, and dermal patches to relieve pain.  It may be applied in cream form for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, backache, strains and sprains.

3.  General diet
Diet is very important for managing pain effectively. Limiting foods that contain arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fat, may help to prevent inflammation and pain.

This can be found in red meat, eggs, white meat, and peanuts.

Instead, incorporate the following foods into your diet, as they can help to ease inflammation:

• flax seeds
• walnuts
• pumpkin seeds
• oily fish
• seaweed
• green tea
• black tea
• tart cherries
• dark berries
• olive oil
• garlic
• grapes
• basil

Have herbs or diet and lifestyle changes helped you manage your own pain? If so, please tell us about it in the comments.