9 Nature’s Best Natural Painkillers

The goal of painkillers is to ease or eliminate pains in any part of the body, especially in the head, as well as muscles and joints. All types of various painkillers can be bought in pharmacies, but people who prefer alternatives that are homemade, should read the article below. You can learn about the most powerful natural painkillers.

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the remedies that nature gives us for many pains and conditions, besides being delicious. Try to get the kind that is extra virgin, which is much healthier than the ones that can be found in stores. Go straight to an organic fair or dietary store.

The oil contains a natural compound which acts similarly to ibuprofen and as well as other anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications. Lots of studies have proved that olive oil can be compared to these drugs because it can reduce pain. The good news is that it is a natural remedy and also has less health risks, like it does not cause Alzheimer’s, blood clots or cancer (for the ones that take that kind of chemical medicines continually).

2. Turmeric

This spice contains curcumin, one of the best natural painkillers that is helpful for blocking the pain inside your body and also fights inflammation. You can use it instead of pharmaceutical drugs, without any side effects. According to some studies, turmeric can be helpful for stopping the pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis because it “cancels” the neurotransmitters to be sent to the brain.

The suggested dosage of turmeric is about 600 mg, which you should consume three times a day in order to get the best benefits.

3. Fish Oil

Due to its Omega-3 fatty acids content, it can be responsible for blocking the production of chemical compounds that are inflammatory, like cytokines and leukotrienes, which are causing pain that is very intense and are also responsible for the cause of arthritis.

The consumption of fish oil is helpful for Crohn’s disease, because it notably reduces its severity. It could be also helpful for people to stop being depended of pharmaceutical products and steroids, which become addictive and require higher and higher dosages to ease pain.

4. Blueberries

The properties of this small, bluish, delicious fruit are many. They are a great anti-inflammatory because they have a lot of antioxidants which eliminate free radicals, which are responsible for the inflammation of digestive mucus. This is the reason for the appearance of urinary infections, ulcers or poor digestion, among other illnesses.

Studies reveal that the consumption of a mug of blueberries daily can prevent up to 60% of the infections of the urinary tract, for instance. Also, they are wonderful for cleaning the blood, reducing inflammation and fluid retention, and helps diabetic patients reduce sugar.

5. Grapes

Grapes are helpful for treating back pains, which are typical for society today due to the computer and television usage and the poor posture as a result of it. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of grapes are increasing the flow of the blood in the lumbar area, and that is improving the feeling of pain.

Studies show that the daily dosage to take advantage of the benefits of grapes is 1 cup. This will relieve back, neck, shoulder, or waist pain.

6. Oats

Oats have many characteristics, that is why it is good to them for breakfast with milk, orange juice, and yogurt. It is a great anti-inflammatory for women because it is reducing the inflammation in the area of the pelvic during the period of menstruation.

It is also a perfect and complete food to raise the amount of zinc in the body, which brings a lot of relief to those who suffer from endometriosis. You can also consume it with meat, chicken, vegetables, salads, or soups.

7. Garlic

As if it could be any other way, garlic owns a thousand and one properties, with painkilling being one of them. It helps improve pain levels that your joints suffer because of arthritis. If you want to be able to feel its many benefits, peel a garlic clove and heat it in a tablespoon of oil. Apply it to the area that hurts and let it take effect. You will feel right away that the pain and the discomfort are and going away.

Also, garlic can be used for treating pain that is molar. If you want to treat the pain, take three garlic cloves crush them and mix them with a pinch of salt. Apply it to the painful tooth and leaved it for a couple of minutes. The saliva produced in the mouth and the garlic juice that is released will make you say goodbye to tooth pain (which are some of the worst kinds that exist).

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

It is not just one salads’ condiment but it can be also used as a powerful painkiller. It has alkaline effects that run through your entire body. However, it will be amazing for the busy life you lead. Apple cider vinegar is helpful for relieving the inflammation and acidity in the upper area of the stomach.

If you want to feel its many great benefits, mix a tablespoon of vinegar with a cup of water. Drink it when you have acid reflux and you will get excellent results.

9. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is very powerful and can reduce the inflammation in the muscles and can calm the nerves too. It owns lots of properties for the body. It will help you relieve back, neck, and waist pain.

Consume up to three mugs of chamomile tea during day time or at night. Soon you will not hardly feel pain in your joints or muscles.

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Top 8 Natural Painkillers You Already Have in Your Kitchen

When you feel pain in a certain part of the body do not immediately resort to analgesics or similar tablets. Learn what  foods from your kitchen will do the same thing  in a completely natural and nutritious way.

Turmeric
Turmeric helps in  fighting various kinds of inflammation, chronic pain, back and muscle pain, toothache and arthritis. Also, this spice helps in successful recover of  tissues and it is excellent for detoxification and improving overall health. You can add turmeric to various dishes as well as teas and juices. Turmeric is best combined with black pepper because  it is most efficient  used  in this way.

Ginger
This exceptionally balmy root will help in  easing  chronic pain in joints and arthritis. You can add ginger to different kinds of tea as well as in various dishes, soups, juices and desserts. Some people are very sensitive to its taste, so insert it gradually into your diet.

Chili Peppers
The  most beneficial effects of chili are  credited to their main ingredient – capsaicin. Capsaicin weakens the signal that carries information that something hurts us. This information is sent from the body to the brain. Chili peppers successfully treat joint pain, fibromyalgia, migraines and skin rashes.

Garlic
Toothache, ear infections and pain caused by arthritis can successfully  be healed by  garlic. Make homemade garlic oil in the following way: add three cloves of chopped garlic in tiny pieces into a half cup of olive oil and leave to simmer on low heat for two minutes. Strain the mixture and leave it to stand still in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Thus prepared , boil and gently rub it on the painful joints or muscles. If you have ear infections, drop two drops of this warm oil into your aching ear. In case you have a toothache, make a mixture of crushed garlic and salt. Take a pinch of this mixture  and apply it to the aching tooth.

Cloves
Toothache and pain in the gums can be immediately treated with cloves. The best way to use cloves for toothache is to chew it because  in that way a powerful ingredient with analgesic effect, called eugenol is released. If you are not able to  handle the strong and unique clove flavor, make a strong cloves tea.

Cherries
This is perhaps the tastiest selection of analgesic, which helps with arthritis, bone pain and chronic headache. The whole credit for cherries’ anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects should be  taken by the antioxidant called anthocyanins.

Cherries abound with anthocyanins. This powerful antioxidant eliminates enzymes that cause tissue inflammation and pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar
If you suffer from stomach acids, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before a meal or drink it gradually after a meal to avoid acid formation in the stomach. Apple cider vinegar helps our body to better combust fat and protein, which actually causes the burning discomfort in the abdomen area.

Blueberries
Blueberries are best natural medicine for treatment and prevention of infections of the urinary tract. They are very rich in tannin, a natural organic compound that effectively kills the bacteria that causes inflammation of the urethra.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

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Food Is Medicine: 20 Natural Painkillers in your Kitchen

At this point, we are all aware of the thing we should do in order to maintain good physical and mental health. This involves eating whole grains, fruits and veggie; limiting soda and candy intake; and doing physical activity on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, most people fall into the pattern of eating processed food. The supermarkets are loaded with packaged foods which have little or no nutritional value. What`s more, we are eating less variety of foods, mainly focusing on corn, wheat, rice, and soy.

But, it is high time we changed this and begin looking at food at medicine. Food is powerful stuff and choosing the right ingredients offers a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of them:

1.Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

According to a little Danish research on the topic, introducing ginger into your daily diet helps alleviate joint and muscle pain, swelling, and stiffness for up to 63%. Ginger contains gingerols, compounds which prevent the pain-triggering hormones from producing. Aim at getting a teaspoon of dried ginger or two teaspoons of chopped ginger a day.

2.Cure a toothache with cloves

According to UCLA researchers, chewing a clove helps ease tooth pain and gum disease in a matter of hours. Its natural compound called eugenol works as potent anesthetic. Adding ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves in meals protects the ticker, helps regulate blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol levels within three weeks.

3.Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sipping a tablespoon of ACV mixed with 8 ounces of water before meals heals heartburn in 24 hours! As explained by Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL, “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain.”

4.Erase earaches with garlic

To cure an earache fast, pour two drops of warm garlic oil into your affected ear daily for five days. According to experts at the University of New Mexico School Of Medicine, this method is superior to prescription medications. Its active ingredients like sulfur and selenium work against many pain-causing bacteria. To prepare your own garlic oil, simmer three garlic clove in a half a cup of olive oil for about two minutes. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

5.Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Arthritis, headaches, and gout are one of the most common ailments these days. To chase them away naturally, eat a bowl of cherries on a daily basis. Their anthocyanins content in cherries acts as powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which is even 10 times more powerful than aspirin and ibuprofen. As explained by Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University, “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain.”

6.Fight tummy troubles with fish

Inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and indigestion can be alleviated with munching 18 ounces of fish weekly. For optimal results, choose fish like sardines, trout, herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna. According to biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead , MA, “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract.” These compounds found in fish help reduce cramping, inflammation, and belly pain.

7.Prevent PMS with yogurt

Nearly 80% of women experience premenstrual symptoms, according to Yale researchers. The reason for this is the sensitivity of their nervous system, which cannot stand the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur each month. Researchers at New York`s Columbia University claim that snacking on two cups of yogurt daily helps prevent these symptoms by staggering 48%. “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.

8.Tame chronic pain with turmeric

It has been scientifically shown that turmeric is three times more effective at alleviating pain than aspiring, naproxen, or ibuprofen. According to Cornell researchers, it also helps ease chronic pain by 50% in people suffering from arthritis or fibromyalgia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has the ability to shut down the enzyme responsible for pain-producing hormones, thus to alleviate chronic pain. Aim at getting ¼ teaspoon of turmeric on a daily basis. It goes best with meat, veggies, poultry, and rice.

9.End endometrial pain with oats

Endometriosis occurs when tiny bits of the uterine lining grow outside of the uterus, causing extreme pain. To end this pain, cramping, and heavy periods, follow a diet rich in oats which helps reduce endometrial pain by whooping 60%. As explained by Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University, oats are free of gluten, the most common trigger of inflammation.

10.Soothe foot pain with salt

Soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths helps cure painful infections in as little as four days. The salt is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and capable of destroying the germs responsible for pain and swelling. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of water, heat it up, and soak the foot for about twenty minutes.

11.Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

According to researchers at California`s Stanford University, a cup of fresh pineapple juice eases bloating within 72 hours. Pineapple is loaded with enzymes which accelerate the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine.

12.Relax painful muscles with peppermint

If left untreated, knots can hang for a few months. According to naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies, you can relax painful muscles by soaking in a warm tub scented with ten drops of peppermint oil. As he explains, “this method that can ease muscle cramping 25 %more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half.”

13.Give your back some TLC with grapes

According to recent studies at Ohio State University, eating a cup of grapes on a daily basis relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to damaged tissues. Improving blood flow is critical for healing damaged back tissue since the back`s vertebrae is dependent on nearby blood vessels to supply them with oxygen and nutrients.

14.Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

Leg cramps are quite common ailment which can be extremely annoying and painful. Potassium deficiency is the key culprit, especially when flushed out by diuretics or exercise. To accelerate your recovery and lower your risk of cramp flare-ups, sip 10 ounces of potassium-dense tomato juice on a daily basis.

15.Energize migraine medication with coffee

According to the National Headache Foundation, taking your pain killer along with coffee boosts its effectiveness by up to 40%. They explain that caffeine stimulates the absorption of painkillers more effectively and more quickly.

16.Fight breast pain with flax

According to a recent study, adding three tablespoon of ground flax to your daily diet helps ease breast soreness for within 12 weeks. Flax contains phytoestrogens, compounds which prevent estrogen spikes responsible for breast pain. To reap its benefits, simply sprinkle a bit on oatmeal, yogurt, veggies dips, or smoothies.

17.Heal mouth sores with honey

According to researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates, dabbing painful cold sores with honey four times a day heals them 43% faster than prescription creams. Honey contains enzymes which destroy viruses, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process.

18.Beat bladder infections with blueberries

As reported by researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University, eating a cup of blueberries on a daily basis lowers the risk of urinary tract infections by up to 60%. Blueberries are packed with tannins, compounds which attach to problem-causing bacteria, and prevent them from creating an infection by wrapping around them.

19.Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Sinusitis is quite debilitating condition, causing congestion and facial pain. The good news is that horseradish improves blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping the sinuses drain and heal in no time. The recommended dose: A teaspoon twice a day until the symptoms subside.

20.Wash away pain injuries with water

Last but not least, drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water on a daily basis helps treat pain injuries. As explained by the experts, water dilutes and helps flush out the pain-triggering compound from the tissue. Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.”

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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7 Herbs to Replace Painkillers Without any Side Effects

Ibuprofen is widely used by athletes as it helps them get through the aches and pains caused by their intense training. However, athletes are not the only ones who rely on non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSADs) for pain relief. As a matter of fact, over 30 million Americans use NSAIDs, such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, to treat muscle cramps, headaches, sport injuries and chronic conditions like back pain, neuropathy, and arthritis.

The main cause of this pain is the inflammation, a defensive response which leads to swelling in the tissues. NSAIDs reduce pain by inhibiting inflammation-causing enzymes. However, the problem with these drugs is that they cause some serious side effects, such as bleeding in the stomach, kidney damage, heart attack, strokes, increased risk of ulcers, and hormonal imbalance. “I wouldn’t take them on a regular basis for more than a few months, if at all,” says Jonathan Wright, MD, medical director of the Tahoma Clinic in Washington. “Some individuals might even see adverse effects after just a few days.”

The good news is that there are natural remedies available. They are all-natural, safe to use, and extremely effective in reducing inflammation and soothing pain. Among them are:

1. WHITE WILLOW BARK AND FEVERFEW

White willow bark is extremely effective in treating headaches, as it contains a compound (salicin) whose effects are very similar to the ones of aspirin. It reduces inflammation like aspirin, but it is much gentler. It is recommended to take 120-240 mg standardized salicin every 3-4 hours and never give it to children due to the risk of Reye`s syndrome.

Feverfew provides a long-term relief and it helps prevent headaches. It has the ability to relax blood vessels in the brain, which in turn prevents constriction, the main cause of migraines. According to a recent study on migraines, 16-week treatment with feverfew extract decreases migraine attacks from five a month to fewer than three a month. This herb prevents migraines rather than treating ones that have already developed. It is recommended to take 100-200 mg on a daily basis. Make sure the standardized form contains at least 0.2% of parthenolide, its active ingredient. Note that it takes 1-2 months to see the benefits.

2. BOSWELLIA

Boswellia, also known as frankincense, soothes both minor and chronic pains. Its active ingredients reduce the production of inflammatory compounds which are involved in many chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Opt for a formula standardized to 60% boswelic acids. You should take 750 mg on a daily basis in three divided doses.

3. CURCUMIN

Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient which inhibits inflammatory properties and improves body`s ability to fight inflammation. It has been scientifically shown that curcumin soothes chronic pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and many studies done on animals have shown that it helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer`s disease. Take 400-600 mg of curcumin three times on a daily basis. It is recommended to take it along with bromelain in order to increase its bioavailability. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory enzyme which is naturally found in pineapples.

4. GINGER

Ginger contains enzymes which stop the production of inflammatory compounds. According to Paul Anderson, ND, at Bastyr University in Seattle, “the amount of ginger in a spice, tea, or candy isn’t going to provide much pain relief, no matter how good it tastes.” For acute pain, take 2 grams of ground dehydrated ginger on a daily basis. For chronic conditions, reduce the intake to a gram of it daily divided into three doses.

5. ARNICA

Arnica has been long used for medicinal purposes. It is obtained from the yellow arnica flower which grows in the alpine meadows of Europe. It contains sesquiterpene lactones, compounds which boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

According to a 2007 study done on more than 200 people with osteoarthritis, topical application of arnica soothes pain and restores joint functions, just as ibuprofen does. It can be also used to treat acute injuries, including bruises, strains, sprains, and postoperative healing. For that purpose, apply arnica gel or cream 3-4 times on a daily basis. For a one-two punch, use arnica homeopathically, using remedies of 6c, 12c, or 30c potency, 3 pellets under the tongue, 3 times on a daily basis.

6. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

These are critical for long-term pain reduction,” says Wright, “because your body breaks omega-3 fatty acids down into anti-inflammatory compounds.” Moreover, lack of omega-3 fats in your diet will make you more prone to pain and greater inflammation in cases of sickness and injuries.

Omega-3s are naturally found in hempseed, flaxseed and cold-water fish like sardines, mackerel, and salmon. They also come in the form of supplement. For maintenance, take 1,000-2,000 mg on a daily basis. For chronic pain, increase the intake to 2,000-4,000 mg daily. You should take 400 IU of vitamin E daily too, as it prevents oxidization of omega-3s in the body and attacks on the healthy cells.

7. DEVIL`S CLAW

Devil`s claw is native to South Africa and it is actually a fruit covered with little hooks which snag into the skin and cause pain. Interestingly, when used as a remedy it reduces pain and recent studies show that it is very effective in reducing back pain and arthritis.

According to a 4-month study done on 120 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, devil`s claw reduced pain and improved function, just as osteoarthritis medications do. In addition, other studies on this herb show that it is effective in reducing low-back pain.

Wright says that devil`s claw contains active ingredients which have powerful pain-relieving and inflammation-causing properties. Some of those compounds include iridoid glycosides, especially harpagoside. It is recommended to take 50-100 mg of harpagoside on a daily basis or 400mg dried devil`s claw.

Note: Given the fact that devil`s claw stimulates the production of gastric acid, people with stomach ulcers should consume their doctor before consuming it.


source: http://justnaturallyhealthy.com

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