Time and again, we turn towards nature and natural therapies to find solutions to all our health problems. Whether it is about finding natural health solutions for your increasing weight or a natural way to relieve your paining body, people are turning towards natural medications. A lot of people rely on over-the-counter medicines for instant pain relief. But, these instant treatments also cause a number of side effects due to drug interactions and addiction. The choice here is yours, whether you would like to use over-the-counter medications or the natural pain relief solutions that have been followed by our ancestors for hundreds of years.
Here are 5 natural pain killers that act instantly on our health and have no harmful side effects on our bodies. Read about them and use them to cure your pain.
WILLOW BARK
For ages, willow bark has been used for easing inflammation and body pains. The bark of the tree contains a chemical named Salicin, a chemical whose similar version is used in the medicine aspirin.
The bark of the willow tree can be chewed to treat pain and fever. The bark of the tree was sold as a powdered dry herb that can be easily brewed like your regular tea. The extract is also available in the form of a liquid or a capsule. The willow bark helps relieve headache, osteoarthritis pain, and also pain in the lower back.
Side-effects: It is recommended that if you are sensitive to aspirin, you should avoid the intake of willow bark also. It can lead to the slow functioning of Kidneys, stomach upset, prolonged bleeding, and also can be poisonous in children.
CLOVES
Cloves are not only spices used for cooking meat or rice dishes but also used in their powdered and oil forms to treat pain. Cloves help in treating nausea, cold, headache and relieve arthritic pain. According to one study, cloves are also known for treating fungal infections. Clove oil is known as a natural pain reliever and can be rubbed on the affected area to cure the pain.
Side-effects: Clove oil is not a good choice for people with bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medicines. Clove oil can increase the risk, causing abnormal bleeding.
ACUPUNCTURE
An ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture works by balancing the natural energy pathways in our body. The acupuncturist places tiny needles into the skin in the location related to the pain. The needle may be inserted in a location that is far from the particular body part experiencing the pain. Acupuncture causes pain relief by making the body release bio-chemical serotonin that is known to ease the pain. Acupuncture can give you relief from chronic body pain, migraines, and other types of pains.
HEAT AND ICE
Applying heat and ice directly to the site of pain is one of the most widely followed pain remedies. However, most people are not clear about when to use ice and when to use heat.
Ice packs are ideal for reducing swelling as well as inflammation caused due to a strained muscle or ligament pull. On the other hand, heat may be used to reduce the stiffness caused due to strains or sprains in the body. You may also use a cold ice pack to heal your headache. However, it is best if you talk to a doctor to know how to best use ice packs or heat to reduce the pain.