Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions affect millions around the world, making many people look for herbal remedies to manage the pain. This article examines alternative methods for lifestyle modifications and herbal supplements to treat chronic pain.
Turmeric
Curcumin, found in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful in the treatment of arthritis pain. It is suggested to take turmeric as a part of your regular diet or in the form of supplements. Be sure to talk to your primary doctor before making any drastic changes to self-treatment with supplements.
Ginger
Ginger is very well known for its medicinal properties. Some studies suggest that ginger is helpful in the reduction of muscle pain and easing sore muscles. Ginger can be consumed revoked, steeped into a tea, or taken in capsule form. Ginger should be taken in moderation as excessive dosages can disrupt digestion.
Boswellia
Also termed Indian frankincense, Boswellia has been noted to have anti-inflammatory action which may be useful in easing pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in powdered form. The appropriateness of dosage should be done in consultation with your physician.
Willow Bark
The willow bark has been used to help manage pain and inflammation in the past. This is because it possesses silicon, which is like aspirin. It may reduce low back pain and discomfort due to osteoarthritis. However, it is crucial to consult your physician prior to using it due to side effects and interactions it may have.
Essential Oils
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the few known oils with relaxing and pain-relieving qualities. Inhaling or putting it on the skin (after diluting it with a carrier oil) can alleviate headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. Skin remains at risk when proper dilutions are not administered.
Peppermint Oil
Menthol found in peppermint oil possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its medicinal value, peppermint oil is used topically when someone suffers from tension headaches, muscle pain, and even nerve pain. When applying peppermint oil, it is important to combine it with a carrier oil and conduct a patch test to check for any reactions.
Eucalyptus Oil
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, eucalyptus oil provides relief from muscle and joint pain when applied diluted topically. Breath inhalation can also help with pain and inflammation. Always consult your doctor first, especially if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest practices from Chinese medicine and it is now being used widely. It involves the placement of needles into selected areas of the body in a bid to restore the flow of energy. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in treating chronic pain disorders such as neuropathic pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, and migraines. If you consider trying acupuncture, make sure to hire a qualified professional.
Clinical Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is helpful in relieving sore muscles, increasing blood flow to tissues, and may help relieve pain. Swedish and deep tissue massages, along with trigger point therapy, have proven beneficial for chronic pain afflicted patients. To identify the best treatment option, speak with a board-certified massage therapist.
Chronic Pain Suffering Meditation
Cognitive mindfulness meditation focuses on the present moment, and this very presence can aid in improving pain tolerance techniques. Studies show a regular practice of this form of meditation leads to a decrease in pain intensity and improves overall quality of life. Making guided meditation a part of your day-to-day routine can be helpful with achieving these results.
Modification of Lifestyle
Diet
Integrating anti-inflammatory foods into one’s diet can assist in alleviating pain. Whole grains, healthy fats, chicken, turkey, and fish should be part of your diet. Berries and leafy greens have antioxidants that reduce inflammation, and the consumables that were mentioned previously assist against chronic pain. Refined sugars, trans fats, and processed foods should be kept at a low intake as they worsen inflammation.
Consistent Physical Activity
Exercise helps improve the conditions of the joints, decreases rigidity, and releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Let’s not forget that regular exercise also has its benefits. If you have a persistent ache, swimming, walking, and yoga are regarded as the most beneficial gentle exercises. Make sure to reach out to a medical expert before adopting a new workout routine to confirm that it suits your medical state.
Restorative Sleep
Rest is crucial for one’s health and pain control. To manage chronic strenuous pain, it’s necessary to have a semblance of solid rest. To achieve this, one has to sleep at the same time every single day, which makes the task of falling asleep much easier. Once uninterrupted slumber is attained, one’s pain perception declines, which helps them through the day.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is it safe to use natural remedies for pain relief?
When implemented correctly, numerous natural pain remedies are deemed safe for use. However, these remedies can have interactions with medicine or result in other adverse effects. It is best to seek the assistance of a qualified healthcare provider prior to starting any new treatments, especially if you have existing health issues or are already taking different medications.
What is the expected duration for natural remedies to show effects?
The results and the time it takes for the symptoms to subside highly depends on the patient and the particular remedy. Some individuals will notice the results within a few days whereas for others it may take several weeks of consistent application. For all of them, compliance to recommended dosage and a modicum of patience is paramount.
Am I allowed to use different natural remedies at the same time?
Some natural remedies may be able to provide improved results when used in combination with other remedies. However, it is important to first consult with a healthcare professional in order to avoid any side effects or interactions with other remedies. Such an approach guarantees personalized care, which is always safe.
Do herbal supplements have any side effects?
Herbal supplements have many well tolerated forms of use; however, some people may experience side effects including digestive problems, allergies, or interactions with other medicines. The lowest dose is recommended in the beginning and watch how the body responds. Contact a professional in case of negative side effects.
