Nature Is the Best Physician: 8 Powerful Natural Remedies for Pain Relief

Between the opioid epidemic in the news everywhere, unhealthy hormones, additives and other synthetic ingredients in our food making people sick, and the new understanding of how what you put in and on your body contributes to your overall health, it’s no wonder that people are turning to natural remedies for their pain relief.

Throughout history, the world has existed based on what was found in nature. It has only been since the last century and the advent of mass production and new technology that food changed from people “eating to live” to “living to eat.” Similarly, it has only been recently that pain relief went from natural remedies to pills with synthetic ingredients and side effects that could end up being more dangerous than the ailment itself.

But with the influx of “natural” remedies suddenly popping up from seemingly out of the blue, how do you know which ones are safe and effective and which ones are simply out to make a buck? Here are 8 powerful natural remedies for pain relief that have been around for centuries. With longevity like that, there’s got to be something to them!

8 Natural Remedies to Help Relieve Your Pain

These herbs and supplements have been used throughout history, but take them with caution: anything, even natural remedies, can have side effects, cause allergic reactions, or interact with other medications or supplements you are taking. It’s always best to check with your physician before you add anything new to your daily regimen, even for pain relief.

When you’re ready to get relief from your acute or chronic pain, check out one, some, or all of the following natural pain relievers:

1. Turmeric – You’ll find turmeric near the top of just about every natural pain relief list. It has curcumin in it, which is the active ingredient. Curcumin is an antioxidant that is often used as a natural way to reduce inflammation in joints and help with heartburn.

Antioxidants are necessary for your body to help fight free radicals that cause damage to your cells, proteins, and DNA, creating premature aging and opening your body up to infection or diseases. Curcumin in high enough doses contains strong antioxidant properties.

2. Boswellia – Pronounced “Bos· well· ia,” this natural remedy is indigenous to the mountains of India, where the dry region is a well-suited environment for the Boswellia tree to thrive. Boswellia serrata is a highly prized herb that has been gaining popularity around the world for its pain relief properties.

Many types of pain are related to inflammation, and by inhibiting certain enzymes that spur on inflammation, the pain can be reduced. Boswellia has anti-inflammatory benefits that help your body fight chronic inflammation caused by arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and other conditions that are characterized by inflammation of the body.

Boswellia comes in multiple forms and can be taken as a capsule, a tablet, or even eaten straight from the bark of the tree. However, check with your physician as to reputable manufacturers and the safest dosage for your body’s needs.

3. Hemp CBD oil – Cannabidiol, or CBD, oil has been making its name as a potential pain reliever across the globe. CBD oil is made from cannabis, but it does not have THC in it, which is the controversial cannabinoid found in the natural plant.

CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants that have been said to reduce pain, discomfort, and inflammation in multiple conditions. Although CBD products are not FDA approved, many people have turned to them as an alternative for opioid prescription drugs.

However, since these products aren’t regulated for dosage and purity, it’s important that you find a reputable manufacturer when you buy hemp CBD oil, and always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or chemical compound.

4. Valerian root – An herb native to Europe and some parts of Asia, valerian root is used to create multiple types of natural medicines. It’s commonly used for insomnia and other sleep-related disorders, but it also has other uses.

Valerian’s extracts and oils are used in foods and drinks for flavoring, and this herb is also thought to be able to help reduce the symptoms of menopausal cramps both during premenstrual and menstrual times. Studies have also shown that valerian may be beneficial to relieve symptoms of headaches, muscle and joint pain, and upset stomach.

5. Feverfew – A less commonly known natural pain reliever is feverfew. Traditionally used by Greek and European herbalists centuries ago, this medicinal plant has few reported side effects and many suggested uses for treatment.

Feverfew is thought to help reduce pain caused by headaches, stomachaches, and toothaches. It also has been used during childbirth and menstruation for pain, as a treatment for reducing inflammation due to arthritis, and to reduce fevers.

This plant has even more potential remedies, such as relief from the symptoms associated with allergies, nausea relief, a psoriasis remedy, and an aide to help the symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus.

Although there are few reported side effects, as always, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the use of feverfew, especially if you are pregnant or lactating.

6. Ginger – Not just for spicing up your meals, this spice is also used frequently for its medicinal properties. By using the right form of ginger, you can get multiple different benefits. Ginger is found in teas, powders, oils, capsules, and foods, and each form provides different effects.

The main compound in ginger, gingerol, is thought to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that this spice generates. Because of these properties, ginger is often used as a potential way to relieve pain caused by arthritis, to help soothe upset stomachs, and to reduce muscle pain and soreness from exercise.

Be sure that you take ginger in dosages recommended by your physician, as the amount, as well as the form, plays a role in the benefits. Ginger also has certain side effects that can be dangerous to some medicines, particularly blood thinners, so don’t jump into this natural pain remedy without doctor supervision.

7. St. John’s Wort – An herb often touted for its medicinal properties, St. John’s Wort’s benefits are continually being studied. As more knowledge is made available about this herb, people are turning to it as a natural remedy for multiple ailments.

The active chemical in St. John’s Wort is hypericin. It’s found in teas, capsules, tablets, and topical serums and creams and is used by some people to aid in the relief of nerve pain and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The overall final judgment is out on whether or not this herb is truly a pain relieving remedy, but with its history of use as a way to heal wounds, it is worth trying – with caution.

St. John’s Wort can have adverse side effects with some prescription medications and conditions, so if you are interested in trying this herb for your pain relief, it is highly suggested that you speak to your physician first.

8. Fish oil – Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your health, and if you don’t eat them in your diet daily, you can get them in fish oil supplements. Researchers have been studying fish oil supplements as alternatives to omega-3-filled foods for years, and some studies have shown that the use of fish oil can be a natural alternative to pain medications for the relief of non-surgical neck and back pain and joint pain without significant side effects.

The right amount of fish oil consumed daily is thought to decrease joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly used to reduce inflammation in joints and maintain healthy cells in your body.

You can add this ingredient to your diet by increasing your cold water fish intake with such choices as salmon, sardines, and anchovies, or you can purchase fish oil supplements from reputable manufacturers. Fish oil does have some contraindications, so check with your doctor before starting a regimen, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Natural Pain Relief Through Your Daily Regimen

Natural pain remedies have been used for millennia, long before their synthetic counterparts were ever created. If you are concerned about the effects of these drugs on your body, you may have alternatives. There is a multitude of natural herbs and supplements that you may be able to use in place of addictive prescription medications.

Everyone experiences different types of pain, and the relief you need may be different than someone else’s treatment. It’s important not to use someone else’s word for what worked for them because their body is not the same as yours. However, you may be able to avoid prescription pain medications by trying natural remedies instead but always talk to your physician before trying any new treatments, natural or otherwise.

Remember that not all natural pain remedies are created equally. Be sure to purchase from reputable manufacturers and use as directed by your physician. But with the right remedy for your body, relief for your ailment could be right around the corner.