Health & Wellness
Body pain may occur due to multiple reasons, like fatigue, sitting in a position for prolonged periods, or a health condition. Although taking OTC treatments are the easiest short-term way to get rid of body pain, it could have side effects. Natural remedies such as herbs, essential oils, and alternative therapies can manage and relieve pain effective way, without any side effects. Here are some natural remedies for pain management:
Turmeric
Turmeric has pain-relieving traits and qualities as it contains an ingredient called Curcuma. A small multi-center study conducted in 2014 found that Curcuma domestica extracts are as effective and efficient as Ibuprofen for pain management in the treatment of osteoporosis if taken for four weeks or more. Turmeric also helps in reducing and relieving inflammation. So, try adding turmeric to your meals in the form of smoothies, juices, or curries.
Ginger
A well-known spice, ginger acts as a natural pain reliever. According to a systemic review conducted in 2015, ginger is used in treating and managing pain. For example, approximately 2 grams of ginger may modestly relieve muscle pain caused due to prolonged running and eccentric resistance exercise, especially if it is taken for a minimum of five days.
Cloves
Traditionally, cloves have been used by people to get relief from toothache. A 2006 study explored that clove gel may be able to replace benzocaine as a topical agent. However, more research is required to find other pain management traits of cloves. They also may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Mindfulness and meditation
People are practicing mindfulness and meditation as natural pain relievers. Though more research is needed, some studies are promising. It has been found that meditation may improve the quality of life and help manage pain.
Massage
A massage is the most common way of pain management. If done correctly, it helps in relieving pain and aches and enhances tissue relaxation. It also reduces stress and nerve compression. Oils used for massage most often have anti-inflammatory properties. A massage with warm mustard oil is suggested to relieve body pain. Cramps may also be treated with a massage.
Warm compress
A warm compress helps increase blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness. It has been noted that it is excellent and practical for stiff muscles but should not be used if there’s an open wound or serious injury. You can try a damp towel or a heated pad on the affected area. But ensure that the towel or the heating pad should not be too hot as it could burn the skin.
Salt water soak
Salt water soak helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. Warm water is also helpful in releasing tension prevailing in the muscles and is good for reducing body pain caused due to physical activity or workouts. You can mix a cup of salt with a tub of warm water. Soak the affected body part for 15-20 minutes in this water. Alternatively, you could also soak a towel in salted water and use it on the affected area. However, ensure that the water isn’t too hot, as it could damage the skin.
Yoga
Yoga helps in pain management. It may help relieve lower back and neck pain, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). However, the NCCIH also states that there is not much evidence available to show that yoga can be helpful for other conditions such as arthritis, headache, and fibromyalgia.
When to consult a health care provider?
Natural pain relievers may be effective, but they are not effective for all types of pains or when the pain is severe. If the pain is severe and is associated with other health conditions, talk to a doctor or health care provider. Also, if the cause of the pain is unknown, you need to consult a health care expert so that they can diagnose the problem and recommend effective pain management treatment. Body pain and fatigue that do not respond positively to the at-home remedies should be discussed with the doctor.
As mentioned, though researchers have not fully explored these natural options for pain management, some pieces of evidence suggest that these remedies work. It is always advisable to start treatment only after consulting a health care provider for better and more effective results. Natural pain management remedies should be considered when trying to avoid the side effects of other treatment options. Treating chronic fatigue and muscle weakness with natural remedies may not always be a good idea. It would help to contact a professional to take a look at it.
