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Effective Natural Ways To Treat Pain

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective pain relievers, but long-term use can cause side effects. Prescription medications may be addictive and have even more adverse effects. But what are the best natural ways to relieve pain? People have used essential oils, herbs, and alternative therapies as natural pain relievers for years. Some evidence does suggest that certain remedies can help, and that many people find them useful.

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil may help relieve pain naturally. People use lavender oil for pain relief, to help sleep, and to ease anxiety. Studies have found that inhaling lavender oil may relieve pain associated with migraine headaches compared with a placebo. Some research also suggests that lavender oil has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in animals. Talk to a doctor before using any essential oils.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is another essential oil that may relieve pain. Some researchers state that the rosemary plant may help treat headaches, muscle and bone pain, and seizures. Rosemary may also reduce inflammation, relax smooth muscles, and boost memory. Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as olive oil. Use three to five drops of essential oil for each ounce of carrier oil. The researchers suggest that the herb acts on receptors in the brain called opioid receptors, which are involved with the sensation of pain. Clinical trials have found that using rosemary oil reduces pain in people experiencing opiate withdrawal.

Peppermint Oil

Research shows that the peppermint plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects. The active compounds in peppermint oil include carvacrol, menthol, and limonene. People often use diluted peppermint essential oil as a topical treatment, meaning that they rub diluted oil into the area that feels achy or painful. People have traditionally used peppermint to relieve painful spasms and problems associated with arthritis. Applying peppermint oil to the temples and forehead may relieve tension headache pain. One should avoid putting peppermint oil on broken skin. It can cause allergic reactions, so do a spot test before using peppermint oil on a painful area. Children should not use peppermint oil.

STIs and Pregnancy

An STI during pregnancy can pose serious health risks for you and your baby. As a result, screening for STIs generally takes place at the first prenatal visit for all pregnant women. Gonorrhea and hepatitis C screening tests are recommended at least once during pregnancy for women at high risk of these infections. Tell your doctor if you have engaged in high-risk sexual activity. It’s possible to have an STI without symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STD Treatment Guidelines recommend screening pregnant women for STDs. The sooner you receive medical care during pregnancy, the better the health outcomes will be for you. The CDC screening recommendations that your healthcare provider should follow are incorporated into the table on this link. Be sure to ask your doctor about getting tested for STDs. It is also important that you have an open, honest conversation with your provider and discuss any symptoms you are experiencing and any high-risk sexual behavior that you engage in, since some doctors do not routinely perform these tests. Even if you have been tested in the past, you should be tested again when you become pregnant.

Ginger

Ginger, is a root that is a promising pain reliever. Research has found that ingesting 2 grams of ginger per day modestly reduced muscle pain from resistance exercise and running when people took it for at least 5 days. The research also suggests that ginger may accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation related to exercise. One should try including ginger in the diet by adding raw ginger to smoothies or teas.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that can aid in the reduction of back therapy. Acupuncture can help with certain types of pain, including:

  • low back pain
  • neck pain
  • osteoarthritis/knee pain
acupuncture-performed-on-patient-leg

It may also reduce how frequently people get tension headaches and could help prevent migraine headaches. Research found that acupuncture is an effective way to manage chronic pain. It was concluded that acupuncture can help with musculoskeletal pain, headache, and pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Some traditional remedies can also benefit a person’s mental health. Herbal remedies could provide other health benefits alongside pain-relieving effects. Not every natural pain reliever will work for everyone. Some people may find that a natural option that works well for them in the long term. Others may not be able to manage pain naturally and may prefer traditional medication. Research should be done prior to taking any new medication, whether it is natural or not.

About the Author:

Bojan Matjasic
I was born in 1979 and graduated from the High School for Design and Photography in Ljubljana, followed by a degree in Anthropology from the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Arts. As a video maker and multimedia artist, I combine my creative work with a deep, long-standing passion for exploring consciousness. I have dedicated years to studying and practicing Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection, Yoga, Shamanic Healing, Reiki, Crystal Healing, and various other techniques of natural healing and spiritual development.

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