Effective natural remedies for pain management
health
While popping a pill for any kind of pain like backache, toothache, or headache might work in the short run, you should know that pills often have some side effects that are better avoided. As an alternative, some simple home remedies for pain management can help you feel better. The mentioned remedies are effective ways of pain management, but it’s advisable to seek medical advice in case the condition worsens.
- Hot water bath
This is an excellent therapy to alleviate pain affecting the bones, muscles, and tendons. Stretching in hot water between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit helps relieve joint aches and lower back pain. If the pain is a result of anal fissures, open sores, or hemorrhoids, soaking the hindquarters in warm water can relieve irritation, itching, and spasms in the sphincter muscle. Doing this twice or thrice a day is best for effective pain management. - Turmeric
Turmeric is often used to add flavor and yellow color to dishes, but the spice also comprises a compound called curcumin, which is an antioxidant and protects the body from damage-causing free radicals. Turmeric is beneficial to relieve inflammation and pain related to osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis. The spice is also helpful in treating other conditions like psoriasis, indigestion, an upset stomach, and ulcers. - Heat and ice
A common and among the most effective pain management techniques is applying heat and ice directly to the area where you are experiencing pain. An ice pack applied to strained muscles, ligament, and tendons helps alleviate inflammation and swelling. Once the inflammation is relieved, heat helps reduce the stiffness caused due to strains and sprains. An ice pack also helps reduce the severity of a headache. For pains caused due to arthritis, moist heat packs (warmed in the microwave) help relieve the discomfort. One can use a multi-purpose washcloth around a bag of ice or a packet of frozen vegetables to make a pack. A warm and damp washcloth can also be used to treat infections like a stye, boil, or cut. A cold washcloth can be used to relieve pain and itchiness due to pink eye. - Cloves
One can use whole cloves while cooking rice or add ground clove powder to pies and other recipes. For medicinal use, cloves are available as a powder, oil, and capsules. They are beneficial for treating colds and for getting relief from nausea. Cloves comprise eugenol, which is a natural pain reliever and is useful in alleviating toothache, headaches, and arthritic inflammation. - Willow bark
White willow barks comprise chemical salicin, which is similar to the primary ingredient in aspirin. It is available as a dried herb that may be brewed as a tea. Willow bark is also available as capsules or liquid supplements, and this ingredient is beneficial for pain management in the lower back and in the case of headaches and pain due to osteoarthritis. - Water
Clean water helps cleanse scrapes and cuts and is useful for treating mild burns. In case of a mild burn, one should immediately put cool water on the affected area or cover with a cold compress. However, cold water is not effective and may worsen the condition, so only cool and not ice-cold water should be used for pain management.