Natural Painkillers by the Fairy Pharmacy

According to the 2016 National Study on Drug and Health, almost 28 million Americans are affected by prescription drug addiction. The rate of addiction has increased by 30% and these numbers are only relevant to those cases being reported. The Opiate crisis which has stemmed from the pharmaceuticals available on our current market have lost us a climbing 70,000 human lives in not even the last year here in America. Although safety measures and research are being put into effect to provide more natural measures to pain management and addictive pharmaceuticals, there are multiple remedies, easily accessible herbs and common household practices that can be used as non-addictive painkillers. In this article we will explore some of the easy and uncommon natural medicines that can be used to treat and manage pain. Remember to discuss with your practitioner before beginning any new treatment.

Willow Bark

Willow bark can be found on Willow trees and this bark contains Salicin. Salicin is a compound similar to Aspirin. People have been known to chew the bark itself to relieve pain and symptoms of Fever although willow bark is sold as a dried herb that you can also brew into tea. In some cases you can find this in liquid tincture or capsule form. Willow bark can be used to help relieve discomfort from headaches, lower back pain as well as several other conditions. People have been using willow bark to ease inflammation for centuries.

However natural, with most things in life come side effects. Willow bark comes with its own risk of side effects. It can cause an upset stomach, possibly slow down your kidneys, and can prolong bleeding time. The side effects from willow bark are similar to the effects of Aspirin. This root should only be used by adults. Similar to how aspirin taken in large amounts can be harmful for children, you will find willow bark could be poisonous to children.

Turmeric

Turmeric, Native to South Asia and relative to Ginger has been adapted as a natural pain reliever because it helps relieve inflammation. The substance Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Turmeric, is also the same magic that helps your body to repair damage and boost your fighting blood cells. Curcumin is a very strong anti inflammatory although only small amounts are present in Turmeric. This substance sticks best with fatty acids and reacts well with the compound contained in black pepper.

Turmeric can be found and taken as a supplement several different ways. Turmeric is so commonly used as a supplement in fact it shouldn’t be uncommon to find a capsuled, tinctured, tonic, tea or even raw ground version at your local grocery store.

Cloves

The active ingredient in native island Cloves is Eugenol, a natural pain reliever that’s commonly used in some over the counter pain rubs. Commonly used for its flavor as a spice this unique budded flower also packs another flavorful punch. Applying a sparse amount of Clove oil on your gums can temporarily ease toothache and mouth pain. Too much of anything is never good for you and too much undiluted clove oil could potentially hurt your mouth. Always remember to discuss with your Dentist before starting a new treatment.

Cloves have been used to help treat nausea and colds. They can also help relieve the pain associated with headaches, arthritic inflammation, and toothaches. Clove can be found in liquid tinctures, capsules and can also be used as part of a topical pain reliever.

Cold & Heat

Easily overlooked and incredibly effective are applying heat, cold or both to manage pain. If you have experienced a strained muscle, tendon or ligament applying ice on the strained area will reduce the swelling and inflammation and will also relieve the pain. Once the inflammation has gone down applying heat will help to reduce the stiffness that comes naturally with sprains and strains.

Arnica

Arnica, the beautiful mountain flower contains chemicals Helenalin and Dihyrdohelenalin which have effects related to that of Cucumin in Turmeric. This flower has been called the mountain daisy and its flowered buds are used topically to treat muscle soreness, aches, bruising, joint pain, swelling and inflammation.

Some Doctors don’t recommend using Arnica on broken skin or for extended periods of time, because it could irritate your skin. In addition to this, pregnant or breastfeeding women should always speak with their OBGYN before starting any new treatment. Some people can have allergic reactions to Arnica or have hypersensitivity. If you see any signs of allergy or irritation stop using the supplement and consult your practitioner immediately. If you are allergic or hypersensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family then you should avoid using arnica. Other members of this beautiful family include; sunflowers, dahlias, daisies, dandelions and marigolds.

With addiction affecting ⅓ of the country I dedicate my own research time to harm reduction and coping skills available to those affected by the pharmaceutical industry and the medication they provide to us as a nation. It is important to understand what it is we not only are putting into our bodies but how the substances we take will affect our bodies overall. This is the start to really understanding the management of pain.