5 natural pain relievers in your kitchen

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

All of us have ever experienced debilitating pain and ran to the pharmacy for pain pills. However, treatment can be started at home using readily available products found on the shelves in your kitchen.

Natural herbs and spices containing, for example, substances such as capsaicin and turmeric can relieve many inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle pain. At the same time, you will not encounter the side effects that are inevitable when using medicinal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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We have to pay attention to what we eat for many reasons. After all, food is also a kind of medicine. A varied diet ensures that we receive all the essential minerals, vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of our immune system. In 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a study that showed the quality of carbohydrates is much more important than their quantity when it comes to weight gain and chronic diseases, including painful arthritis. Marcy Klough, a nutritionist and nutritionist, believes that eating a healthy diet is the best prevention of pain. “Eat a balanced, plant-based, easy-to-combine diet to maintain weight and prevent inflammation, while limiting fried and processed foods,” she wrote in a letter to the Medical Daily.

Let's find out which foods with natural anti-inflammatory properties you should include on your menu for pain relief.

Aquamin (red algae): inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis

Aquamin is a natural multimineral supplement derived from Lithothamnium calcareum algae native to the Irish coastline. It is rich in calcium and magnesium, which can help reduce joint inflammation. A 2008 study proves that aquamin can reduce inflammation and joint tension caused by osteoarthritis. People who used aquamin experienced a 20% reduction in painful sensations within a month. They also showed less joint tension than the dummy (placebo) control group. According to nutritionist Marcy Klough, the high mineral content in seaweed can increase bone density and joint mobility. Therefore, joint pains go away.

PINEAPPLE: nose, maxillary sinuses, osteoarthritis and muscle pain

Pineapple juice and pulp contains an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties called bromelain. It is used to reduce swelling, especially around the nose and maxillary sinuses, after surgery or injury.

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Bromelain reduces inflammation and forces the body to produce substances that fight pain and swelling. In addition, it prevents blood clots by breaking down the fibrin of the coagulated protein that causes thrombosis. This makes bromelain another substance for those suffering from pain caused by inflammation, says Dr. Klau.

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A 2011 study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine Research found that the use of bromelain as an element that prevents tissue wear and tear significantly accelerated the recovery process from surgeries and injuries. The researchers damaged the Achilles tendon in rats and gave them bromelain for 14 days. As a result, the subjects recovered faster.

CHILE PEPPER: Arthritis, Migraines and Diabetic Neuropathy

Capsaicin, an active ingredient in red chili peppers, has been shown to relieve arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and migraines. It binds to a protein on neurons that relay pain information to the brain. With regular use of capsaicin, neurons become less sensitive, which means that a person suffers less from pain sensations.

A 2003 study published in the British Journal of Anesthesiology found that injecting capsaicin into the nose could help with migraines. The subjects sprayed a special compound with capsaicin into their noses once a day, choosing the nostril on the side where they were experiencing the migraine. All patients showed a 50-80% improvement in their condition.

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Ginger: pain, nausea, osteoarthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are well known for fighting nausea, arthritis, headache, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Ginger relieves pain by blocking inflammation pathways. With inflammation, the oxidation of arachidonic acid, which is produced by the COX-2 and LOX enzymes, increases. Ginger is a natural blocker of these enzymes, acting in much the same way as, for example, aspirin and ibuprofen, but without the side effects of ulceration of the stomach lining.

A 2001 study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that ginger extract could replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Researchers compared the effect of ginger extract with a placebo on patients with knee osteoarthritis. Compared to placebo, ginger extract reduced pain and tension in the affected joints by 40%. This proves the ability of ginger to influence inflammatory processes at the cellular level.

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Turmeric: sprains, tension, bruising and joint inflammation

This popular orange spice can be a natural cure for many ailments thanks to the active ingredient curcumin. It interferes with the secretion of COX-2 enzymes in the body, which are responsible for inflammation. Turmeric can work just as effectively as the popular active ingredient in many pain relievers, ibuprofen.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine compared the pain-relieving effects of curcumin and ibuprofen. Curcumin was able to relieve the condition as much as ibuprofen. Moreover, it can serve as an alternative for those who cannot take medication.

We conclude: the use of the above herbs and spices helps to strengthen the immune system and alleviate the course of diseases, but it is always better to consult a specialist before taking any, even natural, medications.