If you have ever had a headache, toothache, or some sort of pain, I am sure you found yourself sprinting to the medicine cabinet for relief. However, most medications come with a risk and dangerous side effects. While certain situations will require you to use prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine, you might be surprised to learn that there are natural painkillers found in your very own kitchen.
Here are just eight natural painkillers you might find in your kitchen:
1. Garlic – Use garlic[1] for earaches and stomach viruses. Garlic works well as an anti-inflammatory and its oil can be rubbed on sore and inflamed joints and muscles.
2. Ginger – Use ginger[2] for muscle pain and nausea. Its anti-inflammatory properties are good for treating arthritis.
3. Turmeric – Use turmeric[3] for chronic pain and inflammation. One study showed people suffering from osteoarthritis reported significantly less knee pain when consuming turmeric.
4. Cloves – Cloves are a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. They make an inexpensive and incredible remedy for tooth[4] pain. Before modern medicine, dentists used cloves to treat pain for their patients!
5. Oats – Eat oats for endometriosis-related[5] pain. Oats contain fiber to help decrease circulating estrogen that feeds pain related to endometriosis.
6. Peppermint – Use peppermint oil[6] for painful muscles. Peppermint oil can be used topically and internally to treat several health concerns including muscle aches, digestive complaints, and seasonal allergies.
7. Grapes – Both white and dark-colored grapes are good for managing back and gout[7] pain. They contain a great source of antioxidants and polyphenols. Red and black grapes also contain resveratrol, a potent anti-inflammatory. (“Best Fruits for Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation”)
8. Horseradish – Use horseradish[8] for treating pain and symptoms of gout and swollen muscles. It can be used for sinus problems, and it is also effective at treating urinary tract infections!
Please keep in mind that these eight natural painkillers may not work for everyone, and pain usually indicates that something might be wrong. It is always best to speak with your doctor or have a checkup before taking any herbal supplements. However, these natural options will at least give you an alternative to some medications that may carry dangerous risk and adverse side effects.
Author Bio
Isabella Boston
Isabella Boston is a multi-talented writer and the founder of Bella’s Attic Studio. She is well-versed in content writing, copywriting, and social media strategies with a focus on health and wellness, fashion and beauty, and natural healing as it pertains to the body, mind, and the soul. She is also a romance writer and the author of Passion of Flames.
Sources
[1] Bayan, L., Koulivand, P. H., & Gorji, A. (2014, January). Garlic: A review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
[2] PJ;, B. C. M. D. (n.d.). Ginger (zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise. The journal of pain. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20418184/
[3] Paultre, K., Cade, W., Hernandez, D., Reynolds, J., Greif, D., & Best, T. M. (2021, January 13). Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812094/
[4] Watson, S. (2023, June 2). Can clove oil help relieve dental pain?. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-use-of-clove-oil-in-dentistry-1059310
[5] Dr. Kathleen Mahannah. (n.d.). Endometriosis: Foods to eat and avoid. Dr. Kathleen Mahannah. https://drkathleenmahannah.com/blog/endometriosis-foods-to-eat-and-avoid
[6] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Peppermint oil. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil#:~:text=Peppermint%20oil%20is%20promoted%20for,mental%20function%2C%20and%20reducing%20stress.
[8] Dr. Kathleen Mahannah. (n.d.). Endometriosis: Foods to eat and avoid. Dr. Kathleen Mahannah. https://drkathleenmahannah.com/blog/endometriosis-foods-to-eat-and-avoid