Natural Alternatives to OTC Painkillers
Willow Bark:
The key ingredient in willow bark – which also goes by the name salix alba and white willow – is salicilin, a derivative of the active ingredient in aspirin. In addition to willow bark, salicilin and salicylic acid can be found in several fruits including cantaloupe and grapes as well as the spices thyme, paprika, cumin, dill, oregano, turmeric, and curry powder.
Capsaicin:
It serves as a natural analgesic by blocking activity at the vanilloid receptor, which sits on pain sensory nerve endings. Opt for a natural capsaicin cream in lieu of your usual muscle relaxant. You can buy capsaicin creams over the counter in NZ in pharmacies.
Ginger:
Turns out ginger’s active ingredient, gingerols, mimics the chemical structure of capsaicin (see above) to block the vanilloid receptor and reduce pain. Unlike capsaicin, which causes a small amount of pain before blocking the receptor, ginger provides pain relief without the burn. In addition, gingerols prevent the build-up of blood platelets to reduce inflammation and thin the blood and are more soothing on the intestinal tract than traditional aspirin treatments. Ginger is most frequently taken in the form of a herbal tea, however, researchers are currently exploring whether powdered forms may be more effective.
Omega-3s:
Studies show that Omega-3’s can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly for chronic back ailments, osteoarthritis and other chronic pain conditions. The key behind Omega-3s healing powers lies in its EPA and DHA content, which boost your body’s levels of the chemicals that minimise inflammation and its associated pain. To increase your Omega-3 intake, add cold water fish – such as salmon, tuna and mackerel – to your diet or try a pharmaceutical-grade supplement that contains low levels of mercury and other harmful heavy metals.
Vitamin C:
Although traditionally seen as the thing to take when you feel sick, Vitamin C – but more specifically ascorbic acid – has some pain-relieving properties too! Found in broccoli, black currants, citrus fruits, kale, parsley, and peppers, Vitamin C helps build collagen in the muscles to prevent injury, has diuretic properties that flush muscles of toxins, and has been shown in studies to help reduce the pain associated with musculoskeletal cancerous tumours. Vit C is probably best taken in the lipo-somal form, ask in your pharmacy which options they have.
Magnesium:
Well, here we go, I pretty much tell of of you that come for Massage to take some magnesium regularly. Magnesium plays an integral role in over 300 body processes, one of which is pain relief. Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant and has been shown to reduce the intensity and duration of migraines as well as reduce reliance on prescription migraine medications.
It’s best to take a good supplement in NZ- as far as I’m aware the soils are a bit depleted of magnesium here, so you probably won’t get enough by just eating plenty of leafy greens and other veges.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D deficiency is probably more common than you think in NZ- although during the summer there is plenty of sun, we apply sunscreen before we even go outside and hence not building up enough Vit D in our bodies.
Deficiency can cause subtle widespread pain that may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome, including symptoms like muscle and bone aching, fatigue and weakness, lower pain threshold, and more acute soreness after exercise that is slower to resolve.
Glucosamine:
Glucosamine has been shown in some studies to be as effective as ibuprofen at reducing pain (but with fewer side effects!). Because glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance in the body and there are no dietary sources, experts recommend that patients considering taking supplements of glucosamine sulphate – which is thought to be the most effective form of the nutraceutical.
Please be aware that these are suggestions that may or may not be helpful. Although these supplements are generally seen as safe to take, if you are unsure or have chronic pain and take several medications it is best to consult with your doctor before you add more supplements.
The key ingredient in willow bark – which also goes by the name salix alba and white willow – is salicilin, a derivative of the active ingredient in aspirin. In addition to willow bark, salicilin and salicylic acid can be found in several fruits including cantaloupe and grapes as well as the spices thyme, paprika, cumin, dill, oregano, turmeric, and curry powder.
Capsaicin:
It serves as a natural analgesic by blocking activity at the vanilloid receptor, which sits on pain sensory nerve endings. Opt for a natural capsaicin cream in lieu of your usual muscle relaxant. You can buy capsaicin creams over the counter in NZ in pharmacies.
Ginger:
Turns out ginger’s active ingredient, gingerols, mimics the chemical structure of capsaicin (see above) to block the vanilloid receptor and reduce pain. Unlike capsaicin, which causes a small amount of pain before blocking the receptor, ginger provides pain relief without the burn. In addition, gingerols prevent the build-up of blood platelets to reduce inflammation and thin the blood and are more soothing on the intestinal tract than traditional aspirin treatments. Ginger is most frequently taken in the form of a herbal tea, however, researchers are currently exploring whether powdered forms may be more effective.
Omega-3s:
Studies show that Omega-3’s can reduce inflammation and pain, particularly for chronic back ailments, osteoarthritis and other chronic pain conditions. The key behind Omega-3s healing powers lies in its EPA and DHA content, which boost your body’s levels of the chemicals that minimise inflammation and its associated pain. To increase your Omega-3 intake, add cold water fish – such as salmon, tuna and mackerel – to your diet or try a pharmaceutical-grade supplement that contains low levels of mercury and other harmful heavy metals.
Vitamin C:
Although traditionally seen as the thing to take when you feel sick, Vitamin C – but more specifically ascorbic acid – has some pain-relieving properties too! Found in broccoli, black currants, citrus fruits, kale, parsley, and peppers, Vitamin C helps build collagen in the muscles to prevent injury, has diuretic properties that flush muscles of toxins, and has been shown in studies to help reduce the pain associated with musculoskeletal cancerous tumours. Vit C is probably best taken in the lipo-somal form, ask in your pharmacy which options they have.
Magnesium:
Well, here we go, I pretty much tell of of you that come for Massage to take some magnesium regularly. Magnesium plays an integral role in over 300 body processes, one of which is pain relief. Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant and has been shown to reduce the intensity and duration of migraines as well as reduce reliance on prescription migraine medications.
It’s best to take a good supplement in NZ- as far as I’m aware the soils are a bit depleted of magnesium here, so you probably won’t get enough by just eating plenty of leafy greens and other veges.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D deficiency is probably more common than you think in NZ- although during the summer there is plenty of sun, we apply sunscreen before we even go outside and hence not building up enough Vit D in our bodies.
Deficiency can cause subtle widespread pain that may be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome, including symptoms like muscle and bone aching, fatigue and weakness, lower pain threshold, and more acute soreness after exercise that is slower to resolve.
Glucosamine:
Glucosamine has been shown in some studies to be as effective as ibuprofen at reducing pain (but with fewer side effects!). Because glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance in the body and there are no dietary sources, experts recommend that patients considering taking supplements of glucosamine sulphate – which is thought to be the most effective form of the nutraceutical.
Please be aware that these are suggestions that may or may not be helpful. Although these supplements are generally seen as safe to take, if you are unsure or have chronic pain and take several medications it is best to consult with your doctor before you add more supplements.