9 Potent & Natural Alternative To Over-The-Counter(OTC) Painkillers

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According to CDC Americans spent more than $300 billion on prescription drugs every year.  Long-term high-dose use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac is ‘equally hazardous’ in terms of heart attack risk. Over-the-counter(OTC) & prescription pain relievers can temporarily relieve pain but often come with undesirable & dangerous, side effects. Fortunately, there are several herbs for natural, herbal pain relief that posses anti-inflammatory & analgesic properties.

9 Potent & Natural Alternative To Over-The-Counter(OTC) Painkillers

Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper stimulates endorphin production and is an anti-inflammatory agent. Topically it is used diluted in salves, as it blocks transmission of substance P, which transports pain messages to brain.

Passionflower
Passionflower, doesn’t make you more passionate, but slows the breakdown of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Try it for cramps, headache, insomnia, muscle spasms, neuralgia, shingles and stress. It is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative.

Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is a common ingredient in many dishes. This spice also has been used for thousands of years to fight inflammation. This spice not only reduces inflammation but aides in digestion. Add a bit of cayenne pepper to help your body make the most of the turmeric.

Kratom
Kratom an herb that is both fast and natural for pain relief is unknown to most of us. Kratom has an interesting history from its early times as an herb to reduce pain, increase energy, and lift spirits among Indonesians. Many who were hooked on opium used kratom to help them endure opium withdrawal easily.

Boswellia
This herb is sourced from the frankincense tree. Its resin is used to thwart chemical reactions that cause inflammation, and thus pain. Ayurvedic scientists have used Boswellia for centuries to treat arthritic conditions, as well as inflammatory bowel disease.

Ginger
Adding this little root to your daily diet can really help to not just fight nausea but also ward off inflammation. Ginger has been a common staple in Asian, Indian, and Arabic healing therapies to treat inflammation associated with arthritis and ulcerative colitis for years. You can take ginger in it’s whole form, capsule form, or as a tea.

Capsaicin
Capsaicin, from the chili plant, is another traditional remedy which is now also available in over-the-counter treatments for peripheral neuropathies and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It has a highly selective, regional anaesthetic effect which is useful for relieving the pain but it also has an anti-inflammatory action to further reduce pain.

Devil Claw’s
Devil’s Claw is a South African herb that has been popular in Europe for couple hundred years. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce pain from arthritis, headaches, and low back discomfort.

Arnica
An excellent herbal rub to use after intense sports, an acute injury, or even post surgery, arnica is a well-known natural pain killer among athletes and yogis. It is derived from a European flower, and has anti-inflammatory properties, although the true nature of its healing action is still unknown.
Additional sources:

draxe.com
greenmedinfo.com
marksdailyapple.com

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Traditional Amish Remedy That Reduces Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure

Prof. Hesin
I am herbalist and write on variety of topics from nutrition to natural health, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, mind/body medicine and i enjoys the challenge of providing my family with healthy food options that fit with their busy lifestyle.