Showing posts with label Heat and Ice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heat and Ice. Show all posts

7.8.16

Herbal pain killers



Are you in pain? You don’t have to reach for over-the -counter pain killers, or even the heavy pharmaceutical hitters prescribed by your doctor; there are literally hundreds of natural pain killers waiting for you in the abundance of nature.You can count on plants and herbs to alleviate everything from arthritis pain, to headaches, to burns
I have personally tested some of these natural medicines , and I encourage my  readers to not underestimate their power, or experiment with massive doses. They are strong medicines, and they should be wisely treated with that degree of respect. Consider the sap from opium poppy flowers as an example, for it was first used to make opiates, and then it was further chemically refined to make codeine, morphine, and Heroin too. This simple plant is still the foundation of all pharmaceutical painkillers in one way or another.
Pain always indicates that something is wrong, so efforts should be made to uncover the cause and correct it. Therefore, painkillers should only be used to temporarily mitigate a patient's suffering, while simultaneous efforts are made to eliminate the health issues that are causing pain.




Not all pain relief has to come from a medical treatment. There are some natural pain relief options that can go a long way in helping you cope with and manage chronic pain
Many herbs and spices can treat inflammation and other related conditions. These plant-based options fall under a category of medical treatment known as complementary and alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, reiki and other practices. When it comes to pain relief, you may be surprised at what might help you feel better.
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Back and Joint Discomfort

Turmeric

Turmeric is a root that’s part of the ginger family. It curbs inflammation,You can cook with this dark yellow spice or make tea with it. Or take it in capsule form up to 1-2 grams per day.
Turmeric is a spice that gives curry, an Indian dish, its yellow color and unique flavor. It contains the compound curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical molecules that can damage cells and tissue.
Turmeric is used for the treatment of many conditions, including indigestion, ulcers, stomach upset, psoriasis, and even cancer. Some people with osteoarthritis turn to turmeric as a natural pain reliever because it helps relieve inflammation.

Capsicum

Capsicum/capsaicin comes from chili peppers. A skin cream with 0.25%-0.75% capsaicin may soothe your back pain. Apply it directly to the area that hurts

Comfrey. If you have lower or upper back pain, you could try a skin cream made with comfrey extract. Use it three times a day. Comfrey can harm your liver if you take it by mouth, so don’t drink comfrey tea.


Heat and Ice

Among the most common home remedies is applying heat and ice directly to sites of pain. While these may not seem like “surprising” pain relievers, not everyone is clear on exactly when to use ice or heat.
A strained muscle, tendon, or ligament may feel better after applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation, shortly after it is injured. Interestingly, once the inflammation has disappeared, heat may help reduce the stiffness that comes with strains and sprains.
A cold pack used briefly on the head may also help take away the pain of a headache.
But, if the painful problem is arthritis, moist heat applied to the affected joint will help more than ice. Moist heat packs that can be warmed in the microwave and used many times, making them easy and effective to use. If you get injured, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to use heat or ice to help ease the pain.

Kratom:

Kratom is used for severe pain, such as the pain that results from car accidents and botched surgeries. It is a very strong and capable painkiller, often replacing oxycodone (Oxycontin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin). It typically causes a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and a bizarre tingling sensation in the frontal lobes. The tingling is usually brief. Kratom is also used for reducing addictions to the pharmaceutical derivatives of opium. Such addicts can use kratom instead of the addictive drugs to curb their withdrawals. After an extended period of this therapy, addicts can stop taking kratom without incident.


Basil


Some varieties of basil (namely Ocimum americanum and Ocimum tenuiflorum) are actually as strong as anti-inflammatory drugs!
Basil extract has been shown to reduce swelling in arthritic patients by up to 73%, in just 24 hours. Other varieties of basil also kill pain, but just on a lower level

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Basil is also anti-bacterial, which explains why it is often used in dental and oral hygiene products.

Black Pepper:

Black pepper contains piperine, a chemical which helps to counteract pain in the body.
In fact, piperine extracted from black pepper can be mixed with other ingredients to make an analgesic cream for pain relief.
This inexpensive seasoning is thought to reduce the perception of pain, inflammation and even arthritis.
Whole cloves are often used to spice up meat and rice dishes. Ground cloves are used in pies and many other foods. As a medicine, cloves can be found in capsule or powder form. Clove oil is also available.
Like other herbal supplements, cloves are used to treat a wide range of conditions. Cloves may help ease nausea and treat colds. They may also help relieve the pain associated with headaches, arthritic inflammation, and toothaches. Cloves can also be used as part of a topical pain reliever. A study indicated that cloves could be used to treat fungal infections but further research is needed.
The active ingredient is eugenol, which is a natural pain reliever and is also used in some over-the-counter pain rubs. Rubbing a tiny amount of clove oil on your gums may temporarily ease toothache pain until you can get to a dentist. But too much undiluted clove oil may actually hurt your gums, so discuss this approach with your dentist before trying it at home.
People with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood-thinning medication should be careful when consuming clove products. Clove oil can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.


Cardamom


In Ayurveda, cardamom has been used as a remedy for urinary tract diseases and infections like cystitis.
Studies have shown that it has gastro-protective properties and may be helpful in relieving the pain associated with stomach cramps and other stomach problems.


Devil’s Claw 


Devil’s claw is a South African herb with medicinally active roots. This herb eases muscular tension or pain in the back, shoulders and neck. A popular treatment for osteoarthritic pain, it may ease rheumatoid arthritic pain as well. The herb’s active ingredients are harpagide and harpagoside, both iridoid glycosides with analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory actions. Devil’s claw extract has been shown to reduce osteoarthritic hip or knee pain by 25 percent and improve mobility within a few weeks. Rheumatoid arthritic pain may also be reduced and mobility enhanced within about two months. Devil’s claw extract is considered safe at the typical dosage of 750 mg (containing 3 percent iridoid glycosides) taken three times daily. It is also available as tincture (use 1 teaspoon up to three times daily) and tea. It should not be taken with blood-thinning medications and may not be safe during pregnancy or for young children, nursing mothers and individuals with liver or kidney disease, or digestive system ulcers.
Many herbs and spices can treat inflammation and other related conditions. These plant-based options fall under a category of medical treatment known as complementary and alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, reiki and other practices. When it comes to pain relief, you may be surprised at what might help you feel better.

willow bark:

People ha
ve been using willow bark to ease inflammation (the cause of most aches and pains) for centuries. The chemical salicin, which is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin, is found in the bark of the white willow.
Originally, people chewed the bark itself to relieve pain and fevers. Now willow bark is sold as a dried herb that can be brewed like tea. It also comes as a capsule or liquid supplement. It can be used to treat headache, low back pain, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions.
However, willow bark can cause stomach upset, may slow down your kidneys, and can prolong bleeding time, just like aspirin. It should only be used by adults. It could be poisonous to children, just like aspirin can be poisonous when taken in large quantitates.
If you’re sensitive to aspirin, or if you are taking any over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) you should avoid willow bark. You should also avoid taking it if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulant treatments, as salicin could increase the risk of bleeding.


Acupuncture:

This ancient Chinese medical practice seeks to relieve pain by balancing the body’s natural energy pathways. The flow of energy is known as qi (pronounced CHEE). Acupuncturists place tiny, and very thin needles into your skin. The location of the insertion is related to the source of the pain. But, based on the qi, a needle may be inserted far from the part of the body experiencing pain. Acupuncture may relieve pain by causing the body to release serotonin, a “feel good” chemical that eases pain.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that acupuncture helped relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis, migraines, and various locations of chronic pain.
Ginger, Turmeric, & Holy Basil – This set of herbs forms a sort of trinity in Ayurvedic medicine. All of them have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (a curry ingredient) contains curcumins which ease inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis,
Birch Leaf (Betula Lenta) – The leaves from the Birch tree act much like cortisone, a prescription drug used to treat endocrine disorders, arthritis, lupus, skin disease, autoimmune disorders, and more. A main chemical compound found in Birch leaves is methyl salicylate, similar to salicylic acid used in aspirin. It is anti-spasmodic, analgesic, astringent, antifungal, diuretic, detoxifying, reduces oxidative damage to skin (stopping wrinkles), and enhances circulation. It also promotes enzymatic secretions in the body. It is truly one of the first powerful pain-relievers ever used.
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
Bromelain
– This natural pain-reducer comes from the enzymes present in pineapple stems. Research shows that it reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (like TMJ syndrome), in addition to those suffering trauma-related inflammation. The enzyme also promotes healing in muscles and connective tissues.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
– GLA can be found in numerous seed oils. According to University of Maryland, people who consume these essential fatty acids are able toreduce nerve pain associated with diabetic conditions
Chamomile:
Not just a great sleep aid, chamomile contains terpenoids and flavonoids which contribute to its medicinal properties.
Throughout history, chamomile has been used for hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, diaper rash, skin infections, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.


Cinnamon:

Cinnamon has been used in Ancient Egypt since 2000 BC as a cure for a variety of illnesses. Medieval doctors prescribed it for coughs, sore throats and arthritis.
Modern studies have shown cinnamon does indeed have antibacterial properties and can kill both E-coli and Salmonella bacteria.
And the chemical cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon has powerful antifungal properties, making it a great cure for Candida, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus or ringworm.
It’s also used to relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems and urinary infections.