Top 7 Natural Painkillers

The consumption of over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketaprofen and similar, can cause numerous health problems, and may also lead to painkiller addiction.

Fortunately, nature provides us with a variety of powerful herbs that boast exceptional analgesic properties, which do not cause any dangerous side effects. The following is a list of top 7 natural painkillers.

1. White Willow Bark (Salix Alba)

White willow bark medical herb

White willow bark contains salicylic acid, which is the primary active ingredient in aspirin. For this reason, it is often referred to as the herbal aspirin.

Salicin (salicylic acid) has the ability to alleviate pain by blocking the production of pain-producing prostaglandins.

White willow bark is therefore very effective in providing relief to both acute and chronic pain including headaches, toothache, backache, arthritis and similar. It is also very good in reducing inflammations and fever.

2. Devil’s Claw (Harpogophytum Procumbens)

Native to South Africa, devil’s claw is another well known natural painkiller. Its active ingredients, known as iridoid glycosides, have powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, useful in treating back pain and arthritis.

However, people with gastric ulcers should not consume devil’s claw since it stimulates the production of gastric acid.

3. Arnica (Arnica Montana)

Arnica montana

 

Arnica, also known as Leopard’s bane, is native to the alpine regions of western and central Europe, and its pharmaceutical and medicinal use dates back to the 15th century. It contains compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones, which have the ability to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

Arnica is an excellent remedy for aches, and it has a great ability to relieve pain associated with soft tissue, bone and joint injuries, such as broken bones, bruises, sprains, strains and postoperative healing. It acts as ibuprofen and it is a great first aid in all of the above mentioned cases.

Arnica can also reduce low back and rheumatic pain and help treat ailments such as muscle, tendon and ligament pain.

4. Boswellia (Boswellia Serrata)

Also known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia is a very effective remedy in the treatment of both chronic and minor pains.

This exceptional natural painkiller contains compounds known as boswellic acids, which have great anti-inflammatory properties. They have the capacity to decrease the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, responsible for many chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and similar.

Boswellia can also decrease pain and swelling in joints.

5. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Curcuma Longa

 

Turmeric, often called the spice of life, is a powerful painkiller that helps our bodies fight inflammation.

Turmeric’s active ingredient is called curcumin, and it is a chemical that has the capacity to decrease the production and the activity of the pain-producing prostaglandins.

Turmeric is therefore very effective in alleviating chronic pain associated with inflammatory arthritis diseases.

6. Feverfew (Tanacetum Parthenium)

Feverfew is an excellent natural painkiller, very useful in treating headaches and migraines.

Feverfew contains compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones, which help prevent blood from clotting, while slowing and inhibiting the release of prostaglandins and histamines, responsible for inflammation and pain.

Feverfew relaxes blood vessels, prevents them from constricting (narrowing), and increases blood flow to the brain. Constricted blood vessels are, in fact, a primary cause of migraines.

7. Cloves (Syzygium Aromaticum)

Cloves are the most common natural remedy for toothaches. They contain eugenol, a chemical that has analgesic, anesthetic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, useful in relieving inflammation and killing bacteria that cause toothache. It is also very effective in minor mouth irritations and gum injuries.

Do you have any other effective natural painkillers to suggest? Please, share them with us in the comment section below!

About the author

Jessica

Jessica is a translator who has lived for many years in Asia and South America. She now lives and works in Europe, while preparing her new journeys. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, exploring different cultures and foods, and being in love.

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