Mother Nature’s pain relievers

Avoid the side effects of pharmaceutical pain relief and try these remedies, courtesy of Mother Nature…

There are plenty of medications we can get from the pharmacy that may help to relieve pain, there are also prescriptions that your health practitioner can offer if you need something stronger. However, what if there was a natural remedy that could have the same effect? Without any side effects or any potentially addictive properties?

Personally, I would always opt for a natural alternative. Taking a holistic approach to locate the root of the problem seems far more logical than merely treating the pain itself, however sometimes we just need some relief. Thankfully Mother Nature did come up with a plethora of potential solutions for those suffering with pain.

Before you take the step to turn to pharmaceuticals, how about trying the following natural essential oils that are accessible to all and easy on the purse strings too! All essential oils, when being applied topically, need to be combined with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, etc. Mix 6 teaspoons of your carrier oil with 15 drops of your essential oil as a general ratio rule.

LAVENDER

One of the most versatile and useful essential oils on the planet, lavender is a firm staple in my handbag and first aid kit. Not only can it serve to relax us naturally but it can also help to ease anxiety, help us sleep, treat parasitic infections, burns, insect bites, spasms, and potentially even neurological disorders. Studies have shown that lavender has anxiolytic, mood stabiliser, sedative, analgesic, anti-convulsive and neuro-protective properties. Always opt for a 100% organic essential oil when purchasing any kind of aromatherapy oil, and be aware that these little bottles of goodness contain a potent substance that must be used carefully. Lavender, when applied topically to the affected area to achieve pain relief from inflammation, must be combined with your chosen carrier oil – massage into the skin for a deeper relief.

CLOVE

This is the famous go-to remedy for toothache, and it isn’t just an old wives’ tale. Clove is a natural anaesthetic which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibiotic and antiviral properties and, due to its active ingredient eugenol, serves to assist in pain relief. During a study, clove gel was reported to have similar effects to benzocaine which is a topical gel used to numb an area that needs to be injected in dentistry. Clove oil can also relieve muscle pain as well as toothache, and ease digestive upsets. To use topically, dilute essential clove oil in a carrier oil or add to an unscented cream or lotion at a maximum 1 to 2.5% ratio. For toothache dilute the oil in an edible carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Soak some of the mixture with cotton wool or muslin and dab onto the affected area. 

ROSEMARY

One of the most fragrant of the essential oils, rosemary serves to relieve severe joint pains and sprains, due to its anti analgesic and anti inflammatory properties. As well as relieving pain, rosemary also stimulates blood circulation which in turn can aid in speeding up the healing process for wounds.

PEPPERMINT

Essential oil of peppermint can aid in reducing muscle pain due to it containing menthol which serves to cool the muscles and reduce inflammation. Peppermint also has antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and has often been reported as helpful for arthritis sufferers. If you apply to the temples using a rollerball, peppermint can also help to reduce tension headache pain.

EUCALYPTUS

Eucalyptus oil has been reported effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. The healing benefits of Eucalyptus Oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, and antiseptic qualities, among other valuable properties. The oil’s antiseptic properties make it effective for use on wounds, cuts, burns, bites, stings, and sores. Besides soothing the irritated skin, it relieves pain, protects any openings from becoming infected, and promotes faster healing. Added to warm baths, Eucalyptus Essential Oil’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help to rejuvenate stiff and sore muscles.

MARJORAM

A close and perhaps lesser known cousin of oregano, and also used in the culinary world, marjoram has been used extensively for centuries to relieve body pain, headache relief, and digestive related issues. Soreness, muscle aches and pains, stomach aches, etc. can all be soothed when massaged with marjoram essential oil.

As well as all these wonderful natural oil extracts, try using ginger and turmeric in your diet to help to relieve pain; add freshly grated ginger and/or turmeric to a tea, juice, or smoothie as well as any meal which their flavours work with; these can prove as effective as ibuprofen! (Always add freshly ground pepper with turmeric to release its healing properties more effectively).