A Look At 3 Natural Pain Relief Options

Posted on: 23 August 2021

If you're someone who doesn't want to take over-the-counter or prescription medication to combat pain or if you tend to experience unpleasant side effects when taking painkillers, there are several natural pain relief options you can explore. It may take some trial and error, and the best natural pain relief option for you will depend on the type of pain you're dealing with, but many people are able to find relief from pain using one or more natural pain relief treatments. Here are 3 natural pain relief options for you to consider.

Essential Oils

A number of essential oils are considered to have analgesic properties, such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary. Essential oils can be mixed with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil, and applied to the skin. Alternatively, they can be inhaled with the help of a diffuser or added to a warm bath. Essential oils may be particularly useful for those experiencing muscle pain, as they can be applied topically and will absorb into the skin at the site of the pain.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a popular drug-free treatment option for tackling a wide variety of pain. Massage can be therapeutic and relaxing, and massage strokes, such as effleurage and petrissage, can loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to the area of the body being worked on. An increase in blood flow to a specific area of the body brings with it an increase in oxygen and nutrients, which can support localised healing.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Inflammation is often a precursor to pain, and inflammation can also prevent healing. For example, back pain can be caused by inflammation around vertebrae, and this pain will not subside until the inflammation is resolved. There are a number of natural supplements available that are said to have anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, ginger and capsicum. There are also pre-made blends available that are used to combat specific types of pain. Anti-inflammatory supplements can be taken as capsules or in powder or liquid form, so you should be able to find a formulation that's palatable for you. Some natural anti-inflammatories are also available as topical creams, which may be beneficial for muscle pain or pain caused by bruising or lesions.

You should discuss the use of any natural pain relief treatments with your healthcare provider, as some natural products can impact the effectiveness of certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you'd like some guidance on selecting and using pain relief treatments, consult a natural healthcare practitioner.

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