For some, pain is a nuisance. For others, it’s absolutely debilitating. While most people would love to flip a switch to make chronic pain disappear forever, pain management is the more realistic solution. Scientific studies have concluded that pain is caused by inflammation, meaning the most effective at-home pain remedies are ones that treat the acute symptoms of pain while naturally reducing the underlying inflammation for long-term relief. Here are four recommended natural remedies for pain relief.
1. Curry Spices
When dealing with acute pain, you may find yourself reaching for an aspirin. Perhaps that’s why vindaloo, an Indian curry dish, is such a popular pain relief natural remedy—it contains salicylic acid, the same active ingredient found in aspirin.
We can also look at turmeric for long-term inflammation relief, as turmeric contains a compound called curcumin. In addition to salicylic acid, turmeric’s abundance of curcumin has a host of possible health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. This makes turmeric and curry spices more than just at-home pain remedies. The research surrounding curcumin is providing an ever-growing list of benefits and disease prevention possibilities.
If Indian cuisine isn’t your favorite, remember that many fruits and vegetables—such as peppers, blueberries, tomatoes, and dates—also contain salicylic acid. An all-around more nutritional diet may also come with at-home pain remedies without the side effects of medication.
2. Bee Pollen
While honey has long been known for its unique health benefits, here bees make a different contribution to our list of at-home pain remedies. While bee pollen doesn't acutely treat pain, the anti-inflammatory effects of bee pollen have been placed in comparison with some popular, non-steroid, pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. It is the richness of its antioxidant profile which may help reduce inflammation.
Bee pollen may help fight infections, aid your body’s healing, and reduce allergic reactions. Most health stores sell bee pollen as a supplement, or you may be able to buy it from a local beekeeper at a farmer’s market. Of course, if you have a known allergy to bees or pollen, it’s best to look elsewhere for pain relief natural remedies.
3. Cannabis
Cannabis, a relative newcomer to the at-home pain remedies conversation, has actually been around for millennia. Continued research has reduced the stigma around medical cannabis, and relaxed legal restrictions have brought more attention to the potential pain-relief benefits of cannabis. Preliminary research indicates that inactivated cannabinoids such as THC-A, active cannabinoids THC and CBD, and other cannabinoids such as CBG, may work to fight inflammation.
The exact role of cannabis as a natural remedy for pain relief will likely have more clarity in the coming years, but scientists are seeing positive indications that low-THC medications have potential as a neuroprotectant against diseases such as Parkinson’s in addition to their pain-relieving properties. If you think cannabis may be right for you, speak with your healthcare professional about your existing conditions. Texas 420 Doctors can schedule your appointment today.
4. Stress Management
One of the best pain relief natural remedies is simply managing stress. Your psychological approach to life’s situations may be creating unhealthy stress which can lead to inflammation.
The mind is an integral part of your overall health. This is why it’s important to give your mind and body some relief by gaining perspective on the stressors in your life. One way you can do this is by low-impact exercise such as gardening or yoga. Refocusing your mind on intentional movement gives your mind a break from the repetition of negative thoughts, and it helps strengthen your body, too. The results of a fresh perspective, as well as the physical benefits, make low-impact exercise a foundation for at-home pain remedies.
Summary
Many people dismiss pain relief natural remedies as “alternative medicine,” but science continues to support natural methods to reduce inflammation. These at-home pain remedies could just be what your body needs to create the balance necessary to thrive in your environment.
If you would like more information on how Texas 420 Doctors can assist you along your wellness journey, please contact us. We’re happy to discuss your options for chronic pain relief.
