This Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 photo shows an arrangement of aspirin pills in New York. New studies find most people won't benefit from taking daily low-dose aspirin or fish oil supplements to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Results were discussed Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Munich. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)

When people experience pain like body aches, headaches and muscle cramps/tension they reach out for pharmaceutical drugs even without a doctor’s prescription. But these drugs may not be the only solution to relieving pain.

The regular use of these pharmaceutical drugs can also lead to long term side effects such liver failure, increased blood pressure, damaged kidney etc.

Just as parts of plants are used to treat health problems, they can also be used to manage pain as well with little or no side effects this makes natural remedies are good alternatives to pain management.

8 Natural Alternatives to Pain Killers

Below is a list of natural remedies to Aspirin and Ibuprofen

  1. Turmeric
  2. Ginger
  3. White willow bark
  4. Valerian root
  5. Capsaicin
  6. Magnesium
  7. Pineapple
  8. Omega-3

Turmeric

This is a spice but this spice has been used as an effective pain reliever. It can be used to relieve heartburn, joint pains, reduce inflammation and improves blood circulation as well. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin.

This curcumin contains an anti-inflammatory property which is responsible for lowering some enzymes in the body that causes inflammation and reduces pain.

Ginger

Ginger Tea

Ginger juice contains a powerful anti-inflammatory property that is more effective than aspirin and ibuprofen for pain relief.

Ginger also has antioxidant effects that helps in the breaking down of existing inflammations and acidity within the joints and also may also block the formation of inflammatory compounds.

White Willow Bark

The white willow bark contains salicin. The salicin is converted to salicylic acid in the stomach when taken, and this is the primary component of aspirin. The white willow bark is very effective in relieving headaches, fever, inflammations, body aches, and other pains.

Valerian Root

This is a natural relief for insomnia, stress, tension, anxiety, and irritability. A cup of valerian tea can help alleviate the feeling of pain and body aches.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is gotten from chili pepper. This works by depleting the chemical known as substance P which conveys pain sensation from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. It is mostly used in cream form and works as deep relief cream.

Magnesium

Food rich in magnesium such as avocado, bananas, lentils, and others are good pain relievers.

They can help to reduce migraines, muscle cramps, and body aches. But when taking magnesium, it is advisable to reduce alcohol consumption. This is because heavy alcohol intake lowers magnesium level.

Pineapples

Pineapples

This fruit contains bromelain which contains anti-inflammatory properties that helps to reduce arthritis pains.

It can also help to reduce the formation of inflammatory compounds in the body. Regular intake of pineapples will make you forget about all joint pain.

Omega-3

Food rich in omega-3 such as fish oil, walnuts, sardines, and flaxseeds are good natural remedies for joint pains and promote brain health.

Omega 3 fatty acids lowers inflammation in the body which reduces body pains and heart disease.