Pain Relief You Wouldn't Expect

While being in the midst of winter, many of us are experiencing varying types of pain; whether it be from a slip or fall on the ice, or due to arthritis flair up. Below are eight painkillers that can be found in your kitchen, and are all-natural.

Garlic – Painful Earaches
Ear infections are common medical complaints during the harsh winter months. Placing two drops of warm garlic oil into you or your child’s ear daily for five days helps to clear up infections faster than other prescription medications. 

Unpasteurized Honey – Mouth Sores (i.e., canker sores or cold sores)
Raw, unpasteurized honey works extremely well in treating mouth sores. Applying a little dab of honey on your cold sore or canker sore four times a day helps them to heal up to 43% faster than over the counter medicines and creams. This is due to the enzymes found in raw honey that help to reduce inflammation and destroy bacteria and viruses. Honey has been found to help speed the healing of damaged tissues

Grapes – Backaches (damaged back tissue)

The resveratrol in grapes helps to relax tight blood vessels as well as improves blood flow in the intervertebral discs, which helps to ease back pain. Improving the blood flow to discs in the back is important because blood helps deliver healing nutrients and oxygen to the cells and nerves in our body. It has been found that eating 2-3 cups of grapes per day is a great way to help loosen muscles and ease backaches.     

Peppermint Oil – Painful Muscles
Peppermint is another excellent muscle relaxant. If you have knots in your back, shoulders, or anywhere else in your body try sitting in a warm bath with 10 drops of peppermint oil. This will help to relax your muscles, as peppermint oil naturally soothes the nerves in your body. When peppermint oil is combined with warmth, it has been found to be up to 25% more effective at relieving muscle cramps than any over-the-counter painkillers. 

Cloves – Tooth Pain & Gum Inflammation
Chewing on clove buds is an excellent way to soothe tooth pain and gum inflammation. Cloves contain a compound called eugenol which is a natural anesthetic. You may also sprinkle ground cloves (about 1 tsp. ) onto your food if you don't want to chew on the clove itself.

Ginger – Joint & Muscle Pain
Gingerols (compounds active in ginger) block the production of pain-triggering hormones. By adding at least 1 tbsp. fresh, raw dried ginger (powder form), or 2-4 inches of fresh ginger to your meals daily you will notice these benefits. You may also find that juicing ginger, with other greens, is a great way to enhance the health benefits as well.

Horseradish – Sinus Problems
Many individuals suffer from sinus issues (congestion) or other facial pain. Horseradish helps to naturally speed up blood flow to your sinus cavities thus helping to heal sinus infections by opening up and draining the sinus cavities. Horseradish works just as well as over the counter decongestant sprays, but without the addictive side effects of many decongestants. It is recommended to take one teaspoon twice daily until your symptoms clear.

Turmeric – Chronic Pain & Inflammation
Turmeric is often thought to be a wonder food because it contains a compound called curcumin which naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2 (an enzyme that activates a variety of pain-inducing hormones). It is about three times more effective at soothing pain and inflammation than aspirin or ibuprofen. Turmeric also helps to relieve chronic pain for over 50% of people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and many other chronic pain illnesses. It is suggested that juicing 3-4 inches of turmeric root or consuming 1 tbsp. fresh, raw turmeric powder daily will help with chronic pain & inflammation.

Even if you don't have these natural remedies in your home, they can be easily found at either your local grocery store or nearest health food store. When all else fails, you can always order online. Give our Oriental Healing Oasis & Wellness Center team a call today to find more natural remedies, or to make an appointment for acupuncture, massage, cupping, and other services with our knowledgeable staff based in the Burlington, Wisconsin area.