How to Relieve Chronic Pain Naturally
Chronic pain ruins your quality of life. Whether you feel pain in one area of your body from an injury or an all-over body ache from fibromyalgia, chronic pain can drain your energy and leave you feeling depressed. Most doctors prescribe NSAID and narcotic pain relievers that can lead to dependency and worsening health problems. If you’re living with chronic pain, this article can help you learn more helpful hints how to relieve it naturally.
Boswellia
For those suffering from inflammatory autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, boswellia can offer lasting natural relief. This natural herb relieves severe pain by improving blood flow to joints and inhibiting leukotrienes, which trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Boswellia needs to be taken for a period of four to six weeks before results are noticed.
Arnica Montana
Arnica is a homeopathic remedy for chronic pain relief. It is contained in more than 100 herbal preparations in Germany and with good reason. Arnica works by supporting the immune system and speeding up the body’s natural healing process. Arnica best treats bruising and tenderness after surgery and can be used effectively to treat chronic muscle and joint inflammation associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark is one of the oldest natural chronic pain remedies in the world. A precursor to aspirin, white willow bark was chewed to relieve fever, pain and inflammation in the time of Hippocrates! The chemical salicin, which is used to make aspirin, can help relieve low back pain, headache, osteoarthritis and bursitis.
Valerian
Though most commonly used to relieve anxiety and insomnia, this stout-smelling herb valerian can treat those suffering with severe pain. Because of its natural anti-spasmodic properties, valerian can be used to treat the muscle pain associated with autoimmune disease or injury and the stomach pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome, crohn’s disease and other intestinal disorders. Valerian has a sedating effect and should be taken at night before sleep for best results.
Krill Oil
For those whose chronic pain is associated with autoimmune disease or mental illness (depression can cause chronic pain), krill oil is an excellent supplement to add to your diet. Krill oil is an omega-3 fatty acid filled with powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and promote the body’s natural healing response. Krill oil also contains vital DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is essential for good brain and neurological health.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers and has been reported to relieve chronic pain in those suffering from arthritis. Used topically, this compound relieves pain by interfering with substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain. The tingling, warming, numbing sensation provided by capsaicin can also help relax tight muscles surrounding swollen joints.
Epsom Salt
A hot Epsom salt bath is a friend to the chronic pain sufferer. Epsom salt is actually not salt; it’s magnesium sulfate. When you soak in an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium sulfate draws lactic acid from your muscles and tension and pain is relieved. Magnesium also acts as a natural sedative and can help ease insomnia. Pregnant women, those allergic to sulfur and diabetics should not use Epsom salt.
Use natural remedies only as directed. If you are pregnant, nursing or have a serious medical condition, consult your doctor before using natural remedies.
Living with chronic pain can lead to depression, chronic exhaustion, irritability and feelings of hopelessness. Severe pain doesn’t have to rule your life and you don’t have to become addicted to prescription pain pills. These natural remedies can help you manage chronic pain and help improve your quality of life.
Sources:
http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1564/542/Six_Natural_Alternatives_To_Ibuprofen.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/442073-valerian-root-for-pain/