Did you know that there are actually prescription pill alternatives that are better for your health than traditional pain relievers? If you’re looking for an alternative to Vicodin or Percocet, check out this list of natural pain reliever alternatives that are both effective and safe.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s been proven to reduce pain and stiffness. When used in dietary supplements or food recipes, it significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also has strong anti-bacterial properties that make it effective against common ailments such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The root of turmeric has a very strong flavor that most people don’t enjoy. However, the benefits that it provides make it well-worth the mild discomfort that you might experience when taking it.
Chamomile Flower Extracts
Chamomile flower extracts are a great alternative to traditional pain relievers because of their anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, chamomile flower extracts inhibit the enzymes that cause inflammation, meaning that it can reduce the symptoms of irritated skin and arthritic pain. The best part is that topical applications of chamomile flower extracts are both safe and effective. There’s no danger of taking a drug when you’re already using a natural product that’s been proven to relieve pain.
Ginger
Like turmeric, ginger is another great natural source of anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce pain and stiffness. One of the oldest known forms of ginger, Zingiber officinale, has been shown in studies to be more effective than morphine in treating pain. Consuming ginger in any form, such as ginger chews, candies, or even in cooking, can provide many health benefits. The problem is that ginger has a very strong pungent flavor that most people aren’t used to consuming. Luckily, there are many great-tasting ginger-based products that you can purchase to enhance your diet. Just make sure that you keep some ginger chews on hand in case you experience sharp pain that needs to be treated with immediate medication.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum, is another great natural source of compounds that have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that fenugreek can reduce chronic pain and inflammation by acting as an antioxidant and a decongestant on the body’s largest organ, the liver. Fenugreek is also known to help improve insulin sensitivity which can potentially lead to healthier blood sugar levels. Finally, fenugreek has been shown in studies to have significant antitumor effects and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. While all of these properties make fenugreek an effective natural remedy for a number of diseases, it’s important to keep in mind the disadvantages of taking fenugreek root. It can be slightly toxic in large amounts and has a bitter taste that most people don’t enjoy.
Boswellia
Boswellia is an extract of the gum resin from a tree native to North Africa. This product has been used in traditional African medicine to treat pain and inflammation. In addition, boswellia has been shown in studies to suppress the growth of cancer cells and limit the damage caused by UV radiation. It also has significant anti-oxidant properties which protect the skin from the damage that free radicals can cause.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, or C~21~H~27~NO~3, is a substance that occurs naturally in pepper plants of the genus Capsicum. While most people are familiar with the flavor of capsaicin, few know that it also has a medicinal use. One of the great advantages of capsaicin is that it doesn’t just reduce pain; it also reduces inflammation and stiffness. When applied to the skin, it inhibits the enzyme called cyclooxygenase which helps transform arachadonic acid into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. This means that it can be both effective and safe in treating arthritis pain as well as other types of chronic pain that are caused by inflammation.
Red Raspberry
Red raspberries, Rubus Idus, also belong to the larger group of fruits called berry. Like other berries, red raspberries are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. These little fruits are also a great source of vitamin C which helps the human body create more collagen and resist muscle breakdown and stiffness. In addition, red raspberries contain various citric acids and quinic acids which act as natural preservatives in food products. This means that they can improve the shelf-life of food items which is always a bonus when you’re trying to eat healthy!
Chamomile Flower Extracts & Ginger Extract
Chamomile flower extracts and ginger extracts are both very effective in treating pain. When used in combination, they offer a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of their individual parts. This is important to keep in mind because many people who suffer from arthritis pain also experience other health problems that make it harder for them to cope with the intense pain that comes with the condition. In particular, people who have had heart disease or strokes are at an increased risk of developing arthritis pain because their heart and nervous systems are already dealing with a lot of stress. This is why it is important to work with a doctor to find the right treatment for your particular case of arthritis pain.