1. Essential Oils
Essentials oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil. They can be inhaled but not swallowed, as they’re toxic. If applied topically, always start with a small spot check to know how your skin will react.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
From the Eucalyptus plant, essential oil is believed to decrease inflammation, pain and swelling. Note: because Eucalyptus is a trigger of asthma, it shouldn’t be diffused in public or used near children or pets.
Rosemary Essential Oil
The rosemary plant has been used to ease bone and muscle pain, headaches & seizures. With its anti-inflammatory effects rosemary essential oil can act on your brain’s pain receptors.
2. Heat Pads and Ice Packs
Easy enough to do from home, heat and ice treatments can help with pain effectively. Ice packs can lessen inflammation and swelling of a strained ligament, muscle or tendon. Thereafter a heat pad can decrease stiffness resulting from sprains and strains.
A headache can be treated with an ice pack while a moist heat pad heated in the microwave aids with arthritic pain. Heat pads and ice packs both have the benefit of being used over & over as many times as necessary.
3. Herbs and Spices
Sourced directly from nature, herbs and spices are used in cooking & as medicine supplements.
Cloves
In a capsule, oil or powder form, cloves are used to treat colds and lessen nausea. Cloves can be applied topically to relieve pain. They can also relieve arthritic inflammation, headaches and toothaches.
Turmeric
Turmeric is believed to reduce inflammation and assist with indigestion & ulcers. Containing curcumin, this compound is an antioxidant protecting your body from free radical molecules causing damage to your cells and tissue.
4. Medicinal Plants
Used to treat common ailments, some medicinal plants also find their way into essential oils. They do come with risks of side effects, so consult with a doctor before use if you’re unsure.
Feverfew
Traditionally feverfew has eased a host of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches and toothaches. With its compounds to decrease inflammation and muscle spasms, the feverfew flowers & leaves are believed to contain pain releasing properties.
Willow Bark
The white willow’s bark holds salicin, the chemical which is likened to the main ingredient found in aspirin. Willow bark is used to reduce inflammation. It’s sold as a dried herb to be brewed like tea and can ease headaches, lower back pain & osteoarthritis.