Natural Painkillers to Replace Ibuprofen

When administered on the long-term, the large doses of synthetic painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills such as Ibuprofen can be extremely harmful. They can increase the risk of heart failure, heart and circulatory diseases, anemia, digestive disorders and can even perforate the stomach lining.

Ibuprofen is one of the most common medicines for pains and inflammations. It is sold worldwide as an efficient painkiller when it comes to arthritis, headaches, muscle pains, menstrual pains, fever or inflammations. Numerous researchers have been looking for natural supplements that can replace Ibuprofen and they have come up with the following natural remedies that have no side effects. However, before following a natural treatment, it’s always good to consult your doctor.

Willow Bark

This plant precedes aspirin, as the willow bark contains a substance that becomes salicylic acid when it reaches the stomach. For this reason, willow has become known as the aspirin plant. Unlike the synthetic aspirin, willow will ease the pain and reduce inflammation and fever, but it will not irritate the stomach. Willow bark can be administered as tincture or tea.

Ginger

Ginger is extremely efficient in reducing inflammations, improving blood flow and treating joint pains. Ginger powder can be administered as capsules, but you can also use the ginger root to prepare teas or various dishes. You can also grate it and apply it externally on the painful areas, as a compress.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in the turmeric is called curcuma and it acts similar to the capsaicin in the chili peppers – it stops the transmission of the “P” substance. Moreover, turmeric has the capacity to block certain proteins that produce inflammations throughout the body. It can be used externally for the arthritis pains or it can be consumed as tea, mixed with milk or sprinkled over the dishes.

Cat’s Claw

This plant grows in South America and it contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that will block the production of prostaglandin, a hormone that is responsible for the development of inflammations and pain. Cat’s claw has antioxidant, antiseptic, immune-stimulatory and anti-tumor properties. This plant can be found in the healthy food stores, as capsules. Take 3 capsules per day to ease the pain. Taking more than 3 capsules per day can lead to diarrhea.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are capable of combating one of the most common pains: the headache. This is usually caused by stress, mental overload or improper nutrition and lifestyle. These oils will work in 3 levels: chemical, sensorial and mental. The best essential oils to ease a headache are: chamomile oil (relaxes the muscles), lavender oil (eases the pains), sage oil (reduces heart rate, high blood pressure, stress and tension).

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active substance found in the red hot chili peppers and can be used as an external treatment for back pains, shoulder pains, muscle pains and joint pains. The healthy food stores are rich in ointments, creams and gels containing capsaicin. Also, you can always make your own capsaicin salves at home. Another simpler alternative is to crush a few chili peppers and apply them directly on the affected areas, as a compress. Apply them 3 – 4 times per day. Wash your hand after using this substance because it’s extremely powerful and it can irritate the skin.

Incense Oil

This oil is obtained from the resin extracted from the Boswellia incense tree. It grows in Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. You can find this oil in the healthy food stores. It is extremely healthy, as it can improve blood circulation in the joints, preventing their inflammation. Incense oil is extremely helpful when it comes to pains caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma and headaches. It also acts as a mild sedative.

Olive Oil

New studies have suggested that olive oil can be used as an efficient replacement for Ibuprofen. The Mediterranean diet includes large quantities of extra-virgin olive oil and has proven to be one of the most beneficial for the human health. Even though it doesn’t act as rapidly as Ibuprofen, olive oil does not have side effects and can be consumed on the long-run. Use it raw, in salads or with cheese and tomatoes, but don’t use it for frying.