Updated: 2/4/2020
While I would never want to discourage anyone from taking something that can offer pain relief, it’s no mystery that many of our medicines have some pretty serious risks involved with taking them. These risks include liver problems, ulcers, decreased kidney function, stomach bleeding, etc.
As easy as it may be to take medicine whenever you get a headache or stomachache or back pain, consider some natural remedies every now and then to give your liver some respite.
1. Water
Water is great for aiding in digestion—a common source of pain for many people. You should be drinking at least eight cups of water a day, and the best times are in the morning, with your meals, before you take a shower and before bed.
2. Lemon
While more harmful for your teeth, lemons are beneficial for your digestive system. When using this remedy, make sure you rinse your mouth out well immediately afterward, and that you brush and floss your teeth about an hour later.
3. Oranges
Oranges are a great source of fiber that can help improve your digestive system.
4. Pineapple
Have one cup of fresh pineapple every day and you’ll be able to ease your stomach bloating and gas.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers can help with a lot of different kinds of pain. They ease joint pain (arthritis or gout), lower cholesterol, prevent headaches, promote digestion, fight against cancer, rehydrate your body and control your blood pressure.
6. Turmeric
Eating about ¼ teaspoon of turmeric a day can help with chronic pain.
7. Artichokes
Artichokes are one beneficial vegetable. They’re rich in antioxidants and can increase your bone health, fight against cancer, control your blood pressure, facilitate digestion, help your heart, benefit your pregnancy, improve your liver health, lower your bad cholesterol, can treat Alzheimer’s disease and treat diabetes. Try to incorporate these in your diet whether you’re seeking pain relief or not.
8. Oats
If you suffer from endometrial pain or gluten intolerance, incorporate more oats into your diet. They will help with the pain.
9. Thyme and Rosemary Oil
Use these products as head rubs to alleviate headaches. Just place a drop or two of thyme or rosemary oil on your temples and forehead. Rub into the skin gently and relax quietly for several minutes.
10. Gingerroot
Using gingerroot in your tea is a great way to allay migraines. It can also stop some of the nausea that often comes with migraines.
11. Cinnamon Powder
Can be used to treat and prevent hypothermia.
12. Ginger Powder
Use ginger powder in your tea if you’re seeking relief from chronic inflammatory pain and stiffness.
13. Peppermint Oil
Include some peppermint oil in a footbath and let your feet rest in the hot water. This can help with headaches because the hot water will draw blood to your feet, which eases the pressure on the blood vessels in your head. You can also add peppermint oil to your bath to ease your sore muscles. It only takes a few drops.
14. Bath Crystals
Using mineral bath crystals in your bath can also relieve your sore muscles.
15. Aloe Vera
Using Aloe vera juice or gel can help soothe heartburn and cramps. It can even help with mood swings and bad breath.
16. Massage Creams
Oils and lotions that are made with analgesic ingredients can offer quick pain relief.
17. Epson or Sea Salt
Another great product for a foot bath. Epson and sea salt can ease pain in feet with ingrown or fungus toenails. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of hot water in the bath. Make sure you do this twice a day.
18. Greek Yogurt
Great for relieving most stomachaches and cramps. Eat about two cups a day.
19. Chamomile Tea
Great for easing pain and helping you relax. Tea is also a great way to soothe skin burns.
observista / Flickr / CC BY-ND
20. Neck Pillows
These are great for lessening neck and back pain.
21. Professional Treatment from a Chiropractor or Acupuncturist
Try going to a chiropractor or acupuncturist to see if they can relieve some of the pain.
While these remedies cannot relieve all pain, they can help decrease the amount of medicine you are taking with its accompanying negative side effects.
What natural remedies have you tried in the past that have been successful?
Sugar for burns, cuts, scrapes and other injuries. If used right away can eliminate blistering from burns and can also keep swelling and bruising down.
Discovered CURAMIN,a concentarted form of tumeric(plus a few other natural things) helping me with total body muscle and joint pain. Found it online and they had it at EARTH ORIGINS store.
Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear it helped you!
Great tips. Ginger root was a blessing while I was pregnant to ease nausea for first couple of trimesters. Did you know coconut oil can help with oral care? I swish in mouth every day for 20 minutes after I brush and floss. I can also help whiten teeth for those who cannot endure harsh bleaches.
That’s great to hear! Thank you for sharing! And yes, I did know about coconut oil. We did an article about that a while back. I should have mentioned that one in this article. Thank you for reminding me of it!