Pain is a warning signal to investigate causes. In modern life when we feel pain we immediately want to get rid of it which can lead to subduing symptoms while serious causes may be lurking beneath the symptom. Simple physical problems or emotional tensions are often at the seat of the problem.

Natural Solution for Pain syndromes

Many of us might be surprised to learn that there are natural solutions that came before the modern drugs that are commonly used in today’s society.

1.      Quercetin: Reduces pain and the inflammation that causes it. Especially useful in allergic responses.

2.      Bromelain: This plant sulfur-containing, proteolytic (protein-digesting)  protein digesting enzyme is derived from pineapple stems. Bromelain is recognized for its natural pain-relieving effects due to systemic anti-inflammatory action which may help in situations from sinusitis to bowel disorders.

3.      Turmeric:  Also referred to as curcumin itis commonly used in Indian foods and is known as an anti-oxidant and potent painkiller. It is effective in treating chronic pain in situations such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease due to blocking inflammatory pathways.

4.      Glucosamine: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage and may aid in repair by stimulating the body to make more cartilage. They may be helpful in reducing pain from problems such as osteoarthritis.

5.      Ginger: can reduce inflammation and increase circulation, and is particularly helpful in stomach pain and for muscle soreness and joint pain from arthritis.

6.      Vitamin D: Low levels have been linked to pain,  osteoporosis and increased preeclampsia risk in pregnant women, among other outcomes. Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods, including fish-liver oils, fatty fishes, mushrooms, egg yolks and liver.

7.      Magnesium: has been shown to help relax stiff or spasmodic muscles. Fibre foods are generally high in magnesium. These include legumes, whole grains, vegetables (especially broccoli, squash, and green leafy vegetables), seeds, and nuts (especially almonds).When there is a real magnesium deficiency, supplementation by tablets or powder is the first protocol to increase levels rapidly.

8.      White willow bark: contains a chemical called salicin that is similar to aspirin.White willow bark is effective in relieving inflammation, fever and pain, including headache, muscle pain,  rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.

9.      Boswellia: Alternatively known as “Indian frankincense” Boswellia increases blood flow . The gummy resin contains  boswellic acids which have anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce pain in inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthiritis and  tendonitis.  

10.   Cat’s claw: Uncaria tomentose  is a rich source of more than 30 phytochemicals which include alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterol fractions, and other compounds including quinic acid esters.  It possesses  strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that aids in blocking the production of the hormone prostaglandin which contributes to inflammation and pain within the body.  

11.   Omega-3 fatty acids: From fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties proven to be beneficial to reduce pain in people who suffer with arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. 1200 mg per day of omega-3 EFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid and decosahexaenoic acid) found in fish oil supplement for a period of over 75 days has been shown to help non surgical back pain (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16531187).

12.  Magnesium

The Pain & Inflammation page gives access to the supplements and others which may be of help in reducing pain as they contain the above ingredients.