Natural Pain Relief

Pain relief doesn’t always come in a pill bottle. There are better solutions, many found in your refrigerator, spice rack, and garden. The right mix of foods, herbs, and supplements has proven to be extraordinarily effective in managing chronic inflammation and pain – no prescription required.

Here are some of the latest findings on a nutritional approach to healthy, pain-free living.

Doctor, What Should I Eat?

Follow the Mediterranean diet. Evidence abounds to show that people who choose lean proteins like fish and poultry, plant-based foods like beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and olive oil, enjoy longer, healthier lives. These food choices have proved beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to recent studies that show a decrease in joint tenderness and an improvement in a sense of well-being as a result of following the Mediterranean diet.

Garlic’s myriad benefits include curing toothaches, reducing the aches and pains of arthritis, aiding digestion, treating coughs and preventing hypertension.

Onions, one of the richest sources of flavonoids (antioxidants), has been shown to inhibit inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Consult Your Spice Cabinet

Turmeric is recognized as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, mainly through the spice’s active ingredients, curcuminoids. Turmeric should be from a quality source and is most bioavailable when heated, making it ideal for stirring into a cup of hot tea or warm milk, for sprinkling on roasted cauliflower, or in a variety of Indian dishes.

Ginger reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure and is of great value as a digestive aid. Other uses include: relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, chest, lower back and stomach pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis.

Willow bark is used as a fever reducer, mild pain reliever, and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Comfrey-containing creams have been found to significantly reduce inflammation and pain associated with sprains and muscle injuries.

Essential Oils to Relieve Pain

Clove essential oil, commonly used as a dental pain reliever, may also be effective for treating dry socket when combined with a zinc oxide paste.

Peppermint Oil is one of the most popular remedies for alleviating intestinal gas and abdominal cramps. In addition, a dab or two on your temples provides welcome relief from a migraine headache.

Start Slowly with Supplements

Before starting on a supplement regimen, take note of these safety precautions:

• Check with your physician to ensure the supplement will not interfere or react badly with any current medications you are taking.
• Only choose tested, standardized, single-name supplements from a high quality company.
• Read the label carefully and understand what you’re taking.

Consider these supplements with proven benefits:
Magnesium glycinate can help reduce frequency of migraines and eliminate menstrual cramping. Taken at night, this supplement can also help you fall quickly and easily to sleep.

Vitamin D is frequently seen at insufficient levels in Americans, and is important in regulating blood pressure, immune function and regulating cell growth.

Fish oil supplements appear to be a safer alternative to ibuprofen for reducing arthritic neck and back pain.

While there are a number of foods, plants and herbs with medicinal qualities, there is no single one that serves as a magic bullet for pain relief. Instead, a synergistic effect often occurs with a blend of different compounds. The wisest, safest route is following a well-balanced healthy diet and choosing supplements and herbs in consultation with your physician.

Uday Jani, MD, is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician at Shore View Personalized Medical Care. He is Fellowship Trained in Integrative Medicine. If you are looking for a physician within the Beebe network, use the Find a Doctor database at www.beebehealthcare.org/find-a-doc or call the Physician Referral Service at (302) 645-3332.