Did you know about these natural, highly effective substitutes for ibuprofen?

Thursday, November 03, 2016 by: Isabelle Z.
Tags: ibuprofen, substitutes, natural medicine

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(NaturalNews) No one enjoys dealing with pain, whether it's something mild like minor back pain or something much more intense like an excruciating migraine. However, many people choose to tolerate it anyway because they'd rather suffer through the pain than take risky medication for it.

This stance is understandable given the many dangers of common over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is often suggested for dealing with pain, particularly the muscular variety that is accompanied by inflammation. It's taken pretty casually for fever, headaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis and toothaches. However, taking ibuprofen for pain can be a case of trading one problem for another.

That's because ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are known to cause stomach bleeding and ulcers. They can also interfere with conception. These medications can harm a fetus when taken during pregnancy and even cause lifelong problems once the baby is born. Ibuprofen has also been linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack, particularly in long-term use, and it can impair kidney function.

There's another reason that people who are well-informed are so reluctant to take ibuprofen: its prolific use is now contaminating rivers and poisoning the fish who live there. People who take these drugs pass them back into the environment through urination, where it then affects sea life.

The good news is that you don't have to just grit your teeth and suffer through your pain if you're trying to avoid ibuprofen and similar drugs. There are several natural substitutes for ibuprofen that can take the edge off without putting your health at risk.

Ginger

Ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory, which is why it has been favored in natural medicine for thousands of years. In fact, a study published in the Arthritis journal in 2013 found that ginger was more effective than ibuprofen at relieving pain. You can get these effects by taking ginger capsules to treat PMS, for example, or by applying the cut end of a piece of ginger externally to help with minor injuries and arthritis pain.

Turmeric

The curcumin in turmeric has been used for centuries in India on account of its ant-inflammatory properties, and many health-conscious people add turmeric to their food to boost health. People who suffer from chronic pain report that daily use can bring about relief, and some varieties are being investigated for their potential to fight the joint damage caused by arthritis.

Cat's Claw

This South American herb is loaded with anti-inflammatory agents that help block the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which plays a role in inflammation and pain. It can help with immune function and joint health as well.

White Willow Bark

Known as "nature's aspirin", white willow bark contains a substance called salicin that can alleviate not only fever but also inflammation and other types of pain. It features in traditional European and Chinese medicine as a treatment for tendinitis, headaches, osteoarthritis, and lower back pain.

Capsaicin

Naturally found in chili peppers, capsaicin can be used topically to relieve pain in the muscles, nerves and joints by blocking the chemical in the body that sends pain signals to your brain. You can make your own capsaicin cream by combining some powdered cayenne pepper with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond, along with some beeswax.

Boswellia

This Indian herb that comes from the tree of the same name is a powerful anti-inflammatory. In one study, it reduced pain by 90 percent in patients and sent 70 percent of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis into complete remission.

Cannabis

One effective natural pain reliever that has been getting a lot of buzz is cannabis, which is used to treat pain stemming from a wide range of conditions. From inflammatory pain to neuropathic pain, marijuana is helping many people avoid taking pain medication. Population studies have even shown a decrease in opioid use in states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana.

Sources:

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