We have been raised in a time when any ache and pain, no matter how insignificant, begins a journey to the medicine cabinet where we reach for the almighty Ibuprofen or Naproxen. There may be more than one reason why pharmaceutical companies began researching alternatives to aspirin, but the fact is, those OTCs can really do more damage than good over the long run. If you are seeking natural remedies for the relief of pain without resorting to OTC NSAIDs, here are three ways to consider.
A Word on the Dangers of NSAIDs
Before we start, there is something to be said for aspirin and although it may inflame the lining of the stomach, it is still far safer than NSAIDs which can cause a significant amount of damage to the liver. Also, don’t let those ads fool you. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause just as much inflammation in the stomach, and as mentioned, are infinitely more toxic to the liver where those chemicals are filtered from the body. Yes, aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children, but it is still safer for adults. However, if you don’t want to take any of the above, what other natural ways can you alleviate pain without taking OTC NSAIDs?
1. CBD Oil
This is being listed first because it has been gaining in popularity over the past decade. It is finally becoming better understood that CBD oil is NOT psychoactive and there are no mind altering side effects to be worried about. CBD oil simply acts on cannabinoid receptors throughout your body and has been proven time and again to alleviate pain as well as stress and other symptoms altogether too often treated with pharmaceuticals. The bottom line? Pain relief without getting high! The only euphoria you will experience is the high that comes with the relief of those unbearable pains.
2. Chiropractic Adjustments & Acupuncture
These are both natural remedies for the relief of pain and both are administered by a licensed practitioner. Sometimes you need to travel a bit to find a competent practitioner, but many people have gotten amazing relief from joint and muscle pain they were unable to find in any other kind of therapeutic treatment. In fact, many practitioners recommend using natural CBD oil in conjunction with these physical manipulations because of their symbiotic relationship. The work together for the common good – that would be the relief of unbearable pain.
3. Yoga & Meditation
If you are looking for a time-honored method for the relief of pain, it would be either (or both!) yoga and meditation. Actually, they are not mutually exclusive and are often part of the same experience. There is something to be said for the slow, thoughtful control of the body through yoga stretches and exercises that help to focus the thoughts on eliminating the stress that often results in the pain you are experiencing. In other words, you learn to relieve pain through a mind and body connection.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to relieving pain without OTC medications. It may take a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you but the bottom line is that there are natural remedies that are just as, if not more, effective than pharmaceuticals.
