10 Natural Adjuncts to Pain Relievers That Work and Why They Work
Natural adjuncts to pain relievers are substances that, when taken together with your pain medicines, will synergistically produce desirable and better pain relief. For example, turmeric enhances the beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory properties of medications like celecoxib or ibuprofen, leading to less pain and lower requirements for the medicines.
In this post, we will discuss:
What natural adjuncts to pain relievers are, and their benefits.
Ten examples of natural adjuncts to pain relievers and where they are used.
What are natural adjuncts to pain treatments?
Natural adjuncts to painkillers are unprocessed, naturally occurring, and usually plant-based substances that can boost the pain relief action of pain medicines and other pain treatments. On their own, they can, to some degree, relieve pain and mitigate other consequences of chronic pain conditions like fatigue and low mood. These substances help reduce or relieve pain without causing harmful side effects.
Some benefits of using natural adjuncts to pain treatments are:
Reducing the dose requirements of the prescribed pain medications.
Fewer side effects than conventional pain medications.
They may reduce inflammation in the body, resulting in less pain.
They may offer other health benefits, for example, improving mood, sleep, digestion, and immunity, which enhance the quality of life and general well-being.
They may be more accessible and affordable than some pharmaceutical drugs.
What are the features of a good natural adjunct to pain treatments?
Some features of an excellent natural adjunct to pain treatments are:
It should have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and inflammation.
An excellent natural adjunct to pain treatments should boost immunity.
It should possess antioxidant properties that protect cells of the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress.
It should have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that can block, slow, or reduce pain signals to the brain.
It should cause minimal or no side effects
It should not interact with other medications or supplements.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active element in chili peppers, giving them a spicy flavor. It can also help relieve pain by depleting a substance called substance P, which is involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain. You can apply capsaicin cream or gel to the painful area or take capsaicin capsules orally. Be careful not to get capsaicin in your eyes or mucous membranes, as it can cause a burning sensation. Some examples of pain conditions that capsaicin can help with are:
Arthritis: A review of studies found that applying capsaicin cream or gel to the affected joints reduced pain and stiffness in patients with forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Neuropathic pain: According to some research studies, applying capsaicin cream or gel to the affected area decreased the pain severity in people with neuropathic pain caused by diabetes, HIV, shingles, or surgery. It also improved their quality of life.
Postherpetic neuralgia: A study found that applying a high-concentration capsaicin patch to the affected area reduced pain and improved sleep quality in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (a complication of shingles).
Ginger
Ginger is a common spice with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. It can help reduce inflammation and pain in various conditions, such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle soreness. You can consume ginger as a tea, a supplement, or a fresh or dried root. Some examples of pain conditions that ginger can help with are:
Osteoarthritis: A review of research studies found that taking ginger extract reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Dysmenorrhea: A review of research studies found that taking ginger capsules reduced pain severity and duration in women with primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
Migraine: A research study found that ginger powder effectively reduced migraine pain and associated symptoms.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another spice that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. It contains curcumin, the compound responsible for most of its health benefits. Curcumin can help reduce inflammation and pain in various conditions, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and cancer. You can consume turmeric as a spice, a supplement, or a tea. Some examples of pain conditions that turmeric can help with are:
Osteoarthritis: A review of research studies found that taking curcumin reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Ulcerative colitis: A study found that taking curcumin orally along with conventional medication reduced relapse rate and improved quality of life in people with ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease).
Cancer: A review of studies found that taking curcumin reduced cancer-related pain and fatigue in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Feverfew
Feverfew is an herb that has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties. It can help prevent and treat migraines. You can consume feverfew as a tea, a supplement, or a fresh or dried leaf. Some examples of pain conditions that feverfew can help with are:
Migraine: Feverfew extract may reduce migraine frequency and severity in those with chronic migraines.
Tension headache: A study found that taking feverfew extract orally along with white willow bark extract (another natural painkiller) reduced headache intensity and duration in patients with episodic tension-type headaches.
Rheumatoid arthritis: A study found that applying feverfew gel to the affected joints reduced pain.
Co-enzyme q10
Co-enzyme q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally produced substance that plays a key role in energy production in our bodies. CoQ10 has beneficial antioxidant properties. Scientists have evaluated CoQ10's potential benefits in various health conditions, including pain management. CoQ10 may help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and enhance nerve function, contributing to pain relief. However, the evidence needs to be more conclusive, and more research is required to confirm the effectiveness and safety of CoQ10 for pain management. CoQ10 supplements are generally well tolerated, but they may interact with some medications or cause side effects in some people. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking CoQ10 for pain management or any other purpose.
Cloves
Cloves are aromatic flower buds used for centuries as a spice and a natural remedy. Here are some ways that cloves can help relieve pain. Cloves contain eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Eugenol can reduce or stop the production of prostaglandins, which are some of the mediators of inflammation and pain in the body.
Cloves can be applied directly to the painful area to reduce the pain and swelling. For example, cloves can treat toothache, sore gums, mouth ulcers, and headaches. To use cloves for topical pain relief, you can either chew on a whole clove, apply clove oil diluted with carrier oil, or make a paste of ground cloves and water. Cloves can also ease internal pain and inflammation. To use cloves for this pain relief, you can either brew clove tea, add cloves to your food, or take clove capsules or tinctures.
Cloves have other health benefits besides pain relief. They have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. They can also boost the immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and improve liver function. Cloves can help with digestive problems like nausea, bloating, gas, and stomach ulcers.
Cloves are generally safe for pain relief but may have some side effects and interactions with your other medications. You should consult your doctor before using cloves if you have any medical conditions or allergies or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications. You should also avoid using too much clove or clove oil, as it may cause irritation, bleeding, or liver damage.
Butterbur
Butterbur is a plant extract used for various conditions, such as migraines, hay fever, asthma, and stomach problems. It may help reduce the occurrence and severity of migraines. An old 2011 review found butterbur a safe and effective migraine treatment but at high doses. Butterbur may have side effects and risks, such as allergic reactions, headaches, drowsiness, and liver damage. Watch out; some butterbur products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are harmful to the liver. Only PA-free butterbur products should be considered for use.
There is not much evidence to support the use of butterbur for stomach problems, and some studies have found that butterbur may actually cause stomach issues, such as nausea and vomiting. Butterbur should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding or by people with liver disease or bleeding disorders. It may also interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, antihistamines, and antidepressants. Consult a doctor before using butterbur for any condition.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for human health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce pain and inflammation in various conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, migraine headaches, and neuropathic pain. Fish oil can also improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clots, possibly reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
The recommended dose of fish oil for pain management varies depending on the condition and the individual. Generally, 1 to 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily is considered safe and effective. Fish oil can be obtained from eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, or from taking capsules or liquid forms of fish oil. However, some fish may contain high levels of mercury or other contaminants, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is advisable to choose fish oil products certified by third-party organizations for purity and quality.
Fish oil may interact with medications such as blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticoagulants. Therefore, consulting with a doctor before taking fish oil for pain management is essential, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
Krill oil
Krill oil is a supplement derived from tiny crustaceans that live in the ocean. Like fish oil, krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, migraines, and fibromyalgia. Krill oil may also improve joint function, mobility, mood, and cognitive function.
Krill oil is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it may cause some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, fishy burps, or allergic reactions. It may interact with medications such as blood thinners, antiplatelets, or anticoagulants. Consult your doctor before taking krill oil if you are on any medications or have any medical conditions.
The recommended krill oil dosage varies depending on the product and the condition being treated. Follow the instructions on the label or consult your doctor for guidance.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant used for centuries in traditional medicine for various health benefits, including pain relief. Ginseng contains compounds called ginsenosides, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy.
Ginseng may also modulate the activity of the nervous and immune systems, which are involved in pain perception and regulation. Ginseng may enhance the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and stop or slow the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord and the brain.
Ginseng may be taken as a supplement, tea, or extract or applied as a cream or oil. The dosage and duration of ginseng use may vary depending on the type and severity of pain and the individual's age, weight, and health status. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using ginseng for pain relief, especially if one has any medical conditions or takes any medications that may interact with ginseng.
Ginseng is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used appropriately and in moderation. However, some people may experience side effects such as headaches, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or changes in blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Ginseng may also interfere with some drugs, such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, diabetes medications, or hormone therapies. Therefore, it is important to monitor one's symptoms and reactions when using ginseng for pain relief and seek medical attention if any adverse effects occur.
Bonus: Natural Magnesium
Natural magnesium is a mineral required in many bodily functions, such as proper nerve and muscle function, blood pressure control, and blood sugar control. Some studies have suggested that natural magnesium may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, which could make it a valuable adjunct to pain relievers. Natural magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains. As an adjunct to pain relief, magnesium can be taken as a dietary supplement, although the optimal dosage is yet to be determined. Before you use natural magnesium as an adjunct to pain relievers, please consult your doctor for advice and guidance. Excessive amounts of natural magnesium can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. Natural magnesium can also interact with medications such as antibiotics, diuretics, and blood thinners.
In conclusion
The natural adjuncts to pain relievers explored in this blog are just a few natural substances with pain-relieving benefits, the proverbial tip of an iceberg. They point to the incredible potential nature has to alleviate chronic pain. Embracing these holistic approaches safely can benefit your pain management strategies, offering relief without relying on synthetic medications alone.
As we integrate nature into enhancing our well-being as people living with chronic pain condition(s), we invite you to check out the unique and transformative services offered by Ticked Bucket List. Imagine a world where chronic pain doesn't hinder your ability to explore the wonders of our planet. With its travel advisory services tailored for individuals living with chronic pain, Ticked Bucket List opens the door to a new era of pain-managed adventures. With Ticked Bucket List, nature's healing power meets the joy of exploration.
Useful Reads
Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain: What the Science Says. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/complementary-health-approaches-for-chronic-pain-science
Vitamins and Minerals for Pain Management. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/vitamins-and-minerals-for-pain-management
Natural Herbal Non-Opioid Topical Pain Relievers—Comparison with Traditional Therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9785912/
Natural Products: Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy. https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/natural-products-phytotherapy-and-aromatherapy/
