Aspirin is a world-renowned nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain, fever, headaches and heart disease. However, the side effects of this medicine include ulcers, heartburn, indigestion and nausea. To circumvent these problems that aspirin can cause and have the desired effect, natural alternatives exist, here are the safest ones!
Natural Alternatives to Aspirin
1. Bromelain
Bromelain is a phytonutrient found in pineapple that acts as a natural painkiller. This substance helps reduce the levels of prostaglandins, hormones that induce inflammation.
Bromelain may be beneficial for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as those with other inflammatory conditions such as gout and asthma.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is known to be a natural painkiller for bone and joint pain and body aches. It is especially effective at soothing heel pain and preventing muscle cramps.
It is possible to obtain the maximum amount of magnesium from Epsom salt by soaking the affected area in water mixed with Epsom salt or by bathing with Epsom salt. This type of salt is able to relieve the pain caused by toxins and that lead to inflammation.
3. Turmeric
This golden-yellow spice is a super-food that contains incredible medicinal properties. Indeed, turmeric is a powerful natural painkiller. According to a 2014 study published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, turmeric is more effective than ibuprofen in reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. Curcumin, which gives turmeric its unique color, is the cause of this pain relief.
You can use fresh turmeric root in your dishes, or use turmeric in its spice powder form. It is recommended to incorporate a teaspoon of turmeric into your daily routine, whether in food or drinks by adding a pinch of black pepper as this increases the bioavailability of turmeric in the body. It is also advisable to take it with a fat because of the fat-soluble nature of turmeric.
4. Cloves
Much of the anti-inflammatory activity of cloves comes from the eugenol they contain. They are often used to relieve dental pain. Biting on a clove can relieve a toothache.
It is possible to enjoy the effect of cloves in the form of capsules, powder or essential oil. As with most essential oils, you must mix clove oil with a carrier oil before topical application.
5. Anti-inflammatory oil
Depending on the location of the pain, oils rich in essential fatty acids can be powerful for reducing pain:
Headaches: drop a few drops of peppermint essential oil or lavender into your palms and some oil, rub them to warm them up and apply them to your forehead, temples and neck to get a quick relief.
Inflammatory pain caused by minor injuries and arthritis attacks. Apply arnica oil twice daily to your bruises and joint pain to reduce inflammation. Be careful not to apply the oil to a skin lesion.
6. Heat and ice
During an injury, with pain that includes swelling and inflammation, such as sprain, you should apply a cold compress. This will lower the swelling and accelerate healing.
When the inflammation subsides, the application of heat can help relax the affected area. If the problem is arthritis, joint pain and stiffness, you can use a hot water bottle with warm water to apply on the painful areas. This provides almost instant relief.
7. Mustard seed oil
Apply mustard seed oil to the area of pain to improve blood flow and relieve pain. Mustard seeds are a good source of selenium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have medicinal properties that can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis and inflammation.
