Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, liked to say, "The way of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain."

Pain is something we all want to avoid, but at times we feel it - whether it is a headache, toothache, menstrual pain, back pain, muscle or joint pain.

For many of us, the pain is a fact of life with which we often encounter. 

Pain bears its consequences – it can cause sleep problems, depression, anxiety, impaired immunity, family problems and many others.

Some of us look for a solution in pharmacies, buying medicines such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen.

Scientists still do not know exactly how analgesics are functioning in our body.

It is known that injured or inflamed tissues produce a range of chemicals, which send signals through the nervous system to the brain. The brain registers this signal as pain.

Various types of analgesics act in different ways. It is assumed that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) act in such a way that they block the enzyme responsible for producing chemicals that cause inflammation.

Paracetamol, on the other hand, acts directly in the brain, blocking the creation of chemicals that cause pain - prostaglandins.

Although very effective, conventional analgesics have a number of disadvantages when used frequently or daily. 

They can cause digestive problems, especially aspirin, which strongly irritates the intestinal wall. Long-term use of aspirin can cause peptic ulcer, while ibuprofen causes inflammation of the small intestine and the "leaky gut" syndrome.

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which bowels are exhibiting increased permeability and are allowing undigested protein molecules to get trough. This syndrome is associated with a range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may accelerate the degenerative changes in the joints of people who suffer from arthritis. In this way, these drugs relieve the symptoms of the disease, but worsen the illness. 

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory can also cause kidney damage.

A study recently conducted in England shows that one in 15 hospitalizations is due to side effects, most commonly aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Because pain is such a common occurrence in human society, it is not surprising that in traditional medicine there are so many natural resources for alleviating pain.

Natural methods for alleviating the pain include the application of ice or heat, acupressure, acupuncture, breathing techniques, massage, relaxation and healing herbs.

10 strongest painkillers

1. Acupuncture and acupressure

It has long been known that certain acupuncture points can ease or completely eliminate pain.

Acupuncture itself is a whole science and you can not apply it independently. So, if you want to try the benefits of acupuncture, contact a qualified expert in this field.

Acupressure is a method that comes from the Far East. It is in fact a modification of acupuncture. The difference between these two methods is in the mode of activating acupuncture points. Acupuncture uses needles, while the acupressure is performed with fingers.

Unlike acupuncture, you can perform acupressure by yourself at home.

 

Acupressure points:

Headache:

Toothache:

Labor pain:

Back pain:

Menstrual pain:

All types of pain:

2. Boswellia (Latin name Boswellia Serrata, ayurv. - Shallaki, salai guggal)

Indian herb boswellia showed in clinical trials the same efficiency as conventional painkillers when used to alleviate pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis. India's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research conducted a number of studies to find effective herbal medicines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Studies have confirmed that the active ingredients found in boswellia are much more effective than modern anti-inflammatory drugs and have no negative side effects.

Active substances, which are found in boswellia, have analgesic effect and reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals (leukotrienes).

Comparative study on a sample of 175 patients, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, showed that 97% of participants experienced improvements regarding pain levels, joint swelling and morning stiffness. Patients took 450-750 mg of boswellia extract during 3-4 weeks. 

Results were similar in people who were taking conventional medication ketoprofen and phenylbutazone, but unlike them, boswellia did not cause any negative side effects.

Apart from taking it orally, boswellia is also used in creams for local application.

3. Devil's claw (Latin name Harpagophytum procumbens)

Devil’s claw is another herb known for its effect on the pain caused by arthritis. Studies in France have shown that devil's claw is as effective as conventional medications against arthritis, but it is much safer.

The root of this plant native to South Africa contains iridoid glycosides, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Devil's claw also has good effect on back pain. Research in Germany has shown that devil's claw significantly reduces the intensity of pain, numbness and muscle weakness in people suffering from lower back pains.

4. White willow (Latin name Salix Alba)

The famous Greek physician Hippocrates recommended tea made of white willow leaves for treating pain.

Only in the late 19th century, it was discovered that white willow bark contains a special ingredient called salicylic acid.

Do you remember what is aspirin made of? That’s right – aspirin is salicylic acid in chemical form.  

Although natural salicylic acid works more slowly than aspirin, it brings the same effect in reducing pain, but without the negative health effects such as damage to the stomach.

Even though white willow has no irritating effect on the stomach, it is still recommended that people with peptic ulcers and gastritis use this herb with caution.

5. Feverfew (Latin name Tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew is another herb, which was known to the Greeks and they used it as a remedy for inflammation and menstrual pain.

Feverfew contains a group of active ingredients, called sesquiterpene lactones, and the most important of them is parthenolide.

Studies show that feverfew may reduce the frequency, severity and duration of headaches if consumed regularly.

In one such study, 72 people who suffered from migraines, took the preparation on the basis of feverfew for 4 months, while the other group took a placebo. 

The study showed that the group that took feverfew had a significant improvement in the treatment of migraine without any side effects.

However, feverfew is not effective in the case of acute migraine attacks.

6. MSM

It is known for a long time that bathing in sulfuric thermal water, or the oral intake of such water, is very good for people suffering from joint pain.

MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a natural sulfur compound, which relieves pain and inflammation of the joints.

Although many foods contain MSM, this ingredient unfortunately disappears in the process of cooking and food processing.

Studies have shown 80% improvement when taking MSM in the group of patients with degenerative arthritis.

Enthusiastic user of MSM was the famous actor James Coburn, who has for years suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, until he came across information about the MSM. "This is a miracle. 

The pain is gone. After three days I was able to play golf! "- said James.

MSM is available in capsule form, and can be used locally in the form of creams.

7. Magnesium

Regular intake of sufficient amounts of magnesium may help if you suffer from migraines.

This mineral is present in whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and green vegetables.

The concentration of magnesium in the blood and tissues affects serotonin receptors in the brain that are involved in the formation of migraines. In almost 50% of people who suffer from migraine, low concentration of minerals in the blood was observed.

In the German study, 41% of people noticed a significant improvement after oral intake of magnesium. Migraine intensity and duration were reduced.

Besides, magnesium stops the creation of inflammatory substance called Substance P, thanks to which it can effectively reduce back pain, muscle cramps and muscle weakness caused by fibromyalgia.

8. Bromelain

Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in pineapple stems. 

It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a cream for rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, muscle strains and sprained joints.

Not only that - bromelain has proven to be effective against the pain caused by sinusitis. It is also effective for relieving post-operative pains.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a special ingredient curcumin, which is a powerful painkiller and a remedy against rheumatic inflammation. Turmeric can be successfully used instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without any adverse health effects.

It was found that curcumin prevents the neurotransmitter substance P that sends pain signals to the brain. It also prevents inflammation in such a way that reduces the activity of prostaglandins.

Usually the dosage is 400-600 mg of curcumin three times a day. Turmeric can be taken together with bromelain.

10. Saliva

Maybe this sounds strange, but saliva is the strongest analgesic ever known. It has been discovered that saliva is 6-10 times stronger than morphine. Saliva contains a special ingredient called opiorphin that acts as a painkiller.

Scientists believe that the discovery of opiorphin will most likely lead to a creation of new generation of painkillers, a lot better than conventional means such as morphine, which causes addiction and psychosomatic conditions.

 Practical advice for specific types of pain

Toothache: clove oil, garlic, juice of wheat grass, peppermint, pepper, ice

Headache, migraine: heat or ice, light head massage, acupressure, feverfew, magnesium, aromatherapy: peppermint, sandalwood, lavender, eucalyptus

Stomach pain: anise, chamomile, turmeric, peppermint, soda

Back pain: massage, acupuncture, acupressure, exercise, yoga, hot bath, chiropractic, magnesium, turmeric, white willow, devil's claw

Joint pain: magnesium, MSM, turmeric, white willow, devil's claw, bromelian, boswellia

Menstrual pain: Omega 3, magnesium, zinc, calcium, acupressure, chamomile tea, the application of heat to the back or abdomen, hot bath, tea, ginger, bromelain

Labor pain: TENS, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, pilates ball, giving birth in water

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