Nature’s Best – Spices that Minimise Pain

Rebecca Lewis March 18, 2014

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We all experience pain from time to time. Whether its headache or migraine, joint ache, sore muscles or back pain – pain is often so difficult to bear. Whilst popping a pill provides fast relief, its soothing effect is only temporary and does not usually address the root cause of the problem, which in most cases, is inflammation. Moreover, medications have undesirable side effects on your body too.

Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to ease pain-causing inflammation. Here are some of the nature’s best pain relievers. You might be surprised to realise that some of these are a staple in your kitchen!

Ginger

Ginger is known for its flavour and aroma that can really transform a simple dish to something extraordinary. But aside from its culinary properties, this spice has been widely used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicines for centuries. Ginger contains gingerols and other compounds that act as antioxidants – sweeping away inflammation-causing free radicals in the body. Add it to your meals, drink as tea, or if you need a higher dose, take ginger supplements.

Turmeric

This spice is known to contain curcumin – a powerful inhibitor of Cox-2, which increases inflammatory response and prevents free radicals from forming and causing inflammation and pain. Furthermore, turmeric reduces inflammation by lowering your histamine levels and stimulating adrenal glands to produce more cortisone – the body’s natural painkiller. Consume more turmeric by adding it to your dish, or taking capsules.

Rosemary

Rosemary does not only make a good marinade ingredient for meat. It also reduces the amount of heterocylic amines (HCAs) – carcinogens released when meat are grilled or fried at high temperature. Not only does HCAs cause cancer, they also fuel pain-causing inflammation. Another thing, rosemary contains rosamarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol which are among the most powerful antioxidants on earth.

Mustard Seeds

Mustard is warming to the skin and improves circulation, which in turn minimises and prevents pain. It is known to help ease sore joints and muscles. Mix small amounts of flour, dry mustard, and warm water to make a paste, then spread the mixture in the middle of the towel and wrap around your joints or on your back.

Hot Peppers

Cayenne, jalapeno, habanero and other hot pepper varieties can help relieve pain due to the compound capsaicin. When used, it controls nerve chain that transmits the pain sensations. At present, capsaicin is being used in patches and rubs for pain relief.

White Willow

This spice contains salicin which is converted into acetylsalicylic acid – a potent compound in aspirin. This compound helps ease pain and inflammation and research shows it is good at fighting for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Mints

Mint varieties, like peppermint and spearmint, contain menthol, which when applied topically, soothes pain and ease muscle tension.

Which of these natural pain relievers have you tried? We love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share a comment below.