Natural Remedies For Pain Relief

Herbs and gentle exercise provide natural remedies for pain relief. Herbs or dietary supplements may create unwanted side effects or may be contraindicated for your condition, however. Discuss any alternative or complementary medicine you wish to try with your physician, and keep him abreast of your home treatment's effectiveness.

Herbs

According to an article on Nemour's website, titled "How Do Pain Relievers Work," damaged cells release prostaglandins. Stimulated by prostaglandins, receptors in nerves send pain signals to your brain. Feverfew, an herb used to combat menstrual pain, may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in vitro, reports "Guide to Popular Natural Products, Third Edition." Pain from osteoarthritis may be treated with ginger. The herb impairs the prostaglandin synthesis and has limited effectiveness in treatment of the joint disease, as cited from PubMed.gov's "Herbal Treatment Commonly Associated Rheumatology."
Steep 1 tbsp. of dried feverfew leaves in roughly 10 oz. of hot water to create a pain remedy. In approximately 20 minutes, strain the herbal tea. To make ginger tea, drop approximately a 1/2 inch-size portion of the peeled root in a teacup. Pour hot water into the teacup, and allow the ginger root to steep. Because ginger has a sharp flavor, you may wish to remove the root and test the tea's flavor as soon as you can sip the tea without burning your tongue.

Fatty Acids

MayoClinic.com suggests that fish oil supplements may reduce pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder with joint inflammation. Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docasahexanoic acid, or DHA, which are polyunsaturated fats. In the article "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases," Dr. Artemis P. Simopoulos writes that EPA competes with arachidonic acid in the synthesis of prostaglandins. The omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, or AA, has been linked with agents that cause inflammation in the body. DHA helps in the formation of anti-inflammatory agents, reports the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Incorporate cold-water salmon or mackerel in your diet as a natural remedy to help combat pain. If you choose to use fish oil supplements, then ask your doctor about effective dosages of EPA and DHA for your weight.

Diet

Combine diet with yoga to create a treatment plan for your menstrual pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports omega-3 fatty acids may reduce menstrual pain caused by inflammation. Sprinkle walnuts, sardines or ground flaxseeds in your salad to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds and halibut contain magnesium, a mineral that relaxes muscles. If you choose to take a supplement, discuss the proper calcium-to-magnesium ratio with your physician so that you avoid an imbalance of these minerals. Use yoga positions such as a child's pose or a supported bound-ankle pose to help you relax during times of premenstrual discomfort. Before attempting a yoga position, notify your instructor of any pre-existing injury.