Hundreds of injuries, illnesses and medical conditions can cause localized pain. Because topical pain relievers are generally safe and associated with few side effects, some people may turn to natural spray-on pain relief products to reduce the symptoms associated with sprains, fractures, infections, arthritis and other problems. After consulting your health care provider, consider using any of these natural products to relieve your pain.
Cayenne
The University of Maryland Medical Center regards capsaicin, a compound found in cayenne pepper, as a highly effective pain reliever. Commercial products containing capsicain can be sprayed directly to an inflamed or painful spot on the body. According to the UMMC, cayenne temporarily depletes levels of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. As a result, most people feel pain relief after using topical cayenne products. The UMMC recommends cayenne for relieving pain caused by arthritis, shingles, surgery and neuropathy.
Clove
Clove contains a powerful pain-relieving compound known as eugenol, which can relieve localized pain when it is sprayed on an injured or infected area. The National Institutes of Health acknowledges clove oil's long-standing history as a topical treatment for toothache. Eugenol, the compound responsible for clove oil's pain-relieving effects, was once approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a topical anesthetic. However, the NIH reports that the FDA has recently lowered eugenol's efficacy rating. Clove sprays may also be used to treat throat pain and arthritis.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil appears to be effective as a topical treatment for tension headaches, according to the NIH. Menthol, the compound responsible for peppermint oil's medicinal properties, exerts a cooling, numbing sensation when it is applied directly to a painful area. Consider using diluted peppermint oil sprays on the neck, temples, forehead and sinus area to relieve tension-related headache pain. The NIH reports that there is insufficient evidence to rate peppermint oil's efficacy as a spray-on treatment for nerve pain and muscle pain.
Lavender Oil
Perhaps best known for its relaxing properties and its extensive use in aromatherapy, lavender oil may also offer pain-relieving properties when it is sprayed directly on a painful area. The NIH acknowledges lavender oil's potential as a topical treatment for headache, migraine, colic and toothache. However, there have not been enough studies to prove that lavender is a safe or effective treatment for these conditions. Always consult your health care provider before using any naturopathic product to treat a symptom or condition.
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