9/11/2015

5 Natural Pain Killers That You'll Find In Your Kitchen

Aquamin (Red Seaweed):

Osteoarthritis Inflammation and
Pain
This natural multi-mineral supplement derived from the seaweed Lithothamnium
calcareum is sourced off the coast of Ireland. It is rich in calcium and magnesium,
which can help with knee joint-related inflammation. A 2008studypublished in
theNutrition Journalshowed aquamin may reduce joint inflammation and stiffness
caused byosteoarthritis in the knee. Aquamin users experienced a reduction in
arthritis pain by 20 percent within a month, as well as less stiffness when compared
to their counterparts in the placebo group.
Its the seaweeds rich mineral content that allows to improve bone density as well as
promote joint mobility and flexibility, according to Clow.

Bromelain: Nose, Sinuses,

Osteoarthritis, and Muscle
Soreness
Thisanti-inflammatory enzymefound in pineapple juice and the pineapple stem is
used to reduce swelling especially of the nose and sinuses after surgery or
injury. It reduces inflammation by causing the body to produce substances that fight
pain and swelling.Additionally, it prevents blood from clotting in a number of ways,
including aiding in the breakdown of the clotting protein fibrin, making it another
exceptional food for those who experience inflammation, Clow said.
A 2011studypublished in the journalPhytotherapy Researchfound using bromelain
as an anti-wear-and-tear nutrient was effective in enhancing the recovery process
following an injury or surgery. Researchers crushed the Achilles tendons of Spraguedata:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Ch2%20style%3D%22box-sizing%3A%20border-box%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20padding%3A%200px%200px%201re

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5 Natural Pain Killers That You'll Find In Your Kitchen

Dawley rats and fed them bromelain for 14 days, finding they experienced quicker
healing rates.

Capsaicin: Arthritis, Migraine,

and Diabetic Neuropathy
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in red chili peppers, has medicinal properties that can
provide relief from arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and migraines. It works bybinding
to a protein on neuronsthat cause the body to feel heat and pain. This activates the
neurons and causes them to send out substance P, a neurotransmitter partly
responsible for the sensation of pain. When the neurons are exposed to capsaicin for
a long period of time, their substance P levels are depleted and theyre less able to
transmit pain signals.
A 2003studypublished in theBritish Journal of Anaesthesiafound capsaicins
therapeutic effect could be delivered via the nose for treating chronic migraines. The
subjects sprayed a jelly capsaicin formula once daily for seven days, applying the
spray inside the nose on the same side as the migraine. All patients treated with
capsaicin reported a 50 to 80 percent improvement in their migraine symptoms.

Ginger: Aches, Nausea,

Osteoarthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are known to relieve nausea, arthritis,
headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness. Ginger provides natural pain
relief by inhibiting inflammatory pathways. One of the features of inflammation is
increased oxygenation of arachidonic acid, which is metabolized by the COX-2 and
LOX pathways. Ginger can inhibit these pathways, Clow said.
A 2001studypublished in the journalArthritis and Rheumatismfound ginger extract
could possibly become a substitute for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
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(NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a ginger extract to a placebo in patients
with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The ginger extract reduced pain and stiffness in
knee joints by 40 percent compared to the placebo. This is attributed to gingers
ability to affect certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level, as Clow mentioned.

Turmeric: Sprains, Strains, Bruises,

and Joint Inflammation
This popular orange and yellow spice can help provide natural pain relief for a series
of ailments due to its active ingredient, curcumin. It is known to naturally shutdown
COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in inflammatory processes, according to Clow.
Turmeric has even been proven to work just as well as ibuprofen.
A 2009studypublished inThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicinecompared curcumin with ibuprofen for pain relief in patients with knee
osteoarthritis. Curcumin was found to ease and improve function in a similar fashion
as ibuprofen treatment. Moreover, it served as an alternative for those who cannot
take medicine such as OTC pain relievers.
Using these herbs and spices may help strengthen the immune system and treat
diseases, but it is always best to talk with a physician before using any natural
remedies.

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