Pain management: 6 natural remedies and foods to eat

While taking medications for any pain, like backache, toothache, or headache, might offer instant relief, you should know that they often have some long-term side effects. As an alternative, some simple home remedies and certain foods can help alleviate pain. The natural treatment options and foods mentioned below are effective ways to manage pain. That said, it is advisable to seek medical advice before you make any lifestyle changes.

• Hot water bath
  This is an excellent therapy to alleviate pain affecting the bones, muscles, and tendons. Soaking in hot water helps relieve joint aches and lower back pain. If the pain results from anal fissures, open sores, or hemorrhoids, soaking the hindquarters in warm water can relieve irritation, itching, and spasms in the sphincter muscle. Doing this twice or thrice a day is best for effective pain management. You can also add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water. Epsom salt helps with muscle aches by relaxing tense muscles and reducing inflammation.
• Turmeric
  Turmeric is often used to add flavor and yellow color to dishes. It is an excellent home ready to alleviate pain, as it contains curcumin, an antioxidant that protects the body from damage-causing free radicals. Turmeric is beneficial to relieve inflammation and pain related to osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis. The spice is also helpful in treating other conditions like psoriasis, indigestion, an upset stomach, and ulcers.
• Heat and ice
  A common and effective pain management technique is applying heat and ice directly to the area where you are experiencing pain. An ice pack applied to strained muscles, ligaments, and tendons helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Once the inflammation goes down, heat reduces the stiffness caused due to strains and sprains. An ice pack also lessens the severity of a headache. For pains caused due to arthritis, moist heat packs (warmed in the microwave) help relieve the discomfort. You can also use a multi-purpose washcloth and wrap it around ice or a packet of frozen vegetables to make an ice pack. To treat infections like styes, boils, or cuts, use a warm and damp washcloth. A cold washcloth can also relieve pain and itchiness caused by pink eye.
• Cloves
  You can use whole cloves while cooking rice or add ground clove powder to pies and other recipes. For medicinal use, cloves are available as a powder, oil, and capsules. They are beneficial for treating colds and for getting relief from nausea. Cloves have eugenol, a natural pain reliever that is useful in alleviating toothache, headaches, and arthritic inflammation.
• Willow bark
  White willow barks contain a chemical called salicin, which is similar to the primary ingredient in aspirin. It is available as a dried herb that can be brewed. Willow bark is also available as capsules or liquid supplements, and this ingredient is beneficial for pain management in the lower back. It also reduces headaches and pain caused by osteoarthritis.
• Water
  Clean water helps cleanse scrapes and cuts and helps treat mild burns. In case of a mild burn, you should immediately put cool water on the affected area or cover it with a cold compress. However, cold water is not always effective and may worsen the condition. It is essential to use only cool and not ice-cold water for pain management.