Can simple herbal remedies curb pain and help you with relaxation? I know research and articles I have read definitely promote this as being so. In my own life, I have definitely found relief with herbs in different forms.
One of the things I have suffered from is extreme pain in my shoulders and neck from sitting at a computer all day long. Fortunately, it is not nearly as bad now as it used to be, thanks to the remedies I have on hand – and without the need for medications!
Living with pain can take a great toll not just on our body, but emotionally. On top of that, it can, of course, cause a lack of sleep. I am sure you know what it is like when you wake up and try to move, and there is that pain and discomfort in your body, and you just can’t find a comfortable position so that you can get back to sleep. Eating the right foods can definitely help. A good, balanced meal with lots of health-promoting nutrients can go a long way. I know that when I was suffering so severely with migraines and drastically changed my diet, things began to change for me. I also learned that some of the foods we often have on hand in our refrigerator or pantry can be of great benefit.
So whether you suffer with migraines, headaches, arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain, knee pain, or other types of pain, check out some of these prescription-free and natural remedies to see if they help you like they have helped me.
1. Ginger
I love ginger. I put quite a bit in my breakfast smoothie every day. Ginger has quite an impressive history of pain relief and has been used for many years. Today, even medical journals have reported that a few tablespoons of ginger a day can help ease muscle pain caused by exercise.
Ginger works on a cellular level because it contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents as well as analgesics – inflammation-fighting properties. Ginger also has an anti-ulcer agent which means it helps with stomach issues, and definitely helps with nausea. Ginger has also been shown to reduce inflammation-causing substances which are often linked to pain, by breaking down existing inflammation in the joints naturally.
You can add ginger to a smoothie, or you can slice it up and put it into boiling water for drinking as tea. You can also buy herbal ginger tea if you don’t want to make your own. Of course, you can add a little bit of ginger root to many of the recipes you may be making for dinner as well.
2. Turmeric
This is another great herb, which I also add to my smoothie. I prefer to use it fresh, but when it is not available, I use it in powder form. Turmeric boosts not only your circulation, but because it is a member of the ginger family, it also is effective as an anti-inflammatory that can help with arthritis and joint problems. Actually, it has been used to treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain in its raw form. Definitely a great one to try to help ease any pain and inflammation you may be experiencing. (As a side note, this has also been helpful with my migraines.)
3. Chamomile
While chamomile has been promoted as a relaxation herb, and has been recommended as a sleep aid by drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed, it also has properties which naturally inhibit anxiety. Additionally, chamomile extract is actually a powerful pain reliever which can soothe aches at the source by lubricating and inhibiting bone loss. And ladies, it has also been shown to ease menstrual cramps!
Chamomile is so easy to find. You no longer have to go a special herbal or health food store, you can get chamomile tea almost anywhere these days.
4. Garlic
Garlic is very well known for its flavorful enhancement to many food dishes. While it may not be the most common piece of information you will hear about garlic, this powerful plant actually contains naturally occurring antioxidants that are powerful for fighting discomfort, arthritis and heart disease. Garlic is great for healthy joints and pain management. It is so easy to use and incorporate into your lifestyle. One thing you can do is put a few garlic cloves into your tea strainer, boil water and drink with some honey. While that may not sound so palatable to you, it works. But if that is not your taste, try adding a little more fresh garlic to the foods you eat.
These are just a few of the pain-fighting, anti-inflammatory-busting herbs available out there. It should also be noted that these herbs do work well for migraine sufferers and people who have issues with headaches. However, remember that these four herbs can be used for whatever type of muscle pain, discomfort or inflammation you may be suffering from.
I would highly recommend that you give these herbs a try. Work them into your daily lifestyle, and let me know how they work for you.
I would love to coach you more regarding foods you can add to your diet, and how to slightly change your diet to not only benefit from the anti-inflammatory benefits, but also how you can benefit with weight loss, healthy living and overall good health. Hop on a free call with me so that we can discuss what changes you can make and how you will benefit. To schedule, ==>CLICK HERE<==
I can completely relate as I too have neck and shoulder pain! I had been experimenting with getting different kinds of pillows, but you just reminded me to look at my diet for aid. Thank you!
Great article and reminder that we only need look in our kitchen to find the most natural remedies to decrease inflammation.