If you need pain relief more often or only occasionally, it's definitely worth considering natural solutions and avoiding the constant use of medication for a while.
Many people don't realise how effective alternative solutions to pain relief are, and it would be worth everyone's while to know about them. Now you can find out which are the best foods and herbs that can relieve pain.
Sardines can be great for cartilage damage. The omega-3 fatty acids in marine fish help block the receptors that cause inflammation. They reduce the production of the enzymes that cause cartilage damage. They also help prevent blood vessel calcification.
Regular consumption of sardines can relieve the pain of people suffering from polyarthritis and can also relieve menstrual cramps. If you don't like fish, you may want to take it in capsule form.
Blueberries have a very good stomach-relieving effect. It is very good for an inflamed stomach thanks to the antioxidants it contains. It also contains tannin which has antibacterial properties. It can be a great help in case of diarrhoea, but it also restores the intestinal flora in case of infections. Just 1 cup of blueberries a day contains enough vitamin C to cover your daily needs. Not only fresh but also frozen blueberries are recommended.
Willow bark is very good for headaches. It has been popular in Europe and China for centuries. It is also very good for fever, flu, headaches and joint pain. The active ingredient is salicylate, which is also found in aspirin. It converts to salicylic acid and can therefore reduce fever, pain and inflammation. Of course, it works much more slowly than an aspirin but the effect lasts longer and can be used for a long time. The taste is bitter and astringent. It is important not to take it with aspirin as it increases the side effects.
You might not think about pineapple, but it's a very good antispasmodic. The compound in it called bromelain is an effective compound for relieving chronic pain, especially arthritis. It has a very powerful digestive effect, so it is also very good for dieters. It relieves bloating but can also effectively reduce menstrual cramps. High in vitamin C, it also strengthens the immune system. Canned pineapple is not highly recommended as it contains a lot of sugar and all the effective enzymes are destroyed by heat treatment. Buy fresh pineapple anyway.
Ginger is great for muscle aches and pains. It has many uses yet it is not as well known in Hungary as it should be. It also tastes delicious and is healthy. It stimulates the blood circulation, so it is very good for muscle aches and migraines, but also for colds and nausea. It also helps reduce joint inflammation and prevents the production of inflammatory substances. You can make tea, soup or use it as a spice. The taste is slightly pungent, just 2 tablespoons of ginger a day can be very effective.
Garlic is also very good for arthritis. Garlic is a natural antibiotic. It contains allicin as it has an extremely strong antibacterial effect. It can be particularly effective in winter to fight and prevent all infections. It is also great for toothache and earache. All onions contain allicin, so if you have stomach problems with garlic, you can eat red onions or purple onions instead.
Turmeric is used in Indian medicine, especially to treat wounds and injuries. Turmeric reduces the chance of blood clots forming. It also helps tissues to heal faster and is antiseptic. When consumed in large quantities, it increases the body's production of cortisol and thus the production of inflammation-causing proteins is reduced. It also has a diuretic effect, so it can also be used for weight loss.
