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10 Natural Pain Relievers

Natural Pain Relief

Suffering from pain and wondering what to do? No fear. We've compiled ten of the best natural, science-backed pain relievers that you can use to treat almost any kind of pain, from chronic conditions to acute injuries.

Key Takeaways

  • While there are plenty of natural pain relievers out there, stick with those that have been proven effective in scientific studies.
  • Gentle exercise, stretching, and yoga help prompt your body to release endorphins, a natural painkiller.
  • Ice and heat are classic natural pain relievers, each useful for different kinds of pain.
  • Several herbs have been shown to help with inflammation and pain, including some that can be used in essential oil form.
  • Physical therapy, massages, and acupuncture are great options for easing pain, though they can be expensive.
  • A great natural pain reliever is CBD, a natural compound found in the hemp plant that's available in all kinds of formulations.

See Related: What Is THCP? Legality, Benefits, & More

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Introduction to Natural Pain Relief

Simply put, pain sucks. Few things are worse than persistent pain that just won't resolve.

If you're suffering from pain, especially chronic pain, you might be tempted to try pain medication. However, you might be hesitant, worrying about potential side effects or dependency.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of alternative treatments for pain. Some of these are alternative medicines, while others are exercises or lifestyle changes that can relieve pain.

How to Choose the Right Natural Pain Relief

With so much choice, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Unfortunately, the world of natural medicine is filled with people trying to sell you remedies or treatments that have no scientific backing.

These can be tempting, but they often will do nothing to reduce pain. Some can even make pain worse.

Obviously, that's no good. It's why you should stick to pain relief methods that have been tested in some capacity, ideally in a proper scientific study.

The good news is that this restriction still leaves us with plenty of science-backed natural pain relievers. We've gathered ten of the most effective here for you to choose from. They're all backed by research, relatively cheap and/or easy to do, and can help both acute and chronic pain.

#1. CBD

cannabis buds and tinctures can be used for pain relief health health-surgery-health-surgery

CBD, a natural compound produced in hemp, has shown promising signs of being able to help treat a number of conditions that cause pain. This includes chronic pain. 

CBD also happens to be one of the most versatile options on this list. You can take it in the form of a gummy or oil. We also offer a CBD Pain Cream Rub and CBD Roll On for Pain that you can apply topically to sore spots. 

All this helps explain why CBD has exploded in popularity over the last decade. One recent survey even found that 60% of US adults have tried CBD!

#2. Ice or Heat

Ice Therapy

There's a reason your parents likely brought out a bag of frozen peas whenever someone got hurt. Ice can relieve inflammation, making it a great choice for new injuries, like a sprain. 

If you're applying an ice pack to a source of pain, make sure to cover it with a cloth, towel, or napkin. You don't want the cold ice pack to directly touch your skin.

That’s where our Joint and Muscle Relief Freeze steps into the picture. Designed to quickly absorb into the skin for quick relief, this muscle freeze-on is made with pain-relieving ingredients like CBD and aloe leaf juice to save your tired joints and muscles. 

Alternatively, you can try ice water therapy. These cold plunges have surged in popularity in recent years, with people reporting all kinds of benefits, from reduced stress to better muscle recovery. 

Just remember to limit each session to 15 minutes or so. Though if you're anything like us, you'll be eager to get out long before that time limit is up!

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Heat Therapy

The other temperature extreme is also beneficial for pain. Where ice reduces inflammation, heat can help relax your muscles, easing the stiffness that often contributes to pain.

For that reason, heat is usually better for chronic stiffness, like a long-term injury. Make sure your source of heat isn't too hot. You don't want to burn yourself.

If you're using hot water, like in a bath or shower, make sure to keep the water below 38 degrees Celsius. (I.e., a little above body temperature, more or less.)

#3. Gentle Exercise 

This might seem counterintuitive. After all, when you're in pain, the last thing you might want to do is get moving. Especially if exercise is what caused the pain in the first place!

We get it. But research shows that exercise is one of the most powerful natural remedies for pain. 

There are two reasons for this.

The first, and perhaps more obvious, is that exercise helps boost your overall well-being. By exercising, you're strengthening your body and loosening any potential stiffness.

The second reason exercise is so good at easing pain is the fact that it releases endorphins. These feel-good hormones literally mimic the action of morphine, an extremely powerful pain medication. In fact, the very name "endorphin" comes from the term "endogenous morphine" — i.e., morphine produced in the body.

Exercise isn't the only way to release endorphins. Some other treatments on this list, like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, do so, too. Playing music, laughing, and getting sunlight are other ways to release endorphins.

Whatever exercise you decide to do, make sure it's gentle. Do not do anything that worsens your pain. Walking, swimming, exercises in your chair, or weight lifting with very light weights are all good options. 

#4. Stretching and Yoga

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Yoga is another great option for gentle exercise. We've put it in a separate category because it's arguably more related to a different pain management strategy: Stretching.

Anyone who's been to a physical therapist knows how important stretching is. Stretching properly gently lengthens your muscles, relieving tension and, therefore, pain. 

Again, don't stretch in ways that worsen your pain. Take things slow. You might want quick relief, but stretching too hard, too fast, can result in injuries.

Try targeting specific points that you think would most benefit from stretching. There are plenty of guides online that can help you identify what stretches will best help you. The stretches to help with low back pain, for example, will naturally be different to those for neck pain.

#5. Breathing Exercises and Meditation

When stretching or doing yoga, it's important to maintain control of your breathing. But breathing techniques alone can also be great remedies for anyone experiencing pain.

When you're in pain, your body might release stress hormones. These can make you feel anxious, which can make it hard to sleep, which can make the pain worse. It's a vicious cycle.

Breathwork is a great way to force your body to release pent-up stress. There are various techniques. 

One, called box breathing, involves breathing in for five seconds, holding for five seconds, breathing out for five seconds, and holding for five seconds. Imagine each step is like the side of a box. You repeat the four steps, making your way around the box again and again until you feel some relief.

Other techniques to try include diaphragmatic breathing, five-finger breathing, and modified box breathing. Even simply breathing slowly, deeply, and intentionally can help! 

Bonus: Are Psychedelic Mushrooms Addictive?

#6. Herbal Remedies

lavendar essential oil can relieve muscle tension without burning sensation

Our ancestors used certain herbs for their natural pain-relieving properties for thousands of years before modern drugs were discovered. Certain herbs continue to be used in herbal medicinal products.

Here are a few:

  • Boswellia: Also known as frankincense. Traditional uses include easing pain and stiffness. A 2020 study found it effective in treating pain.
  • Turmeric: Research suggests this yellow spice, which contains a powerful antioxidant, can help reduce swelling and pain. 
  • Cloves: This spice contains eugenol, which is actually present in some over-the-counter pain remedies. 
  • Feverfew: This plant was traditionally used to treat migraines, arthritis, and stomach pains. Studies suggest it can reduce inflammation, but it can also cause side effects. 
  • Ginger: This root has been found to help reduce muscle pain and even speed up recovery. In fact, one study from 2017 found ginger to be as effective as ibuprofen for treating pain from an operation!
  • Capsaicin: We know what you're thinking. The compound that causes spiciness, which can itself be painful, is a pain reliever? It might sound crazy, but multiple studies suggest capsaicin really can relieve pain.

#7. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy often involves stretching and gentle exercise, but it's specifically targeted at relieving certain pain. 

For example, the first line treatment for knee osteoarthritis is physical therapy. Various exercises are often prescribed to help with range of motion, strength, and so on. All this can help reduce the pain felt from this frustrating condition.

#8. Acupuncture 

Sticking thin needles in your body? To help with pain? Hold on, trust us.

If centuries of use don't convince you of acupuncture's effectiveness in treating pain, let us direct you to a 2018 meta analysis. It concluded that acupuncture can help reduce chronic pain, headaches, arthritic pain, and more. Not bad!

#9. Massage

Few things are as relaxing as a nice massage. They're particularly great at helping to relieve pain from exercise or pain caused by stiffness and tension in the body.

#10. Essential Oils

Several essential oils have been found to help with pain.

  • Lavender: Research suggests this oil can decrease the intensity of pain when inhaled or applied to the skin. 
  • Peppermint: Not only does this oil smell fresh, it might help reduce inflammation, thus relieving the pain from conditions like arthritis and tension headaches. Be aware, though, that some people are allergic to it.
  • Eucalyptus: One study found this oil useful for reducing pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis. 
  • Rosemary: This oil might help with bone and muscle pain.

Remember to dilute these oils, either in a carrier oil like olive oil or in water. And don't ingest them. They can be toxic, especially to children, when eaten. 

Conclusion

If you're suffering from pain, we empathize. But don't lose hope. There are plenty of natural pain remedies out there, many of them free and easy to try. From tinctures to edibles, the options are endless!

Remember, the best remedy is the one that actually works for you. So if one of the suggestions on this list simply doesn't do the trick, try another!

Keep Reading: Is THCa Legal in Ohio? Navigating Cannabis Laws In 2024

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