Natural Painkillers In Your Kitchen

By Chioma Umeha

With a substandard and a sedentary lifestyle, popping medicines has become a part our everyday humdrum. We don’t even think twice before gulping down a Saridon or a Crocin but what we don’t realize is how toxic such dependence can become. ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’, said Hippocrates. So, here we list down foods that act as natural pain killers and the good news is – they do not have side effects.

So drop the pills and try these natural painkillers –

Tart Cherry: We may not know this but tart cherries are very good at relieving pain. They contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins which help in suppressing inflammatory compounds and pain.

Dosage: Some handfuls

Turmeric: The ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow colour is spice curcumin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are comparable to over-the-counter antibiotics medicines available. It is effective in alleviating joint and muscular pain and swelling.

Dosage: In milk or turmeric tea

Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help alleviate pain from arthritis, stomach ache, chest pain, menstrual pain and even muscle soreness.

Dosage: Apply ginger compress to area of pain

Red Grapes:This, too, is a not-so-popular remedy for pain. It contains an antioxidant compound called resveratrol that gives it its red colour. Resveratrol helps in maintaining cartilage health, preventing joint and back pain.

Dosage: Some handfuls

Peppermint: Peppermint is known for its therapeutic properties as it helps in relieving muscular pain, toothache, headache and pain in nerves. It helps ease digestion and stomach problems. Besides, it also has a soothing impact on your mind and memory.

Dosage: Chew some leaves

Salt: Add 10 to 15 tablespoons (1 cup) of salt in your bathing water. Soak yourself in that water for about 15 minutes. A saline solution helps dehydrate the body cells and thus, reduces inflammation and pain.

Dosage: 1 cup of salt in bathing water

Soy: A study conducted by NCBI concluded that soy protein can help alleviate arthritis pain and relive symptoms of osteoarthritis. Soy contains ‘isoflavones’ which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Dosage: Have soy or soy milk

Plain yogurt: Unlike other dairy products, plain yogurt is known to alleviate symptoms of bloating, inflammation and pain. The healthy bacteria in yogurt eases digestion and helps in relieving from abdominal pain.

Dosage: A bowlful

Hot Peppers: An active ingredient called capsaicin in hot peppers, which is also present in many pain-relieving creams, helps in soothing nerve endings and depletes a chemical that causes pain.

Dosage: Add half a teaspoon in soups or your food.

Coffee: Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine can reduce your sensitivity to pain, muscles aches and even headaches. In fact, it is also known to magnify the results of other pain relievers. But be cautioned as it may not work if you are a regular coffee consumer.

Dosage: A cup