Hippocrates said, ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.’
Our lifestyle has become sedentary generally. Also, lack of exercise, irregular sleep patterns and bad choices of food combined is making people unhealthy and sick. Popping medicines has become a part of our everyday life. For every kind of pain we don’t even think twice before gulping down the painkillers. But, what we don’t realize is that these can be highly toxic sometimes and their dependence can become addiction. So if you are looking for natural painkillers from your kitchen pantry without any side effects – the good news is that this article is all about food as medicine. We have picked a few ingredients from your kitchen, which can be used as natural painkillers.
- Cloves:
Cloves have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. It can be chewed gently to relieve toothache and reduce gum inflammation. Clove oil made from grounded cloves is perhaps best known as a remedy for toothache and dental pain. The antibacterial properties of clove help reduce oral bacteria that can lead to the development of plaque, gingivitis, and cavities.
- Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar can be used for mild reflux by mixing one teaspoon of the vinegar into a glass of water. Taking this before or after meals may reduce acid reflux symptoms in some people and also help in weight loss.
It is not advisable to drink apple cider vinegar for moderate to severe acid reflux.
- Garlic:
Garlic is a natural painkiller and has numerous health benefits. It has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When eaten, garlic can help boost your immune system and help fight infection.
Garlic oil can also help relieve earache and mild ear infections. Garlic infused oil can also be prepared at home for immediate use.
- Cherries:
Cherries are a rich source of anthocyanins. A member of the flavonoid group, anthocyanins has antioxidant properties that may battle inflammation. Tart cherries are also said to promote joint health and relieve arthritis. One study conducted by the Boston University School of Medicine found that eating cherries could help prevent gout flares.
- Oily fish:
Oily fish contains long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Long-chain omega-3 can help to prevent heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids suppress the enzymes that cause inflammation, which can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it can help a baby’s nervous system to develop.
- Yogurt:
Greek yogurt – a delicious, creamy dairy food that is a good source of calcium serves as a great nutrient and natural painkiller that seems to fight against PMS symptoms. A study conducted at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst found that women who ate the highest amount of calcium were 30 percent less likely to develop PMS than women who ate less than half that amount. So eating two cups of fat-free Greek yogurt can help relieve the pre-menstrual symptoms. So add some berries, bananas or granola to it, top it with some honey and eat up!
- Turmeric:
Turmeric has great antioxidant properties toward and one of its most significant properties is its use as an anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric relieves chronic pain, promotes gut health and a small amount introduced to the diet has been shown to be beneficial to anyone who wants to be proactive in preventing discomfort, such as muscle soreness after exercise.
- Salt:
A go-to natural painkiller to soothe your sore throat is gargling with warm salt water and it also helps relieve toothache symptoms as well. Adding a little salt to your footbath also helps relieve foot pain and ingrown toenails.
- Peppermint:
Peppermint is known for its therapeutic properties as it helps in relieving muscular pain and adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil can relieve muscle soreness, chewing some leaves help 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.
- Water:
Staying hydrated is a great way to reduce inflammation in the body. Water is recommended to flush toxins and other irritants out of the body. This decreases the prostaglandin and histamine response, which is associated with an inflammatory reaction. Dehydration leads to impaired concentration and increased irritability, can also act as a trigger for a migraine or other forms of headaches. In such cases, consumption of water provided relief from headaches in most individuals within 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Horseradish:
Horseradish has high sulfur levels, which can help you reduce some of your sinusitis side effects, like mucus buildup. It promotes drainage. When you feel a cold or sinus infection coming on, consider horseradish for sinusitis. You can grate horseradish and keep it on your mouth till the flavor disappears. When the flavor fades, swallow it so that it helps clear the stagnant mucus.
- Raw Honey:
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Just applying a drop of honey on your canker sores four times daily, can instantly give you relief from pain. Honey is also effective for preventing secondary infections that may worsen your canker sores. You can apply honey to your canker sores after each meal.
- Coffee:
Who could have thought that coffee in addition to being a great hot beverage can also be a great natural painkiller? 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 by stimulating the stomach to absorb pain medications better. But be cautioned, as it may not work if you are a regular coffee consumer.
