Ibuprofen, a widely used pain medication for all types of aches and pains can be helpful as a short term solution however have you ever wondered the side-effects of it?
People often think that over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen, is safe and effective to use but forget to realise the bad side-effects from chemically produced medications.
Some of these medications are responsible for nasty adverse reactions in your body.
Good news is that there are many natural alternatives to choose from in order to have the same desired effect of reducing pain, temperature and swelling.
This article focuses on seven different natural alternatives and methods producing the same
Common side-effects of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen works in a chemical pathway by reducing your body’s ability to make prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are responsible for increasing temperature, promoting pain and inflammation as a protective measure against the viruses, bacterias and injuries.
We need to be sensitive to listen our bodies subtle signs of pains and aches and try to find out the real reason for little signs.
Common side effects of Ibuprofen include digestive problems like nausea, diarrhoea and indigestion. Even gastric bleeding and ulcers. This is due to reduced amount of prostaglandins that would normally protect the stomach lining from acidity.
Reduced production of prostaglandins can cause an imbalance in hydration, which can easily cause a headache, high blood pressure, fluid retention and decrease in kidney function.
Anxiety and nervousness is also associated with use of Ibuprofen.
Tiredness and nausea, lack of energy can be an indication of symptoms of liver failure.
1. Arnica Montana
Research found that arnica, applied topically, was as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the wrist with less side effects.
Arnica Montana is the scientific name for this beautiful plant flower that is very effective in healing bruising, reducing pain and inflammation process including swelling. It can be applied to the affected area in a lotion or gel form. You can also drink delicious Arnica tea.
Studies have found that Arnica may help in chronic pain management especially with osteoarthritis.
Research has shown that Arnica Montana may aid in the management of pain post-surgery and can be a viable alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The use of Arnica may be helpful especially after cosmetic surgery.
29 articles suggested that it may reduce the discolouration of the skin from bruising and reduce swelling especially when combined with compression bandage.
2. Ginger
Another study found that ginger (in powder form) was as effective as ibuprofen for pain symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea) pain and releasing stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
Ginger root comes from the flowering plant called Zingiberaceae, which is closely related to turmeric and cardamom. Beautiful ginger aroma is well known and widely used globally in various drinks and dishes. It can be used as raw, oil, powder, juice or tea.
Gingerol is the medicinal property in ginger that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects which fights against oxidative stress.
Ginger is known to help nausea and morning sickness. It may help in weight-loss.
Ginger has had significant results in lowering the blood sugar levels and improved conditions for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Ginger has been scientifically proven to accelerate gastric emptying which is helpful for people with chronic indigestion. Raw ginger appears to have protective qualities against cancer.
Ginger extract may inhibit the growth of bacteria, especially in mouth and is effective against gum diseases.
3. Turmeric
Research has shown that turmeric extracts were as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Turmeric is well known having qualities of anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-viral.
It can be consumed in a powder, tablet or fresh form.
4. Thyme
Another study found that an extract of thyme was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain and spasm symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles.
Thyme is a herb from the Mint family. It has many medicinal qualities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesia, antitussive, expectorant and mucolytic effects.
Thyme is rich in nutrients for your body including vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, fiber, iron and manganese.
5. Omega-3-Fatty acids
Research discovered that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with fish oil helped neurosurgery patients reduce their need for medications, and experience results consistent with previous research indicating palliative effects at least as effective as ibuprofen.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been proven to be as effective as ibuprofen for pain associated with difficult menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea).
It is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. It also very beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels and improves cardiovascular health and brain function.
Cinnamon is antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant.
7. Exercise
Exercise will help to release your body’s natural endorphin levels, natural painkillers.
Endorphins are released from injury, stress, and activation of natural reward system with activities like exercising. Natural happy hormones helps to relieve pain, stress and can cause euphoric feeling.
Endorphins are usually released after continuous exercise of 30 minutes, where your heart rate and breathing speeds up. This is especially important when you exercise something you love.
The body-mind-spirit connection is valuable, because you keep doing something that you love no matter what and eventually becomes a life style.
And don’t forget, when your legs get tired, run with your heart.