by Mae Chan on 24 March 2014, from PreventDisease Website

How many people do you know that turn to ibuprofen to relieve inflammation and pain?

This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), available both over the counter and by prescription, is commonly used a number of painful conditions such as:

• arthritis
• menstrual symptoms
• headaches
• various inflammatory conditions

However, it is also linked to:

• anemia
• DNA damage
• hearing loss
• hypertension
• miscarriage
• even influenza mortality

So, why not use natural alternatives that have no side effects and are just as effective?

Many studies have been done on various natural pain killers and anti-inflammatories that can be used as alternatives to ibuprofen and NSAIDs.

They generally have no side effects.

[1]

Boswellia

This anti-inflammatory remedy comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in India.

Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial – PubMed (nih.gov)

The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia are attributed to the boswellic acids that it contains.

These acids improve blood flow to the joints and prevent inflammatory white cells from entering damaged tissue.

Also known as “Indian frankincense,” boswellia is available as a supplement and a topical cream.

For pain and inflammation, a suggested dose is 450 to 750 mg daily for three to four weeks. 

In one study, this decreased arthritis pain by over 80%. 

Use 900-1,000 mg a day.

[2]

Devil’s Claw

is a South African herb that has active in Europe for hundreds of years.

It is very effective against inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain.

Some evidence suggests that devil’s claw works about as well as pain relieving drugs for improving osteoarthritis pain in the hip and knee. 

Some people taking devil’s claw seem to be able to lower their dose of NSAIDs or eliminate them completely.

This evidence comes from a study that used a specific powdered devil’s claw root product (Harpadol, Arkopharma) containing 2% of the devil’s claw ingredient harpagoside (9.5 mg/capsule) and 3% total iridoid glycosides (14.5 mg per capsule).

Another specific devil’s claw extract (Doloteffin, Ardeypharm) 2400 mg/day providing 60 mg/day of the harpagoside ingredient has also been used.

[3]

Capsaicin

[Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) (/kæpˈseɪsɪn/ or /kæpˈseɪəsɪn/) is an active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is a chemical irritant and neurotoxin for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Capsaicin and several related amides (capsaicinoids) are produced as secondary metabolites by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against certain mammals and fungi. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, highly pungent, crystalline solid.]

The active component of chili peppers, capsaicin is often used topically to nerve, muscle, and joint pain.

Effect of a topical herbal cream on the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial – PubMed (nih.gov)

It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical that helps transmit pain signals to the brain.

It is available as a topical cream or gels in several different potencies (most often, 0.025% to 0.075%) and is usually applied three to four times daily.

It can cause some stinging and burning initially, but it typically subsides with use.

[4]

Cat’s claw

Evidence anti-inflammatory action is limited to cell culture studies and has not been demonstrated in randomized control human trials.

Antiinflammatory actions of cat’s claw: the role of NF-kappaB – PubMed (nih.gov)

Cat’s claw is being studied for a number of other possible uses, including:

• HIV
• Crohn disease
• multiple sclerosis
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)
• endometriosis
• kidney problems
• bladder cancer

and Alzheimer disease.

More research is needed before scientists can say whether it is effective.

Uncaria tomentosa, or cat’s claw, also known as uña de gato, grows in South America.

Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis – PubMed (nih.gov)

It contains an anti-inflammatory agent that blocks the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which contributes to inflammation and pain. 

Suggested doses are 250 to 1,000 mg capsules one to three times daily.

Taking too high a dose may cause diarrhea.

Cat’s Claw: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage (healthline.com)

[5]

DMSO

and Sweet Relief cream combined is a completely natural way to deal with chronic pain.

DMSO has many uses, but it is known mostly as a natural pain killer and transporter.

First synthesized in 1866, DMSO is a sulfur-containing organic compound that is derived from MSM and can be used internally or externally.

DMSO can aid injuries such as:

• sprained ankles
• sore muscles
• sore joints

and even fractures.

It is very effective in treating joint pain when combined with capsaicin which dramatically increases effectiveness.

[6]

Curcumin

Curcumin is a component of the herb turmeric, and it is a potent painkiller that can block proteins in the body that cause inflammation and also stops the neurotransmitter called substance P from sending pain message to the brain.

Curcumin induces apoptosis and inhibits prostaglandin E(2) production in synovial fibroblasts of patients with rheumatoid arthritis – PubMed (nih.gov)

Studies show that curcumin is effective in easing the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

A suggested dose is 400 to 600 mg of curcumin taken three times daily for pain and inflammation.

[7]

Omega-3 fatty acids

The omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that have proven beneficial for people who suffer with:

• arthritis
• other inflammatory joint conditions
• inflammatory bowel diseases

Dietary omega-3 fats for treatment of inflammatory joint disease: efficacy and utility – PubMed (nih.gov)

Omega-3s also reduce cardiovascular risk, which is especially helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis, which carries an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. 

A suggested dose of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil is 1,000 mg daily.

[8]

Cannabis

Weed & Smoking – Library of Rickandria

An investigational cannabinoid therapy helped provide effective analgesia when used as an adjuvant medication for cancer patients with pain that responded poorly to opioids, according to results of a multicenter trial reported in The Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society.

When patients begin to consume cannabis, there is a notable decline in the number of prescribed medications taken, such as:

• antipsychotics
• mood stabilizers
• pain relievers

These drugs have severe side effects. 

There is not one clinical study which examined the use of cannabis for pain relief where subjects were not able to reduce their drug intake.

White willow bark

This herb is the predecessor of aspirin.

White willow bark contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the stomach.

Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial – PubMed (nih.gov)

White willow bark is much less irritating to the stomach than the synthetic drug, aspirin, while it works to relieve:

• pain
• inflammation
• fever

A suggested dose is 1 to 2 dropperfuls of white willow bark tincture daily.

White Willow Bark Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and More – Dr. Axe (draxe.com)

WILLOW BARK: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (webmd.com)

11 Health Benefits Of White Willow Bark, Uses, & Side Effects (effectiveremedies.com)

Mae Chan holds degrees in both physiology and nutritional sciences.

She is also blogger and technology enthusiast with a passion for disseminating information about health.

Sauce:

Natural Alternatives to Ibuprofen and NSAIDs with No Side Effects (bibliotecapleyades.net)