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Monday, December 27, 2010

Kill the pain, naturally

Eisha Sarkar
Posted on Hello Wellness on Dec 27 2010 1:08PM

Pain is a bulletin from the body that something is wrong. Ignore it and you’re risking disaster. Get stressed about it you make it worse. Pop a strong anti-inflammatory drug and you feel nauseous. But then there are other ways to make the pain go away like these easy-to-use natural products:

Hot remedy!

An active component of chillis, capsaicin temporarily desensitises pain-prone skin nerve receptors reducing the soreness for three to five weeks. In a study conducted by the University of Oxford, nearly 40 per cent of arthritis patients reduced their pain by half after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month, and 60 per cent of neuropathy patients achieved the same after two months. Pain relief from arthritis typically is evident one to two weeks after starting capsaicin. To prevent pain from recurring, capsaicin must be continued. However, if the pain persists, consult your doctor.

Curry spice makes you feel nice

The curcumin in turmeric inhibits the activity and creation of two enzymes that cause inflammation - cocylooxygenase (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX) - and brings about relief from pain. A study conducted by the American Botanical Council found that incorporating curcumin-based turmeric extract into pain-relief regimen may benefit osteoarthritis sufferers as it reduces joint pain and stiffness and makes them less dependent on anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.

An apple a day...

Apples are regarded as an excellent food medicine for gout, arthritis and rheumatism particularly when uric acid poisoning causes these diseases. Apples contain malic acid, which neutralises uric acid and lessens the pain suffered on account of these disorders. Boiled as a jelly, they make a very good liniment for rheumatic pains. They should be rubbed freely on the affected part.

Water's your best choice

Abundant, easily available and free, water is one of nature's best pain-relievers. Swish a little warm water in your mouth to get relief from a toothache or apply a hot water bottle to reduce stiffness and muscle soreness. The ice packs come handy for all kinds of sprains, aches and pains while drinking lots of water (at least eight glasses a day) may help ease muscle, menstrual cramps and gout. And if your whole body aches, soak yourself in a tub of warm water with a little epsom salt added to it.

While most natural remedies do not have side-effects, do consult with your doctor before using them, especially if you are on medication.

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