Written by Sara Piccola |

When it comes to painkillers you never know what you may or may not be putting in or on your body. With any form of prescribed medication there may be an underlying chemical or substance that ends up causing more pain than eliminating it.  Try some of these natural pain remedies.

Olive Oil

Yes, another fantastic use for this tasty cooking oil! It contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient that is similar to the ones found in painkillers – oleocanthal. This compound was isolated when it was discovered that freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil produces a stinging sensation in the throat, similar to ibuprofen. The oleocanthal in 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of olive oil is only 10 percent of the recommended ibuprofen dosage. However, even at this level, researchers believe oleocanthal can have long term benefits.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has an endless list of benefits. One of its biggest uses is as a natural pain reliever. Tea tree oil leaves are steamed to produce light yellow oil that is mainly used in medicine. Tea tree oil can be used for sprains, arthritis, bunions, bursitis, eczema, gout, carpal tunnel syndrome and hemorrhoids. Products with essential tea tree oil versus pure essential oil are less likely to cause irritation on sensitive skin. Researchers are currently looking into the pain relieving attribute of tea tree oil and whether it actually reduces inflammation besides killing the microorganisms causing it.

Vanilla Extract

Aside from being an attractive scent, new studies show that vanilla aids in pain relief. Vanilla extract can be used to relieve irritation in the gums or other minor skin irritations. The evaporation of alcohol from vanilla extract can cool a burn resulting in temporary pain relief.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has been used as a pain remedy for many years. The substance has the ability to cause a positive stimulant effect on the body’s circulatory system. The result is an increased blood flow and oxygenation of bodily tissues. Eucalyptus oil is also proven to get rid of muscle spasms. People who are prone to migraines are encouraged to use eucalyptus oil because of the dual effect in pain abatement.

Each of these ingredients can aid in pain relief individually. And when you combine these ingredients, they prove to be a powerful pain-relieving potion!

References:

1. http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=3784&channel_id=42&relation_id=30107

2. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/94032/health_benefits_of_tea_tree_oil.html?cat=5

3. http://stanford.wellsphere.com/healthy-cooking-article/uses-of-vanilla-extract/352191

4. http://www.reliefmd.com/painarticles/2-eucalyptusoilforstressandpainrelief.html

For more info, contact Gregor Johnson with Sierra International Health Products, LLC at (775) 250-3030.