Pain is an unpleasant experience that can make everyday activities difficult. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as injuries, illnesses, or emotional stress. Pain can range from mild to severe.
Reports suggest that approximately 116 million American adults suffer from chronic pain. That is more than one-third of the US population. Pain pills can reduce suffering, but they can be addictive. Additionally, pain pills produce side effects, and they often fail to eradicate the true cause of the pain.
In this National Nutrition Month, let us focus on making informed food choices and develop sound eating habits to deal with pain. Let’s explore the key ingredients required to change our food systems for a healthier tomorrow.
Some herbs and spices have been traditionally used to help alleviate pain. Below are six herbs and spices that have been traditionally used to help ease pain and inflammation. If you are looking for natural remedies to help you deal with pain, these are a good place to start.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant-based spice that has been used for centuries to treat inflammation and pain. It is also known to boost the immune system. Turmeric is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has been used for centuries as a poultice or a tea made from the dried root. It is also known as yellow ginger or Indian saffron. It has been used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties since ancient times. Additionally, turmeric has been used topically for swelling, pain, and skin conditions.
2. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a member of the Piperaceae family and is used to fight pain. In many cultures, black pepper is used as a spice and helps to reduce pain levels. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, is a potent inhibitor of several enzymes that are required for the production of prostaglandins. When you eat the pepper, it causes your body to release a chemical that blocks pain signals from the brain to the body.
3. Feverfew
Feverfew is a flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia. The plant is a member of the daisy family and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant was used by the Romans and Egyptians, who used feverfew to treat toothaches, headaches, and stomachaches. In this day and age, feverfew is used for rheumatoid arthritis and migraines.
4. Cloves
Cloves are a member of the Myrtaceae family. They are an aromatic spice that is used in cooking, and medicine. Clove oil, also known as eugenol, is a potent analgesic that activates the release of endorphins and enkephalins and sends a message to the brain that it is time to relax. These are the same chemicals released when you receive an injection or take a painkiller, but the effects are much longer-lasting and more powerful.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that is a member of the mint family. It is the youngest of all the herbs in the family. This member of the family is commonly known as the Rosmarinus officinalis and is a herb that can be used as a dietary supplement that can ease the symptoms of pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
6. Ginger
Ginger is a root and is used in flavoring dishes from gingerbread cookies to stir-fried foods. It is a staple of traditional medicine that has been used throughout history as a remedy for a number of ailments, including arthritis pain, migraines, muscle ache, as well as menstrual cramps. Additionally, ginger can also fight nausea, motion sickness, vomiting, upset stomach, indigestion, and more.
Winding-up
Herbs and spices are great natural painkillers. They are safe, effective, and affordable. If you are looking for a natural way to reduce your pain, try using some of these herbs and spices to help fight your pain. They are safe and effective, and you can find them at most supermarkets.
