Safe and Natural Pain Relievers

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used pain reliever in the United States. That may soon change due to the warnings of liver damage with excessive use. Every year 56,000 people are seen in the emergency room due to accidental overdoses of acetaminophen. There are other over-the-counter pain relievers but they can cause GI distress.

The good news is that you may have an alternative for pain relief. Depending on your type of pain, one of the three following natural remedies may help you without side effects.

If you overdid it at the gym and your muscles are aching, ginger is a great alternative to acetaminophen. All it itake is 500 mg of ginger three times a day until the soreness is gone. Ginger contains an enzyme called zingibain and aids in the breakdown of excess fibrinogen, a by-product of muscle metabolism that contributes to soreness.

Has all the holiday stress left you with a horrible headache? Try taking white willow bark for relief. Just 400 mg can provide relief within 20 minutes. White willow bark contains salicin, a natural analgesic used to make aspirin. It also contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols making it more effective while being completely safe for the liver and stomach.

Does the cold weather have your arthritis acting up? Turmeric contains curcumin which inhibits the production of prostaglandin, and inflammatory chemical that triggers pain and stiffness. By adding just 1 teaspoon of turmeric per day to your soups or stews can offer relief. If you prefer, you can even take a curcumin suppplement of 500 mg up to three times daily.