Natural pain relief
Over-the-counter painkillers may do more harm than good, causing side effects and impeding healing—but natural options can ease pain fast and help heal the body to restore vitality
Ease arthritis by 94 percent
As health authorities sound the alarm about the dangers of prescription painkillers, women are turning to over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. But experts are issuing new warnings against those meds too. “To put it simply, joint cells hate NSAIDs,” notes chronic pain specialist
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. “Studies have shown the drugs can accelerate damage to cartilage and impair tendon healing.” What’s more, a study in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage linked NSAIDs and other pain relievers to a doubling of arthritis progression. That’s a big concern since more women than ever need relief: Research at Boston University reveals that joint pain affects 68 percent more Americans than previously thought. The good news: Natural remedies can ease joint pain in mere minutes and keep future bouts at bay.
For arthritis flares An herbal cream
“Comfrey cream works wonders for arthritis pain, which typically strikes joints such as the hips and knees, especially in the morning and at the end of the day,” notes Holly Lucille, N.D., author of The Healing Power of Trauma Comfrey. “The herb contains allantoin and rosmarinic acid, which not only stem inflammation, they speed the healing of tissues to prevent future flares.” To treat soreness and stiffness, she advises applying the cream (available in drugstores) to painful spots up to four times daily. In a study in the journal Phytotherapy Research, this strategy decreased joint tenderness and stiffness by up to 94 percent—and relief set in within 1 minute.
For gout A fruity sip
To ease the swelling and pain of gout, which occurs when uric acid crystals form in the big toe, elbow, fingers or other joints, experts suggest reaching for cherry juice. Tannins in cherries produce anthocyanins, compounds that quell inflammation, notes Svetlana Kogan, M.D., an integrative medicine specialist in New York City. “Cherry anthocyanins have also been shown to lower uric acid levels,” adds Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D., author of Arthritis-Proof Your Life. To hamper a gout attack, Cook advises mixing 4 Tbs. of tart cherry juice concentrate in 8 oz. of water. “It will start working within 20 to 30 minutes,” she says. Sip daily until discomfort subsides, then halve the dose. In a study in Arthritis & Rheumatology, doing so cut gout sufferers’ risk of future episodes in half.
For tendinitis This spice extract
When overexertion from repetitive activities like gardening triggers soreness in tendons attached to shoulder, elbow or ankle joints, turn to curcumin (a compound in turmeric), advises Dr. Teitelbaum. “You’ll feel substantial relief in as little as 20 minutes since curcumin inhibits COX enzymes that fire pain pathways. It also increases the production of endorphins that have pain-dampening effects.” What’s more, studies show curcumin can enhance tendon repair and lower levels of inflammatory substances by 70 percent. He advises taking three tablets a day of Curamin Extra Strength (Amazon.com), a highly absorbable form of curcumin, at the first sign of pain.