If you’re living with chronic pain, or even if you just suffer from unexpected aches every now and then, you know it’s no picnic. Pain and inflammation can but a wrench in your day, and sometimes there are few solutions your doctor can offer to get you on the mend. So why not start your healing at home? Below are a few tried and true home remedies that might help decrease your inflammation and pain.
1.Pineapple
Pineapple is chock full of bromelain, an enzyme that is absorbed straight into the body without being broken down as most enzymes do. Bromelain can help to reduce inflammation and pain, so next time you’re hurting, snack on some pineapple slices or make yourself a pineapple smoothie.
- Epsom Salts
An Epsom salt bath is an excellent way to unwind from a long, exhausting day. Epsom salts’ magnesium and sulfates are great at decreasing inflammation. They can also help ease muscle spasms and aches. Soak in a warm bath filled with Epsom salts for quick relief.
- Olive Oil
This ingredient is for more than just cooking. Extra virgin olive oil can work similarly to ibuprofen to help ease inflammation. Look for bottles of extra virgin olive oil with a strong taste, because the more prominent the taste, the higher the concentration of the ingredient that can help reduce pain. Rub the oil directly onto your joints for relief, and massage it onto your sore points.
- Yoga
Yoga can help with so many goals, from stress relief to increased flexibility, and it’s a great option for easing inflammation. People who regularly participate in yoga have higher amounts of natural chemicals in their bodies that can help to combat inflammation. Warrior II, a popular pose in vinyasa yoga, is a wonderful pose for this. The pose begins with a variation on a lunge and arms extended out to either side, and is known to sometimes be accompanied by a rush of positive emotions. Talk about an added perk!
- Ginger
Adding more ginger to your diet is an excellent way to decrease inflammation. Not only does it help with aches and inflammation, but ginger is also great for soothing the stomach. Ginger tea, ginger cold pressed juice shots, or even cooking with ginger are excellent ways to add some more of it into your life. Heads up: ginger can act as a blood thinner, so talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about that.
- Cardio
As mentioned, yoga can be an excellent remedy for inflammation and pain, but so can exercise in general. Prioritizing cardio, regularly movement, and a physically healthy lifestyle can make a big difference in easing pain and inflammation. The endorphins your body produces when you exercise can assist in improving your tolerance for pain. Of course, if you’re hurting too much to move much, be sure to consult your doctor before getting started. Medical professionals and fitness instructors can often suggest modifications to exercises or plans for slowly ramping up your activity, so there’s always an option!
- Turmeric
Like ginger, turmeric can make a big impact on your health when added to your diet. People have been using turmeric for thousands of years to manage inflammation, stomach issues, and other health issues. Turmeric may even be as effective as ibuprofen in managing pain caused by arthritis and other ailments.
- Hot And Cold Temperatures
Your mom’s remedy of heating pads and cold packs were right all along. The important thing to distinguish is when to use heat for your pain and when to use cold. Cold packs or ice are best soon after suffering from an injury. When you’re experiencing inflammation, you’ll generally want to reach for cold. Later, once your inflammation has cleared up, heat can help with stiffness. Heat is also a great option for joint pain and arthritis. A health professional can help you clear up any questions you might have about which temperature is ideal for your individual pain situation.
- Fish Oil
Many people take fish oil supplements for the ingredients beneficial impact on the brain and memory, but it also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Make fish oil supplements part of your daily routine, and you may experience a decrease in daily inflammation or pain over time.
- Meditation And Mindfulness
Pain is a very real and physical thing, so of course, sometimes only supplements or topical treatments can do the trick. However, mindfulness can be very effective in helping to either reduce the pain or simply help your mind to coexist with pain more easily. Spend time each day meditating, and practicing focusing your thoughts on various parts of your body. Over time, you’ll get better at uncovering which mindfulness techniques are best for your own individual pain management. Just a few minutes a day is all you need to start – and don’t worry, there’s no right or wrong way to meditate!
Vinay Amin is the founder of Eu Natural, a premium wellness brand that creates pure supplements formulated to empower your health. Vinay began his career in engineering and digital marketing, helping startups with their growth. Seeing a need for natural solutions to an expanding list of health concerns, he transitioned into the wellness industry.
