When used as a supplement, cloves may be associated with side effects such as:. Though clove oil can be applied topically to treat issues such as toothache pain , undiluted clove oil may actually hurt your gums, so be sure to talk with a dentist before trying it at home.

People with bleeding disorders or those who are taking blood-thinning medication should also be careful when consuming clove products, as clove and clove oil can increase the risk of bleeding.

For this practice, acupuncturists insert tiny, thin needles into your skin. The location of the insertion is related to the source of the pain. Based on the qi, a needle may be inserted far from the part of the body experiencing pain. It is also believed to reduce stress levels and promote healing in the body.

Acupuncture may help provide relief from several types of pain, including :. Acupuncture may be linked to several potential side effects.

Among the most common home pain remedies is applying heat and ice directly to sites of pain. While this treatment may seem obvious, not everyone is clear on exactly when to use ice versus heat. Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation shortly after you experience a strained muscle, tendon, or ligament may bring relief.

Interestingly, once the inflammation has decreased, heat may help reduce the stiffness that comes with sprains and strains. A heating pad or cold pack used briefly on the head may also help reduce the pain of a headache, while an ice pack can help relieve low back pain.

If your painful problem is arthritis, moist heat applied to the affected joint will help more than ice. Moist heat packs can be warmed in the microwave and used many times, making them effective and easy to use. Applying heat or ice to an injury for too long could increase the risk of burns and other side effects.

If you get injured or experience chronic pain, talk with a doctor or pharmacist about how to best use heat or ice to help ease the pain.

The natural pain relievers described above may only be effective for specific causes of pain and may not work for everyone. However, these natural options may at least give you a few options to try, either alone or paired with prescription or OTC medications.

It may be temporary, as with a strained muscle, but it may also signify a serious health problem that requires medical treatment. Additionally, always talk with a doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements or herbal products, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Essential oils can be a natural way to relieve pain. Here's how. But does it work? Take a look at its potential healing properties.

If you experience muscle spasms as a symptom of fibromyalgia, natural muscle relaxers such as magnesium and cayenne pepper could provide relief. Patients can also get a psychological boost by having direct control over their pain. These spinal drug pumps are used most often by people with cancer pain, but also by patients with other types of pain who had side effects when taking the medication orally.

The hope is that the stem cells will build new, healthy tissue and relieve the pain for good. Are marijuana and cannabinoids such as CBD oil good pain relief options?

Marijuana is made from the dried flowers of the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol THC are among the compounds called cannabinoids that come from the plant. THC is the psychoactive component that produces a mind-altering high.

CBD does not cause a high. Marijuana typically contains both CBD and THC in differing levels, depending on the strain.

Medical marijuana is a term that can refer to use of the whole plant or one or more of its compounds — like CBD — to treat symptoms of illness or other conditions. However, until this research is completed, here are some important factors to consider: Marijuana and cannabinoids may not be safer than other medications and often have side effects, ranging from excessive sleepiness to liver damage.

In most cases, there is no way for you to know exactly what you are purchasing. CBD is not regulated. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate CBD.

It has approved only one prescription version of CBD — for patients with one of two rare forms of epilepsy — and has not approved any forms of marijuana for medical use. States across the country that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use regulate the drug in widely different ways.

Studies have shown that no matter what the label says, actual ingredients may be different and may include dangerous synthetic compounds, pesticides, and other impurities. Related Content Post Op. What Are Opioids. Chronic pain impacts a staggering 50 million U.

adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control. To treat chronic pain, physicians create a pain management program for their patients based on prescription pain relievers, natural pain relievers, or a combination of both.

We will explore the natural chronic pain relief options. The field of integrative medicine offers some herbal solutions for helping to manage chronic pain without narcotic-based interventions.

These include:. Chronic back or joint pain. If you struggle with ongoing back or joint pain, applying heat through a heating pad or by attaching a heat pack to the problem area can offer some relief. Also, consider these natural pain relief supplements:.

Arthritis pain is often associated with inflammation, so applying an ice pack or cold gel pack along with NSAIDs can provide pain relief. In addition, here are some supplements that may also help mitigate arthritis pain:.

Fibromyalgia causes chronic muscle pain that might be relieved through controlling stress levels, getting adequate sleep, and the following supplements:.

Peppermint oil comes from the Mentha piperita L. Some research suggests that the peppermint plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects. The active compounds in peppermint oil include carvacrol, menthol, and limonene.

One review notes that people have traditionally used peppermint to relieve painful spasms and problems associated with arthritis. The researchers also report that applying peppermint oil to the temples and forehead may relieve tension headache pain.

Indeed, people often use diluted peppermint essential oil as a topical treatment, meaning that they rub diluted oil into the area that feels achy or painful. People should avoid putting peppermint oil on broken skin or using it on children. It can cause allergic reactions , so doing a spot test before using it on a painful area is recommended.

The final essential oil on this list of natural ways to relieve pain is eucalyptus oil. This herbal remedy from the Eucalyptus plant may help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body.

One study found that inhaling eucalyptus oil relieved pain and increased quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants inhaled eucalyptus oil for 5 minutes, 3 times a day, for one month. A person should not use eucalyptus oil around children.

It can trigger decreased respiration and is toxic if a person swallows it. It is important to dilute it in a carrier oil and do a skin test before applying topically. People have traditionally used cloves, from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant, as a home remedy to relieve pain from toothache.

A study found that clove oil was comparable in pain reduction to that of ice during intraoral injection in children. It was also found to be more potent than lignocaine gel, which is a local anesthetic. Researchers also believe that clove can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral activity.

People also use capsaicin , present in chili peppers, for natural pain relief. A study notes that capsaicin offers high levels of pain relief, improvements in sleep, fatigue, depression, and quality of life.

Another study found that topical capsaicin is effective in reducing neuropathic pain. Researchers are not yet sure why it relieves pain, but it is thought to work by decreasing the amount of pain-transmitting chemicals from the nerve cells in the area where a person is experiencing pain.

This substance can cause a mild burning or tingling sensation when a person applies it topically. Ginger , or Zingiber officinale , is a root that shows promise as a natural pain reliever. A study found that ginger powder was as effective as ibuprofen in controlling postoperative pain.

An earlier systematic review also found that ingesting 2 grams of ginger per day modestly reduced muscle pain from resistance exercise and running when people took it for at least 5 days.

The researchers also suggest that ginger may accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation related to exercise. A person could try including ginger in the diet by using supplements or adding it in raw form to smoothies.

However, the natural, fresh ingredient may be more healthy. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any new supplement. Dietary supplements can have side effects and may interact with existing medication.

Traditional uses include treating fever , migraine headaches , rheumatoid arthritis , toothaches , and stomach aches, as well as increasing breast milk. Feverfew contains compounds that may reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.

Some researchers believe that the key active compounds include sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids. The American Migraine Foundation states that there are mixed results about how effective feverfew is, but that it is probably helpful for preventing migraine headaches.

A study concludes that feverfew may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Feverfew can cause side effects such as nausea, digestive problems, and bloating. So, it is important to talk with a qualified healthcare professional before trying feverfew.

Curcuma, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric , has pain-relieving qualities. A review claims that curcumin shows a reduction in pain similar to that of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs.

However, researchers recommend turmeric as a safe adjunction to NSAID therapy rather than in place of it. Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation. To include turmeric in its natural form in the diet, a person could try adding it to curries, smoothies, or juices.

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that advocates believe can help reduce pain. Recent research supports these beliefs. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH states that acupuncture can help with certain types of pain, including:.

It may also reduce how frequently people get tension headaches and could help prevent migraine headaches. A meta-analysis found that acupuncture is an effective way to manage chronic pain.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture could help with musculoskeletal pain, headache, and pain associated with osteoarthritis. More research into the effects of acupuncture for other pain conditions is now needed, but increasing evidence is suggesting that acupuncture is effective for many types of pain.

In fact, acupuncture may help in more than different conditions. Yoga is a physical meditation practice that may offer a way to manage pain naturally. Managing back pain often includes stretching and physical therapy. Yoga provides this. It incorporates breathing exercises , self-care, and relaxation methods, so practicing yoga may also relieve pain related to stress or anxiety.

A study found that 12 weeks of yoga helped to significantly reduce lower back pain. The NCCIH states that yoga may help relieve lower back pain and neck pain, but that there is not enough evidence that it can help for other conditions, such as headache, arthritis, or fibromyalgia.

People experiencing chronic pain are increasingly turning to mindfulness meditation as a natural treatment. More research is needed, but initial studies are promising. A systematic review and meta-analysis looked at 38 studies and eventually concluded that mindfulness meditation can improve pain symptoms, depression, and quality of life.

However, the authors say that larger studies are needed to see exactly how effective it is. Essential oils, such as lavender oil and peppermint oil, may relieve pain naturally.

This is also the case for certain herbs such as clove and feverfew. Acupuncture, yoga, and mindfulness meditation are thought to be natural pain relievers too. Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and heat and cold treatment can be home remedies that alleviate pain quickly.

When a person takes traditional pain relief medication as prescribed, with guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, it is a safe and effective way to manage pain.

For information about our comprehensive programs, please call Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Natural Remedies for Chronic Pain. Natural Pain Relievers for Chronic Pain The field of integrative medicine offers some herbal solutions for helping to manage chronic pain without narcotic-based interventions.

These include: Chronic back or joint pain. Also, consider these natural pain relief supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin with aspirin Turmeric Comfrey Capsicum cream Arthritis. In addition, here are some supplements that may also help mitigate arthritis pain: Omega-3 fatty acids, either dietary sources or fish oil supplements SAM-e Boswellia Glucosamine and chondroitin Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia causes chronic muscle pain that might be relieved through controlling stress levels, getting adequate sleep, and the following supplements: Vitamin D Magnesium Creatine SAM-e Soy Add Holistic Activities for Additional Natural Chronic Pain Relief To further your quest for natural pain relief, add more pain-relieving punch by employing some of these holistic solutions: Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting tiny needles into strategic locations on the body. Therapeutic massage. Massage helps those who struggle with lower back pain or chronic tension headaches, and helps individuals with fibromyalgia by improving sleep quality.

Practicing meditation is a way of controlling your thoughts and redirecting them from a stressful trigger, such as pain. Learning how to practice meditation as part of the natural pain relief strategy helps train the mind to refocus on soothing sensations, distracting you from the pain.

Water exercise. Gentle swimming or participating in pool exercises can be beneficial for chronic pain management, especially arthritis joint pain. Sometimes arthritis pain is so debilitating that pool exercises might be the only fitness activity tolerated.

A warm bath in Epsom salts can also be soothing for arthritis pain. Essential oils. The effects of chronic pain can be somewhat relieved through the use of aromatherapy.

Mind-body techniques. These techniques, which include meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises among many others , help you restore a sense of control over your body and turn down the "fight or flight" response, which can worsen chronic muscle tension and pain.

Yoga and tai chi. These two exercise practices incorporate breath control, meditation, and gentle movements to stretch and strengthen muscles. Many studies have shown that they can help people manage pain caused by a host of conditions, from headaches to arthritis to lingering injuries.

This technique involves learning relaxation and breathing exercises with the help of a biofeedback machine, which turns data on physiological functions such as heart rate and blood pressure into visual cues such as a graph, a blinking light, or even an animation.

Watching and modifying the visualizations gives you a degree of control over your body's response to pain. Music therapy. Studies have shown that music can help relieve pain during and after surgery and childbirth.

Classical music has proven to work especially well, but there's no harm in trying your favorite genre — listening to any kind of music can distract you from pain or discomfort.

Therapeutic massage. Not just an indulgence, massage can ease pain by working tension out of muscles and joints, relieving stress and anxiety, and possibly helping to distract you from pain by introducing a "competing" sensation that overrides pain signals.

For more on treating common pain conditions and learning about other mind-body solutions, buy Pain Relief , a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Shining light on night blindness. Gentle manipulation with moderate pressure has been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness, and even improve range of motion. However, timing is important.

Listen to your body. Massage may not be as helpful during a very active flare when joints are especially tender and sensitive. Best for: osteoarthritis, low back pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis. Tai chi is a Chinese practice that combines gentle flowing movements, deep breathing and meditation.

It has been shown to not only reduce joint pain, but also improve range of motion and function, as well as feelings of well-being. The Arthritis Foundation offers a Tai Chi DVD specifically created for people with arthritis.

Best for: fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. Yoga is an Indian practice that uses deep breathing, meditation and body poses.

It has been shown to decrease joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve relaxation and reduce stress. The Arthritis Foundation offers a Yoga DVD specifically created for people with arthritis.

Best for: fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain. Losing one pound removes four pounds of pressure on swollen, painful joints. Maintain a healthy weight by combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity.

Make sure you choose food from the five important food groups fruits, vegetable, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Try to do 30 minutes of low-impact exercise five days a week.

Best for: osteoarthritis. Physical therapists can provide various ways to reduce strain and pressure on painful and swollen joints. These include manual therapy and counseling on proper positioning and body movement.