Many people have been suffering from chronic pains such as arthritis, lower back pain, and shoulder pain; as a result, the pain medications over the counter such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen have been popular for a long time. Most of the drugs are metabolized by the liver and your body releases them through urination. Heavy use of Tylenol is associated with kidney disease and bleeding in the digestive tract. This drug has also been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure; it can also damage your liver. Long term use of ibuprofen can damage your digestive tract and causes ulcers or bleeding in your digestive system, let alone the toxicity associated with it. What about the prescription drugs, they may be addictive and have even more adverse effects. What are the best natural remedies to relieve pain? Let’s explore more.

DMSO

Have you heard about DMSO? DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide, it is a cheap by-product derived from pine trees in the paper manufacturing industry, and it was first isolated by a Russian chemist in the 1800s.  DMSO is available as a liquid or in a gel form. It has been used as an industrial solvent, paint thinner, and additive in many other chemical products for many years. Despite such a long history since its discovery, DMSO remains unknown to many health care professionals and the public for its amazing healing abilities, especially for pain control.

DMSO can be taken orally and topically, and injection as well. It demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties when it comes to managing a wide range of chronic pains, such as arthritis, shoulder pain, and back pain. When DMSO is applied to the skin, it gets quickly absorbed into the tissues, and draws water out of inflamed tissues, and reduces swelling very fast. DMSO is an effective pain killer that blocks nerve conduction fibers for producing pain; it reduces inflammation and swelling by eliminating inflammatory chemicals in the body. When it comes to a sports-related injury, DMSO dissolves and removes blood from damaged tissues and speeds up the healing process for bruises, sprains, strains, and tendinitis, etc.

How does DMSO work in the body? DMSO is a bipolar molecule based on its structure; one end of the molecule is water-loving and the other end of the molecule is fat-loving. This makes DMSO a universal solvent. In water, DMSO’s polarity can alter the spaces between its own molecules, which is called conformation. The order and spacing of these molecules determine what kind of action DMSO can perform. For example, when the configuration of molecules is malleable, DMSO can interact with proteins and move through them. This malleable configuration is the reason why DMSO can travel through the skin surface easily. This is also one of the main reasons for its analgesic or pain-killing properties. DMSO in water affects nerve membranes and reduces their sensitivity, thus reducing the pain signals. This makes it a natural pain killer. DMSO is also a source of sulfur, sulfur compounds are found in all the cells in the body and they are indispensable. They play an important role in the chemical reactions during the detoxification process in the body. Sulfur in DMSO binds with toxic heavy metals and eliminates them through urination, defecation, and sweating, such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, etc. DMSO can easily penetrate the skin and blood-brain barrier, and tissues, and enter the bloodstream. It increases the delivery of oxygen and improves blood supply to the injured areas.

DMSO also has other amazing healing benefits, it boosts your immune function, and increases the production of immune cells that destroys foreign chemicals and pathogens in the body. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. DMSO also functions as an antioxidant to prevent free radical damage in injured tissues. DMSO is truly a magic healing ingredient from Mother Nature.

Here are some amazing health benefits of DMSO:

• An effective pain killer that blocks nerves conducting pain signals.
• Reduces inflammation and swelling with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Has antimicrobial properties.
• Increases the production of important immune cells.
• Increases delivery of oxygen to the cells.
• An excellent heavy metal detoxifier that binds to toxic heavy metals and eliminates them through urination and sweating.
• A radio-protective agent that reduces the harmful mutagenic effects of x-rays and other radiations.

It is important to choose DMSO with a pharmaceutical grade that has 99.995% purity for both internal and external use.

DMSO is also safe to apply to pets and it has been FDA approved for treating joint pain, swelling, inflammation, and even scleroderma and lupus.

There are many ways to use this amazing product from Mother Nature. Here is a simple recipe to make your own hair conditioner that is natural without any preservatives. This recipe promotes hair growth, treats dandruff, and even prevents grey hair. All you need is a glass spray bottle (100ml), add 30ml 99.995% of DMSO, 30ml pure rose water, 20 mL of preservative-free aloe vera gel juice, and 6 drops of your favorite essential oils, I choose pure moringa oil, it is a potent antioxidant for hair growth and nourishes the hair too. Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair, adds nutrients, and stimulates the scalp. Lavender oil deep conditions the hair and helps control dandruff. After you add all the ingredients, shake it well and use as many sprays as you need to cover your hair. Let the spray absorb fully.

DMSO can only be stored in glass or plastic containers; it will dissolve metals or other materials. If your hands are dirty or you have nail polish on your nails, DMSO will dissolve them and carry them into your deep tissues. Make sure to wash your hands before using it and clean a wound before applying DMSO. You should put it on bare skin because DMSO can dissolve the dyes from your clothes and damage the clothes. You can dilute the DMSO solution if you have sensitive skin. When you mix DMSO with water, the heat is generated due to an exothermic reaction during the dilution process, leave the mixture for about 15 minutes to return to room temperature before using it. When you apply DMSO solution on your skin, do not cover the areas where DMSO is applied; allow the skin to air dry before putting your clothes on. DMSO has strong sulfur and garlic odor. When you apply it to your skin, you may experience a garlic smell. This is normal.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is a popular herbal supplement derived from a tropical vine. It is an herbal remedy with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Most of them come from Peru. Cat’s Claw has been used as traditional medicine by the local tribes to treat inflammation, gastric ulcers, arthritis, digestive issues, and wounds for many years. It has the ability to boost and sharpen the immune response depending on where it is needed. Many studies have found that Cat’s Claw can be used to improve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms naturally. The pain relief effect is thought to come from specific alkaloid compounds in Cat’s Claw that seem to be immune system modulators. Besides pain control, cats’ claw also helps reduce high blood pressure and improve digestive health with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. The bark of Cats Claw is made into a tea traditionally or powder to be consumed as dietary supplements over a period of time depending on the illnesses.

Do not take Cat’s Claw if you are on blood thinners. Large doses of cat’s claw are not recommended because it can cause stomach upset due to a large amount of tannins in the bark. You can increase the dosage gradually to reduce the symptoms of detoxification. It is not recommended to take Cat’s Claw if you have surgeries because it may cause bleeding issues.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris or wormwood)

Mugwort is one of my favorite herbs and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Dried mugwort leaves can be ground into a powder to make moxa sticks for moxibustion, which is another amazing ancient healing technique. The first time I tried moxibustion was years ago, I can feel the energy running in my legs like a ball, which demonstrates that we are all made of energy. After the first treatment, I felt my body was so light, even when I walked, I felt I was running, my body weight was lifted by the energy, it was truly an unforgettable experience. Mugwort can balance your Yin and Yang energy like a modulator to keep your body in a perfect balance. It also contains DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine),  a chemical substance that occurs in many plants and animals that can be consumed as a psychedelic substance,  just like other psychedelic herbs, mugwort is also called a dream herb that can induce lucid dreams. To me, dreams are the holographic impression of your subconscious mind. They can enhance your self-awareness and spiritual awakening. Moxibustion is a great method to relieve chronic pains and release energetic blockages in the body, the best time to do moxibustion is summer because the energy is at the releasing mode to release old issues and blockages in the body. Mugwort also helps increase the volume of secretion of bile from the liver and stimulates bile flow from the liver, releases toxins, and enhances the digestive system.  It can relieve stomach acidity and stomach pain.

Here is more information on the amazing healing benefits of moxibustion.

Mugwort also helps relieve menstruation-related cramps for women; it promotes healthy blood circulation to the pelvic region. Therefore it helps regulate menstruation cycles for women. Mugwort can be used both internally and externally. You can add mugwort leaves to your tea to make an herbal tea or boil the leaves with ginger into a concentrated form to massage into the pain areas on your body. It can help relieve the pain effectively.

Precautions: it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Marijuana

Marijuana has been a hot topic recently due to its amazing healing benefits. Both CBD and THC are the two primary cannabinoids in marijuana, commonly known as cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive, and because of this trait, it gains more popularity than THC in dietary supplements. THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. CBD has the same chemical formula as THC, with the atoms in a different arrangement. Studies have shown both THC and CBD can help in chronic pain management. CBD may be better for inflammation and neuropathic pain, while THC may be better with spasticity and cramp-related pain. A high dose of THC is not recommended because it can exacerbate pain symptoms, so it should be taken in small amounts. One method to boost the absorption of cannabis orally is to combine it with healthy fats, such as coconut oil, that is why coconut oil is used more often as a carrier for them.

Turmeric

Curcumin is an active compound in turmeric, it is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pains. Researchers suggest that when turmeric is combined with piperine, which is found in black pepper, it can significantly increase the absorption of curcumin in the body. When turmeric is combined with oils, it can increase the bio-availability in the body. You can also combine turmeric powder with honey or ginger to improve its taste. Turmeric can be used in sauces, pastes, and shakes. It is a popular herb in Asia, especially in India.

Here are a few powerful anti-cancer foods including turmeric that you may want to know.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for centuries to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Cinnamon was recently found to be nearly as effective as ibuprofen in relieving pain. The chemical called cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon reduces inflammation around joints. It stops the release of an inflammatory fatty acid – arachidonic acid. As a result, it reduces inflammation around the joints and relieves the pain. Cinnamon also slows down bone loss from joints because it reduces the excess activity of osteoclasts that causes bone loss. This is especially beneficial for those who have osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. You can add cinnamon sticks to your soups, or cinnamon powder in your tea, shakes, or even hot cereals. It is not a good idea to use it in a large amount for those who are taking blood thinner medications because it can interfere with the medications. Anything in excess is not good for our health.

Rosehip

One of the pain-relieving effects of rosehip powder is due to an active ingredient, galactolipids known as GOPO that have anti-inflammatory properties. Rosehips also contain powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. You can add rosehip powder to your shakes or drinks, the taste is pretty good. Due to the vitamin C content in rosehips, excess intake may contribute to recurring kidney stones.

Willow Bark

Willow bark is the bark of several willow trees; it has been used for centuries as a pain reliever. The active ingredient in willow bark is called salicin, which is an alternative to aspirin. Willow bark is especially beneficial for those who experience chronic headaches or back pain. It relieves pain without stomach discomfort from aspirin. Willow bark also contains antioxidant – flavonoids and antibacterial tannins that contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Aspirin can reduce the tendency for the blood to clot, while willow bark does not and this makes it more appealing to some people. Willow bark also reduces menstruation-related cramps for women. Willow bark tea can be an effective painkiller or you can take it as a form of dietary supplement.

There are some very important golden triangles in your body that you should pay attention to prevent pain in the first place.

I truly believe that the best healer comes from the Mother Nature, it is time to change our thinking when it comes to healing the body, let natural remedies become the first options that not only heal the body but also boost our vitality for a more productive life. What do you think? Please share your favorite natural remedies with us.