Natural Pain Relief

​Part of being human is experiencing pain. It is an essential function of our nervous system that warns us and keeps us safe. But sometimes pain can be constant and have no apparent purpose. Finding safe and effective ways to treat this pain can feel overwhelming, but there are many natural methods of pain relief easily available to everyone. Here are some ideas for treating muscle and joint pain with natural methods.

Self Massage
Foam rollers are great tools to have on hand for when pain strikes. My favorite roller is the Proper Roller which has a central groove that keeps it from damaging your spine. Foam rolling can increase oxygen and blood flow to your tissues and accelerate soft tissue repair and recovery. Another one of my favorite tools are massage canes that allow you to reach places on your back and can be used on trigger points. You can also place two tennis balls in a long sock and lean up against the wall with them on your back.

Ginger
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can be taken orally to help manage pain. Using ginger topically can have quick results for relieving joint and muscle pain. Freshly grated, or powdered ginger can be made into a paste and applied directly to an area with a warm damp towel on top. This is great for low back pain. Add sliced or powdered ginger to a hot bath, which brings me to my next point...

Baths and Essential Oils
Never underestimate the power of a bath to help relieve pain and stress. Soaking in hot water and Epsom salts can provide temporary relief and help ease sore muscles. Add pain and tension relieving essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, balsam fir, rosemary and eucalyptus. These oils can also be added to a carrier oil or lotion and applied to the area of pain. 

Herbs
Most pharmaceuticals owe their origins to plants. Plants have been evolving alongside of us for thousands of years and have adapted to serve many of our needs. There are plant remedies for almost every kind of pain. St John's wort can be used for arthritis and nerve pain. White willow bark is where aspirin comes from and works the same way just slower but without the side effects. Arnica is used for muscle sprains, strains and bruises. Valerian root can be used for muscle spasms and cramps. Turmeric and ginger are used for inflammation. Feverfew is used for migraines and arthritis. Herbs can be used topically or taken orally in tincture, tea or capsule form. Mountain Rose Herbs is a great source for buying herbs. Herbs are powerful medicine so always do your research or speak to a qualified professional before using any plant medicine.

Movement​​
Sometimes movement can feel like the worst thing to do when you are in pain, but can often be the best thing. Exercise increases blood flow which speeds up healing. Walking, swimming and yoga are some of  the very best and least harmful methods of exercise.

Diet
Eating a diet of highly processed and sugary foods is a sure way to increase pain. By eating a whole foods diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, inflammation can be reduced and pain can lessen. Getting enough Vitamin D, Magnesium and Omega 3s can help reduce pain. Keeping a food journal is a great way to see which foods trigger your pain. Add more anti-inflammatory spices to your cooking such as cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, rosemary and cinnamon. 

​Cannabidiol Oil
The body has an endocannabinoid system that regulates pain. The hemp plant has components called cannabinoids which bind to the receptors in our body and trigger our endocannabinoid system to moderate pain and inflammation. 
CBD can be taken orally to build up in your system and help with chronic pain. It can also be used topically to help reduce pain on the spot. CBD can also help reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany pain.