7 Natural Alternatives to Ibuprofen for Treating Minor Pain
Ibuprofen, like any other medication, has its side effects. The main problems that result from daily abuse of ibuprofen dosage would be: diarrhea, abdominal problems, ulcers, headaches, and even heart problems and heart attack. Because of this, in today’s article we’re bringing you 7 natural alternatives to ibuprofen.
One of the main problems is the ease with which we are able to buy over-the-counter medicines and self-medicate ourselves. Most of the time this happens without respecting dosages. The main effects of ibuprofen are: painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic, which is why it is so highly requested.
It is not for nothing that your doctor is the one who has the authority to prescribe the medication you need for your situation and also to advise you on how to consume them properly.
Because of this, in not so severe situations, you can choose natural medicines to relieve pain in a more traditional way. There are some natural alternatives to ibuprofen. However, please remember that natural medicines can also have side effects, which is why it is still wise to talk to your doctor before undergoing any type of treatment.
What are the natural alternatives to ibuprofen?
There are several plants or natural remedies that you can take advantage of whenever your health is not in serious danger. And, of course, if you don’t get better, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Here are 7 natural alternatives to ibuprofen.
Natural anti-inflammatories:
Turmeric
Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to this, it can help to keep your joints healthy. You can find it in powder form as well as in pill form.
Contraindications
- Children under three years old
- Those who take anti-blood clot medication
- Before surgery
- If you have gallstones
- And, finally, during pregnancy
Arnica
Arnica has anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties too. It is generally used for pains, muscular pains, and rheumatoid arthritis. You can use it with an infusion of a teaspoon of dry arnica with a cup of water. Apply it to the affected area with a clean cloth.
This is meant for external use only. Do not consume it.
Cayenne Pepper
You can also find it in ointment, cream, or oil form in your natural product store. However, be careful to not inhale it or let it come into contact with your respiratory system. You should wash your hands well after touching it or use gloves to be safe.
See also: Ginger, Turmeric, and Cayenne Pepper Detox Drink
Salix Alba
Because of its painkilling effects, salix alba is used for menstrual pains, muscle pains, and headaches. In addition to this it can be used in cases of arthritis and to lower your fever.
Licorice
You can find licorice in the supermarket, pharmacies, or herbal stores in tablet, pill, or cream form. However, pregnant women, patients with Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, low potassium in the blood, and hepatitis should not use this.
Avoid using it with other medications. Tell your doctor about consuming licorice.
Ginger
Ginger has painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it externally for arthritis cases, carpal tunnel syndrome, injuries, muscle pains etc.
Food with anti-inflammatory properties
- Fish (trout, salmon, sardines)
- Vegetable oils like olive or flax
- Nuts and leafy greens, flax seed, almonds, hazelnut.
If you suffer from inflammatory disease, you should include these foods in your diet. Once you know the negative effects of medication like ibuprofen, then you’ll want to natural alternatives to ibuprofen.
However, just because they’re natural doesn’t mean you can’t abuse it, or that you can use it for any condition. Request qualified advice and if you use it in the indicated way, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
A reminder…
Finally, if you’re undergoing medical treatment, it isn’t an option to abandon your medication to take up these natural recommendations. These methods are only recommended for those who want to avoid consuming medications in cases of minor pain that are not a sign of serious disease.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Mohiuddin, E., Asif, M., & Sciences, A. (2010). CURCUMA AND CURCUMIN : A REVIEW ARTICLE. Curcuma and Curcumin. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.10.010
- Shiffman, M. A. (2012). Arnica montana. In Aesthetic Medicine: Art and Techniques. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20113-4_28
- Pegard, A., Brizzard, G., Fazari, A., Soucaze, O., Abad, P., & Djian-Caporalino, C. (2005). Capsicum annuum. Phytopathology. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-95-0158
- Untergattung, S. (2006). Salix alba. Enzyklopädie Der Holzgewächse. https://doi.org/citeulike-article-id:13745525
- Glycyrrhiza glabra. (2005). Alternative Medicine Review. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0703553
- Vasala, P. A. (2012). Ginger. In Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857095671.319
- Hewlings S, Kalman D. Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017;
- T. I, J.C. M-M, P. B, V. R, B. P. Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica Montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. Am J Ther. 2016;
- Kim CS, Kawada T, Kim BS, Han IS, Choe SY, Kurata T, et al. Capsaicin exhibits anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting IkB-a degradation in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Cell Signal. 2003;
- Shara M, Stohs SJ. Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts. Phytotherapy Research. 2015.
- Dastagir G, Rizvi MA. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Liquorice). Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2016.
- Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: Review of current evidence. International Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2013.
