If you speak to any professional sportsperson, they're bound to tell you that their bodies take a beating sometimes. Pushing themselves to the limit causes pain and discomfort. Some of them need to take painkillers to cope and carry on playing the sport.
The good news is that mother nature does have some remedies that can help. We take an in-depth look into what natural painkillers are available and how effective they are.
Kratom
You might not know this one, but it's an ancient tree that grows in Thailand and Malaysia. The leaves are used in medicine to combat pain. It's believed that there are substances within Kratom that attach to the same parts of nerve cells as opioid painkillers. These create a similar effect in your brain to give relief.
It has a different impact on people in varying doses. It can give you a boost of energy in lower doses, but in high quantities, it can put you in a dream-like state. The benefits of the leaves include relaxation, improved mood, and pain relief. It's usually drunk as a tea after the leaves are dried. It's a stimulant and has similar effects as opium.
Users must be aware that it can be addictive, and in many states, it's banned. There are various strains of Kratom available, with each one providing different results. Before you consider buying the product, we suggest you research what each does and the side effects. Online suppliers of Kratom should have their review on the store for each plant, and it's specifications.
Willow Bark
The bark of the White Willow tree contains Salicin, which is a chemical similar to the main ingredient in aspirin. People used to chew the bark to get the benefits, but nowadays, the dried herb can be brewed as a tea. Modern alternatives also include liquids and capsules for consumption. It provides comfort for headaches, lower back pain, and Osteoarthritis.
The bark is also helpful in controlling menstrual pain cramps and reducing fevers. For sports professionals, it can be used as an anti-inflammatory medication to combat joint pain. Adults and teenagers over the age of 16 years can take the herb.
It works very similarly to aspirin and tends to present the same side effects. In rare cases, if a person has an allergy to aspirin Willow Bark, it can cause a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.
Turmeric
This common spice is found in most kitchen cupboards and is often used in Indian and Thai dishes. Its main ingredient is curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that it may have pain-reducing power similar in some cases to that of prescription medication.
It's healing effects help improve post-operative inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, it decreases swelling and gives relief from sport inflicted muscle pain. Turmeric is easy to incorporate into daily life as it can be used in cooking, but it takes time to be effective.
If you need to boost the yellow powder's healing benefits, mix half a teaspoon into a glass of hot milk and drink it twice a day. When incorporated into a paste, the spice can be applied topically to the injured muscles.
Final Thoughts
An aching body can be debilitating and affect people's lives. Taking painkillers is not always the best long term solution, and some natural pain relief could be the answer. You can try Kratom as one option that focuses on inhibiting pain and Willow Bark, which may offer similar benefits as aspirin.
When you're cooking, try to incorporate Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. Remember that any natural remedies take time to be effective. So be patient when using nature's medicines; in time, your body will feel the benefits.
