These days, more people are looking for healthy and natural substitutes to Ibuprofen. This is because recent studies have shown that Ibuprofen is responsible for circulatory problems, gastrointestinal conditions, and heart disease. It also raised fear and worry when news that it causes bleeding or perforation of the intestinal tract and the gut. This may be because of the repetitive use of Ibuprofen.
One way to look at pain is to see it as a message from Mother Nature. She is probably telling us that something’s wrong, and the perfect way to respond to her natural message is by providing a natural response. The response to pain should be immediate, but if the pain is repetitive, it should be diagnosed by a medical professional. While providing medical treatments to the symptoms delays the diagnosis and gives instant relief from the pain, it might lead to more serious health conditions.
Natural Substitutes to Ibuprofen
Centuries ago, before the invention of modern medicine, people have been using natural medicine to treat health conditions. These natural treatments have proven themselves effective and are still used by people who believe in the power of herbal remedies.
Here are some natural alternatives to Ibuprofen:
Healthy Alternative # 1:Essential Oils
Essential oils are just as effective as Ibuprofen when it comes to treating the common headache. These headaches are often caused by stress and can be relieved by massaging your head with essential oils.
The essential oils work on two levels: natural and sensory. The three highly recommended essential oils are:
- Clary Sage – this helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, tension, and stress.
- Roman Chamomile – this helps relax your muscles.
- Lavender – soothes the pain.
Healthy Alternative # 2: Cat’s Claw
If you’re wondering why it’s called a cat’s claw, that’s because it looks like a cat’s claw. It’s a vine with thorns that can climb up to a hundred feet, with bark and roots that’s often used to treat different types of disease. This plant is found in Central Africa, South Africa, and Amazon. According to research, Cat’s Claw boosts the functions of the immune system that’s why experts suggest that you avoid taking this when you’re on medication. It has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that prevent the production of prostaglandin- a hormone that causes inflammation and pain.
Cat’s Claw can also be used to relieve muscle pain, lower hypertension, and help the body get rid of excess water.
Healthy Alternative # 3: White Willow Bark
This herb has been used in treating various medical conditions for more than 2000 years. Itis taken from the bark of different species of willow trees and has been used asan herbal treatment by the Chinese and the Romans. The white willow bark is used totreat tendinitis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, headache, and lower back pain. It contains Salicin, a natural chemical that forms the Acetylsalicylic Acid that’s found in Aspirin.
Healthy Alternative # 4: Curcumin
Curcumin is an ingredient that’s sourced from Turmeric which is an herb that comes all the way from India. It’s been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for arthritis.
Healthy Alternative # 5: Capsaicin
Capsaicin, which comes from Chili Pepper, is whipped into a cream that is topically applied on areas that are painful (eyes not included). Pain is often caused by a substance “P” that sends pain signals to our brain. Capsaicin interferes with this process. Initial application causes a stinging or burning sensation which eventually subsides after several applications.
Since Capsaicin is an ingredient that comes from Chili Pepper, it’s important that you wash your hands before and after using it. You must also make sure that you keep it away from your eyes, and from kids. Capsaicin is available in patches, ointments, and creams.
Healthy Alternative # 6: Boswellia
Indian frankincense or Boswellia is sourced from the Boswell Serrata tree which comes all the way from India. It’s one of the herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than a hundred years. Boswellia prevents the breakdown of cartilage that’s why it’s effective in treating inflammatory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, osteoarthritis, and asthma.
The Boswellic acid found in Boswellia gives it the ability to treat inflammatory and arthritic conditions. The Boswellic acid helps improve blood circulation, allowing the blood to reach the joints which refuses access to white blood cells and keeps them from causing any inflammation.
These days, Boswellia can be purchased as a cream that can be applied topically. It is also sold in tablet and resin form.
Try these Natural Alternatives
These natural alternatives to Ibuprofen are perfect for those who want to cut down on their intake of unnatural chemicals. These natural alternatives are healthy, affordable and safe – there is no need to worry about the possibility of side effects.
