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Thread: Six natural alternatives to ibuprofen

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    Six natural alternatives to ibuprofen

    Since I've discovered that certain herbs can kill the pain as effective as the pharmaceutical drugs and even better without side effects I haven't stopped using them. In addition herbs have a lot less or no side effects at all which can not be said for the pills. I personally use a teaspoon grated ginger in a cup of hot water for minor headaches and any other muscular aches or stomach discomfort. It also stops with vomiting and nausea plus it has powerful anti inflammatory properties.

    If the nature of the pain is not muscular for example joint pain or migraine I use turmeric and usually a teaspoon with it eliminates the migraine within 20 minutes.
    Another powerful painkiller in my cupboard is Jamaica dogwood extract which I give my daughter who has severe period pains and it works better than any other painkillers.

    Today I saw this article and thought it would be useful to share with all of you as I think this is what we need in our medicinal cabinet at home.



    The saying used to be, “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning,” but many people turn to ibuprofen to relieve inflammation, pain, and fever. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), available both over the counter and by prescription, is commonly used to treat arthritis, menstrual symptoms, headache, general aches and pains, and various inflammatory conditions.

    Side effects of ibuprofen

    Although many people think of ibuprofen as being rather benign, it is associated with an increased risk of heart and circulation problems, including stroke and heart attack, as well as gastrointestinal problems, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal tract. These risks increase the longer you take the drug, although the length of time until it affects any one individual varies depending on their overall health, use of other medications, age, and other factors.



    Natural alternatives to ibuprofen
    Many studies have been done on various natural pain killers and anti-inflammatories that can be used as alternatives to ibuprofen. They generally have mild to no side effects. Here are a few you may want to consider. You should always consult a knowledgeable health-care professional before starting a new treatment program.

    Boswellia:
    This anti-inflammatory remedy comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in India. The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia are attributed to the boswellic acids that it contains. These acids improve blood flow to the joints and prevent inflammatory white cells from entering damaged tissue. Also known as “Indian frankincense,” boswellia is available as a supplement and a topical cream. For pain and inflammation, a suggested dose is 450 to 750 mg daily for three to four weeks.

    Capsaicin: The active component of chili peppers, capsaicin is often used topically to nerve, muscle, and joint pain. It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical that helps transmit pain signals to the brain. It is available as a topical cream or gels in several different potencies (most often, 0.025% to 0.075%) and is usually applied three to four times daily. It can cause some stinging and burning initially, but it typically subsides with use.

    Cat’s claw: Uncaria tomentosa, or cat’s claw, also known as una de gato, grows in South America. It contains an anti-inflammatory agent that blocks the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which contributes to inflammation and pain. Suggested doses are 250 to 1,000 mg capsules one to three times daily. Taking too high a dose may cause diarrhea.


    Curcumin: Curcumin is a component of the herb turmeric, and it is a potent painkiller that can block proteins in the body that cause inflammation and also stops the neurotransmitter called substance P from sending pain message to the brain. Studies show that curcumin is effective in easing the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis. A suggested dose is 400 to 600 mg of curcumin taken three times daily for pain and inflammation.

    Omega-3 fatty acids: The omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that have proven beneficial for people who suffer with arthritis, other inflammatory joint conditions, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Omega-3s also reduce cardiovascular risk, which is especially helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis, which carries an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A suggested dose of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil is 1,000 mg daily.

    White willow bark: This herb is the predecessor of aspirin. White willow bark contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the stomach. White willow bark is much less irritating to the stomach than the synthetic drug, aspirin, while it works to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. A suggested dose is 1 to 2 dropperfuls of white willow bark tincture daily.

    http://www.examiner.com/article/six-...s-to-ibuprofen

    Blessings,

    Rayna

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    Wish I'd read this earlier. I'm getting over a painful back injury without the aid of any drugs (but light exercise has helped).

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    Hello Altaira

    Many thanks for such a useful post, you don't have anything in your kit-bag for insomnia do you? Love JP

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    Quote Originally posted by john parslow View Post
    Hello Altaira

    Many thanks for such a useful post, you don't have anything in your kit-bag for insomnia do you? Love JP
    Try either Heather flowers brewed into a tea (sweeten with heather honey to taste) or hops also brewed into a tea, "hop pillows" are also good, smell nice too.

    I seem to recall that heather is plentiful where you are, just don't fall in any old tin mines !

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    Thanks Spiral

    Your voice sounds such an echo down here. lol

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    That's ok I will chuck him down a pasty to keep him from starving spiral x

    Hey John we could go for a walk and find some , let's make a plan ! X

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    Quote Originally posted by Tribe View Post
    That's ok I will chuck him down a pasty to keep him from starving spiral x

    Hey John we could go for a walk and find some , let's make a plan ! X
    Hi Sarah

    Don't forget to make it a veggie pasty - we will do that sometime, still very busy decorating. Up for a Skype this evening if you are. Love JP

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    Will do , sorry rayana lol

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    Quote Originally posted by john parslow View Post
    Hello Altaira

    Many thanks for such a useful post, you don't have anything in your kit-bag for insomnia do you? Love JP
    These were all tried and tested John, I suppose I am lucky for not experiencing insomnia but if I find some good info I'll let you know.

    There is one thing that you might know but in case you don't here it is. Don't drink more than one cup of caffeinated drink (tea or coffee) a day and if you drink any make it in the morning.
    Last edited by Altaira, 11th October 2013 at 08:03.

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    Quote Originally posted by john parslow View Post
    Hello Altaira

    Many thanks for such a useful post, you don't have anything in your kit-bag for insomnia do you? Love JP
    John the herb valerian which so many pills are made from can be purchased as a herb and grown, then cut up the leaves and make a tea from it, or dry them then use .

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    Quote Originally posted by Altaira View Post
    These were all tried and tested John, I suppose I am lucky for not experiencing insomnia but if I find some good info I'll let you know.

    There is one thing that you might know but in case you don't here it is. Don't drink more than one cup of caffeinated drink (tea or coffee) a day and if you drink any make it in the morning.
    Oh dear Altaira,

    I am on my second cup of coffee this morning reading this!

    Thank you so much for the reply. JP

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    Quote Originally posted by Cearna View Post
    John the herb valerian which so many pills are made from can be purchased as a herb and grown, then cut up the leaves and make a tea from it, or dry them then use .
    Hello Cearna

    Thank you for the information about Valerian, I will ask my wife if she can find a plant and put it in our herb box.

    Many thanks. JP

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    My own favorite back in the days when I was having trouble sleeping was dried lavender flowers. Roughly half a teaspoon or less, they are VERY potent soporifics when brewed as a lovely aromatic tea. A couple of drops of the essential oil from a reputable supplier, when added to a bath, have less of a soporific effect, but still work.

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    I thought it was the roots of Valerian that were the medicinal bit ?

    I tried it once, not a nice taste and it has rather strong & unpleasant psychotropic effects, but then I probably used far too much

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