The negative side effects of opioids have caused many people to seek out alternatives for pain and other conditions. One safe alternative that has been found to be effective for pain is natural supplements. These products do not come with the risk of side effects, addiction, or drug interaction.
Without much ado, here are some natural supplements that are an alternative to opioids:
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains the compound curcumin – an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical molecules.
Turmeric supplements have been shown to relieve inflammation and pains without any form of side effects. You can add it to juices, smoothies, or curries to enjoy its benefits.
Cloves
Cloves have been used traditionally as a home remedy to relieve pains. This supplement contains an active ingredient called eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And they may help relieve pains associated with arthritic inflammation, headaches, and toothaches. You can also use cloves as part of a topical pain reliever.
You can find clove supplements in powder or capsule forms. You can also get clove oil, which may be used as a temporary treatment option for easing toothache pains before getting to see a dentist.
Ginger
Studies have shown that ginger may help to modestly reduce muscle pains from running and resistance exercises. You can add raw ginger to your smoothies or teas. You can also take ginger supplements to get relief from pains.
Magnesium
Magnesium can be found in bones, yogurt, beef, spinach, pumpkin, and rice. This mineral plays a huge role in many chemical reactions in the body. Taking it in the supplement form has been shown by studies to help painful chronic conditions, such as lower back pain.
This supplement also reduces the need for pain medications, such as opioids, after a surgical procedure.
Willow Bark
This supplement has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever. It originates from the willow tree and contain an active ingredient called salicin. Just like aspirin, willow bark helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and fever. It can also be used for muscle pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
Devil’s Claw
Research has shown that taking a daily dose of devil’s claw extract produces effects similar to NSAIDs. This makes it an effective solution to pain, without the side effects associated with opioids.
You can either take devil’s claw alone or add it as an ingredient in products, such as herbal teas.
Aquamin
This supplement contains magnesium, calcium, and other vital minerals, and it is known to relieve inflammation and osteoarthritis pain. Aquamin contains the necessary nutrients for bone health and they are perfect supplements for vegans.
Boswellia
This supplement may help to reduce inflammation and pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potential painkiller.
These supplements highlighted above are good alternatives to opioids. You don’t have to suffer from the negative side effects of pain medications, including dependence and addiction. These supplements are natural products that can help manage and treat both chronic and acute pains. However, it is important that you speak with your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine.
You can consult Dr. Jason Jones in our chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more about natural supplements and measures that are effective for pain management and treatment.
