Before you reach for the Ibuprofen next time you have a headache, backache or any other ache, consider a few alternative approaches that may help reduce your symptoms of pain, swelling, or soreness with less risk of side effects.
*If you are using anti-inflammatory medications recommended by a healthcare practitioner, please consult the practitioner before making any changes to your regimen.
WATER: One of the first places you can begin when feeling achy or sore is with a glass or two of water since dehydration can be a trigger for these symptoms. I often encourage patients who struggle with lower back pain to first drink two glasses of water and wait about 15 minutes before reaching for the anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes water does the trick!
TURMERIC is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory herbs in the naturopathic tool belt. Long used as a culinary herb, this potent spice also has been shown to have anti-cancer properties as well. The challenge with turmeric is getting a high enough dose into the body to have a therapeutic effect. While cooking with turmeric is definitely beneficial, taking specially prepared forms of turmeric in supplement form can deliver a high concentration of the herb to stimulate a medicinal effect for lowering pain and inflammation.
CASTOR OIL: When used orally, castor oil can act as a strong laxative, but when applied topically over areas of inflammation (such as an arthritic knee or sore shoulder), castor oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. Preparing a castor oil ‘pack’ is another age-old naturopathic therapy which involves applying the oil over the inflamed area (not over open wounds) and then covering the area and applying heat for 20-30 minutes. The oil can be left on longer but if you sleep with the oil on your body, be sure to wear old clothes as it can stain.
