Pain: 8 natural, fast-acting painkillers.

Home remedies: 8 Natural and fast-acting painkillers

Maureen Diament

24 Nov 2014

mis à jour le 4 May 2019 à 05:31

A miserable blow, an awful burn or an atrocious toothache? Check out some natural remedies - from plants to home-made remedies which can provide an immediate relief.

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Clove to relieve toothache
Abscess, cavities, raging toothache... This is THE ingredient to use while waiting for a dentist's appointment. The clove contains eugenol, an antibacterial that decreases dental sensitivity and provides almost instant local anesthesia. Put it on the painful tooth and tighten the jaw. Also use it in essential oil form: apply 2 drops where it hurts with a cotton bud.
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Peppermint essential oil to relieve migraines
Slowly massage the temples in a circular motion with a drop of peppermint essential oil, avoiding the eyes. Reapply if necessary after 30 minutes. In 1996, a German study demonstrated that a mixture of 10% peppermint oil and 90% ethanol was as effective as 500 mg of paracetamol in relieving headaches.
3/8
Arnica to treat bruises and relieve aches
In case of accident, take 5 granules of Arnica Montana 9 CH and repeat 4-5 times, until the pain subsides. This plant, which contains an anti-inflammatory agent, can also be used in gel form if the wound is not open. Note: it prevents and treats the aches (5 granules of Arnica 15CH before and after).
4/8
Bicarbonate of soda to fight heartburn
With its basic pH, bicarbonate of soda calms heartburn in approximately 30 minutes. Dilute 1 teaspoon in a glass of water. Use this solution sparingly because, in the long run, bicarbonate of soda can modify the acid-base balance of the digestive system. Its strong sodium content can also cause problem in case of high blood pressure or cardiac weakness. Take 5 granules of Nux Vomica 9 CH in the morning and evening. If the problem persists, consult a doctor.
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Heat to relieve bellyaches
This well-known grandmother's remedy for period pains, stomachache or digestive issues comes from robust scientific bases. A team of English researchers demonstrated that the heat emitted by a hot-water bottle acts at a molecular level and neutralizes some pain receptors. As a result, applying a hot-water bottle at 40°C to the painful area has a similar effect to analgesics. Unfortunately, while it offers fast relief, it doesn't last for a very long time.
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Aspic lavender essential oil to treat burns
The first reflex in case of burn is to place the affected area under cold, running water for at least 5 minutes to ease the pain (10 or 15 minutes are better). If the lesion is not wide and not too severe, apply two drops of aspic lavender essential oil to the skin. However you must see a doctor if the burn is serious, deep or covers a wide surface of skin.
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Ice to fight sprains
When the ankle ligaments stretch too much (or too fast), the pain is immense. Apply ice or a cold gel to anesthetize instantly the painful area and reduce the inflammation. Rest your ankle during the time required.
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Wintergreen essential oil to calm backache
To fight against the back pain and inflammation, try the wintergreen essential oil. Dilute 3 drops in 15 drops of vegetable oil (callophylle, arnica...) and massage into the painful zone. Add a dose of Ignatia 15 CH if the pain is the result of an injury.

For sudden or chronic pain, synthetic medicines are not the only effective solution. Some ancestral remedies are also effective and sometimes more powerful. Here are 8 natural painkillers which act fast to relieve you from the suffering.

Maureen Diament

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