Natural Ways to Treat Pain and Inflammation

Is your body suffering the effects of inflammation?

Inflammation can be the cause of multiple health problems and is most easily described as "a fire within". It is the body's protective response to harmful agents such as allergens, different irritants, obesity, poor diet and lifestyle or disease due to bacteria or virus. Think of it as the body's way of removing harmful agents. Inflammation is typically seen on the outside of the body as a red, swollen, hot area (where an injury or bite might have occurred). This redness, swelling and heat is an indication of the body's defenses killing the invaders.

Is your pain sending you a message?

Inside the body inflammation is often experienced as pain. Like a smoke signal, pain is the body's way of telling you have a problem or a "fire within". Examples of inflammation that cause pain include rheumatoid arthritis,  injuries, nerve damage, neuropathies or joint problems. Inflammation can also cause pain such as headaches/migraines or digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

So how do I safely extinguish inflammation and treat pain naturally?

It is an unfortunate fact that people rely heavily on pain medications, often with little relief. Sadly, these drugs can cause side effects which produce a whole range of other problems such as a bleeding gut. So what can you do to decrease your pain and how do you know which natural products really work? Without the time and energy to do extensive research and without trying multiple products to see what works best for you, finding a suitable, good quality, reliable product that actually works, can be difficult. Fortunately trained natural health practitioners, have easy access to this knowledge and can help you sort out what really works. Here are just a few herbs with remarkable healing properties (which have traditionally been used for years), which science has now proven to be effective for pain relief. 

* Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly useful in treating arthritic and rheumatic symptoms such as pain and swelling. 

* Boswellia is useful for all types of pain and boasts analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects. Pain from traumatic injuries and arthritic pain, responds particularly well to boswellia.

* Ginger is a a fabulous herb for arthritis and also heals the gut.

* High dose EPA found in fish oil, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is used for the treatment of not only pain but also the heart, skin and blood pressure.

What dietary changes will help me heal?

The latest research tells us that diet has an enormous impact on inflammation. Your first priority should be to reduce gluten containing foods. Gluten frequently bypasses the tight protective junctions of your small intestine, is reabsorbed back into the blood stream and starts the cascade of inflammation. Also don't forget about reducing other inflammatory foods such as sugary and processed foods, bad fats, colourants and flavourings. Eat more nuts, fish, olive oil and don't forget those fabulous spices.

Pain and inflammation can destroy your quality of life - don't let this happen to you! Safe, scientifically proven natural supplements and an anti-inflammatory diet will help you feel fabulous again.