Ditch the OTC drugs and try some natural remedies instead.

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Mar 5th 2008 5:57PM

Categories: Organic, Vegetarian, Diet & Weight Loss, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements

Let me guess: When pain hits, you hit the bottle. The bottle of pain killers, that is. Don't feel bad--we all do it. But it's become such an automatic reaction that I think its time we stopped to wonder if there is any other more natural options to cure the pain that ails us.

I know what you're thinking: if it comes from the earth, how effective can it be? Well, keep an open mind give these natural remedies a try first next time you have a headache:

Willow Bark: This natural remedy has been used for years, and before the days of conventional drugs was used to ease the pain of child birth.
Capsaicin: It's usually found in chili but apply capsaicin cream to an injury can relieve pain.
Ginger: Ginger's active ingredients work much in the same way that capsaicin does, and it can soothe an upset tummy too.
Omega-3s: These wonder nutrients have been shown to help fight off chronic pain and inflammation.

Want to know more? Check out Mark's Daily Apple for more natural remedies and a detailed explanation of each.

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Comments (6)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Judy 3-05-2008 @ 7:38PM

I try to use a natural remedy before turning to anything else. And before that, I try to figure out what's causing the problem, especially with headaches (which I'm prone to). Sometimes it works, sometimes I still have to pop an ibuprofen.

Martha Edwards 3-05-2008 @ 7:45PM

I agree -- popping a pill isn't the end of the world, but it's best to try something natural first.

Dr. J 3-06-2008 @ 5:03PM

Martha, have you ever used Capsaicin?
I'm not disputing it has uses, but if you have never used it, give it a try. Then you will understand the saying,"The cure is worse than the disease" :-)

Andrea 3-08-2008 @ 12:36PM

How about DON'T try natural supplements? Most people don't report the use of supplements to their doctors, and they can actually interfere with regular meds. The supplement industry brings in BILLIONS while being almost completely useless. Americans just don't need supplements. And those who take them often are unaware of their unintended effects. Example? St. John's Wort can interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives. It says so in your pill packet- which no one ever reads.

Judy 3-09-2008 @ 2:47PM

I'm not necessarily talking supplements, but if it works, and is NOT harmful, then why not?

If I can't sleep, or feel temporarily overly anxious, I might try valerian tea (which has as its only known side effect drowsiness). I can regulate the amount a lot easier while sipping a tea than popping a pill (and aren't pills for anxiety long-term?).

If I have a headache, I might try peppermint oil. For an upset stomach, ginger tea or sucking on a peppermint. Coughing? Teaspoon of honey.

I'm not talking about long-term use of a supplement (although somtimes they work and would be more beneficial and less harmful than long-term use of a prescription). I'm talking about trying to use something natural, normal, and that you might already have on hand, something without side effects or high-costs, before going to a doctor and committing yourself to a medication that might do more harm than good. Or even before opening the cabinet and popping an OTC that has some potential side effect (acetaminophen isn't good for your liver, for example).

ben-o 3-13-2008 @ 4:36PM

Arthrospira platensis is also a good natural supplement. I started 2 weeks ago with Nureicell 500. The effects are great. I feel stronger everyday. I'm never going back to isolates and synthetic vitamins!