Natural pain relief

jar of honey, ginger root and sliced lemon

Aches and pains can come with age, long work hours and heightened stress. A key to nipping small discomforts in the bud is getting control of the inflammation that causes them. The following are some natural remedies you can try in order to reduce inflammation and pain. If soreness or pain is severe or persists, be sure to consult your doctor.

Olive oil and apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is highly effective for treating aching and inflamed joints, and when combined with olive oil, it is even more effective. Stir one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Gently massage the affected area in circles with this mixture. Do this twice daily for a couple of weeks.

Honey, lemon, and ginger
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, paired with the natural warmth of honey, are highly effective in alleviating pain and inflammation. Crush a ginger root into tiny pieces and add to a saucepan of water. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the ginger-water mixture into a cup and add one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Drink this mixture three times a day for a week.

Ginger, turmeric, and honey
Turmeric is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Pour one cup of water into a bowl and add one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir well and then add a teaspoon of crushed ginger. Boil this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and add a teaspoon of honey to the filtered mixture. Drink this brew twice daily for a week.

Ginger oil
(found at most drug stores)
Massage swollen and painful areas with ginger oil, gently rubbing in small circles.

Lemon juice
Half a ripe, fresh lemon and squeeze out all the juice. Add lemon juice to one glass of warm water and drink every morning (as soon as you wake up) on an empty stomach to treat inflammation and pain.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil can help to heal pain and inflammation. Take half a cup of coconut oil and heat it. Massage the painful areas with the warm coconut oil using gentle pressure. Do this twice a day for a week.

Epsom salt
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which provides rapid relief from aching joints and inflammation. It’s an effective muscle relaxant and drains out accumulated fluid around joints, reducing inflammation. Prepare a warm bath and add half a cup of Epsom salt. Stir well and soak the painful and inflamed area in the Epsom bath for about 20 minutes. Do this three times a week until the pain dissipates.

Honey and cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that make it highly effective in fighting pain and inflammation. Grind a few sticks of cinnamon into powder and add two tablespoons of honey to make a fine paste. Smear the paste on the painful area and rub gently for about half an hour. Rinse paste with water. Do this daily until the pain is gone.

Cloves and olive oil
Cloves have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They can even help to eliminate toothaches and other pains. You can prepare this remedy at home or purchase clove oil. Crush 1 to 2 cloves and place in a spoon. Add olive oil and consume this mixture twice a day. Repeat until the pain dissipates. You can also mix clove and olive oil together and massage into the affected area.

Try these natural home remedies the next time you feel sore or achy. Happy healing!

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