Commonly used natural pain relievers

There are dozens of commonly used natural pain relievers. Some are better for certain kinds of pain. For example, capsaicin is great for treating arthritis. Capsaicin is an active component of chilli peppers. It works by temporarily desensitizing nerve receptors called C-fibers.

40 percent of arthritis patients reported a 50 percent reduction in pain after using a capsaicin-based cream for a month.

Video: Taking Capsaicin for Pain

Arnica is a herb that comes from a flower. It's used to treat inflammation pain. Studies have shown that taking an oral dose of arnica after a tonsillectomy decreases pain. It has also been shown effective at reducing swelling after knee surgery.

Video: Herbal Pain Relief

Aquamin is made from red seaweed, which is rich in calcium and magnesium. It's been used to treat osteoarthritis.

Using natural pain relievers – the pros

Many people turn to natural pain relievers because the conventional ones haven't worked. For some, alternative medicine is more effective. Depending on the specific product, natural pain relievers may have fewer side effects. They may be gentler on the stomach. They also tend to contain fewer nasty unnecessary chemicals than conventional drugs. If you don't have health insurance, natural pain relievers may be cheaper.

Using natural pain relievers – the cons

Just because something is natural, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe. Natural pain relievers can have just as many side effects as conventional medications. In some cases, they are actually dangerous to your health. For example, large doses of Gingko biloba can interfere with blood clotting.

Some natural pain relievers have been used for centuries. However, they may not have gone through a rigorous testing process. They may be harmful, or totally ineffective. Before choosing a natural pain reliever, do some research. Don't forget to tell your doctor what you are taking, as natural pain relievers can result in a negative interaction with other drugs.

How are they regulated?

Natural pain killers are not as strictly regulated as conventional drugs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues guidelines for complimentary and alternative medicines, but they are not the same as having FDA approval. These guidelines define products based on their intended use. Certain products are sold as nutritional supplements. Others are sold as food, or cosmetics. Different categories have to adhere to different guidelines.

Manufacturers are not allowed to make specific health claims about their products without FDA approval. However, companies get around this by phrasing their claims in vague terms. It's left up to the consumer to determine what is effective. When in doubt, go with a trusted brand name.

Studies of natural pain relievers

There have been many studies to determine the effectiveness of natural pain relievers. Before you choose any form of alternative treatment, find out if there have been independent studies that support its effectiveness. Were these studies peer-reviewed? It's very easy for a company to run a dodgy study supposedly showing that their product works. Don't trust any study that hasn't been published in a reputable journal.

Natural pain relievers

• Capsaicin
• Bromelain
• InflaThera
• Zyflamend
• Aquamin
• Arnica
• Fish oil
• Boswellia
• Ginger
• Ginkgo Biloba