Turmeric A small-scale 2014 study found that curcuma extract is as effective as ibuprofen for pain management in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when a person takes it for 4 weeks. Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation.
For pain relief, try acetaminophen (Tylenol, other brands) first. Understand that acetaminophen does not target inflammation, so if your arthritis pain comes with swelling, acetaminophen may not serve your needs completely. Taking too much can damage the liver, so take only what your doctor says is safe.
Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Endorphins are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being.
Fenugreek is one of the best anti-inflammatory herbs because of its many benefits for digestive health and cardiovascular health. It can reduce inflammation of the stomach and has been shown to improve inflammatory issues, like mouth ulcers, bronchitis, chronic coughs and metabolic disorders.
One study found that taking turmeric extract three times daily was comparable to taking a 1,200-milligram dose of ibuprofen daily. However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects. Other research suggests that curcumin may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The leaves of the Psychotria insularum plant, known in Samoa as matalafi, have been used to treat inflammation for generations. In a new study published in the journal PNAS, researchers tested matalafi on mammalian cells and detailed how it produces its anti-inflammatory effects.
Herbs that are in the “nervine” category can be very nourishing and soothing to the nerve tissue. Among the best are Chinese skullcap, lemon balm, wood betony, St. John's wort, chamomile, prickly ash and milky oats.
Load up on anti-inflammatory foods
Eat more fruits and vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the best sources of omega-3s are cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, and tofu, walnuts, flax seeds and soybeans.
Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex. It is also available as a topical gel, Voltaren, which is available over the counter.
Unfortunately, turmeric doesn't offer a quick fix, so you'll need to take it daily to notice results. If you were wondering how long it takes turmeric to work, this can vary from person to person. However, you should usually expect to start noticing improvements in around 4-8 weeks when taken daily.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) provides your nerves with energy to function, while vitamin B6 relieves nerve pain and transmits nerve impulses correctly. Vitamin B12 regenerates the nerves, protecting them from damage. A deficiency in vitamins B12 or B1 may be partly responsible for your nerve pain. Dr.
Antioxidants to Relieve Nerve Stress
Antioxidants like CoQ10 and acetyl-l-carnitine can help to prevent or reverse nerve damage, and they help to reduce pain. Antioxidant packed foods include blueberries, fish, beans, walnuts, green veggies, and beans.
There are medicines that your doctor can prescribe for nerve pain. They include medicines such as gabapentin or pregabalin. It's best to start these as a low dose, and slowly increase the dose only if you need it. Your doctor will help guide your dosing.
Naproxen and aspirin are two other common over-the-counter pain relievers. Reeder describes the uses, benefits and potential problems with these as well: Naproxen. Another anti-inflammatory drug, which works much like ibuprofen.
Naproxen (Aleve), like ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, treats pain, swelling, and fever. The effects of naproxen are similar to those of ibuprofen, since they are both in the same medication class.
Taking turmeric supplements may put you at a higher risk of getting kidney stones. Don't take turmeric supplements if: You're taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol ). Turmeric may lessen the effects of these medications.
One animal study that looked at rheumatoid arthritis found that even though both turmeric and ginger reduced the incidence and severity of flare-ups, turmeric had significantly more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power than ginger.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems. Many studies have taken place in test tubes and animals.