When I was in constant pain, I was taking multiple, daily doses of acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. However, once I started going to alternative healthcare practitioners, they recommended I stay away from both of them and use a natural pain reliever that is less harmful.
Beware traditional pain relievers
After researching these two popular traditional pain relievers, I understood why I was warned to avoid them. Occasional use is not the issue, but when they are taken frequently and long-term, they can cause serious health concerns. Here’s what the research shows:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) – minor pain reliever (not anti-inflammatory)
Tylenol is not without its serious complications. It is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States, and the drug in some cases led to fatalities. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, accounts for more than 100,000 calls to poison centers, roughly 60,000 emergency-room visits and hundreds of deaths each year in the United States. –DrugWatch.com (full article)
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) – anti-inflammatory
They are a great solution for relieving pain and inflammation, but there’s a definite downside. These drugs often lead to more trouble including upset stomach and bleeding ulcers. –WebMD (full article)
Natural options for pain relief
There are many options for natural pain relief. Here are the two that were the most helpful to me.
White Willow Forte
This is a combo supplement produced by Biogenesis. The main ingredient, white willow bark, eases pain and reduces inflammation. The other ingredients are also anti-inflammatory: turmeric, ginger and rosemary. It works really well for me, and I like having the convenience of capsules, especially when I’m on the go. The recommended dosage is 4 capsules, but 3 work fine for me. I prefer taking them after a meal or snack, rather than on an empty stomach.
I really like this product. I must say, I’m happy to not need it much any more, but I always have it on-hand just in case.
Jamaican Dogwood
This bark extract is an analgesic and sedative that is a good option for bedtime. I use the herbal tincture, and I find it especially useful during the night if I wake up with pain. I can take it on an empty stomach in a small amount of water and go back to bed.
Not a one-sized-fits-all world
Being in pain is a very individual experience, so you’ll need to see what works best for you. Over the years, I experimented by replacing some of my acetaminophen or ibuprofen with natural options until I found ones that worked.
Of course if you are being treated by your doctor or using prescription pain relief, check with your doctor before making drastic changes or adding in something new that could conflict.