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When you’ve got a headache, toothache or back soreness, what do you do? If you’re like many Americans, you probably reach for a bottle of ibuprofen (trade name Advil).
It can seem like a real elixir, taking away any trace of pain in a flash. But is ibuprofen really safe?
There are some real serious risks associated with even casual use of the drug. One of the most concerning risks is the potential for heart damage.
Back in 2005, the FDA issued a warning about ibuprofen, saying it significantly increases one’s risk of heart attack or stroke. The FDA rarely does this. But after an extensive review of the drug, they issued the following statements:
Heart attack and stroke risk increase even with short-term use, and the risk may begin within a few weeks of starting to take the drug.
The risk increases with higher doses of the drug taken for longer periods of time.
The risk is greatest for people who already have heart disease, though even people without heart disease may be at risk.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can also raise blood pressure and cause heart failure, even with short-term use. This can be potentially deadly for people over 40, who have a much higher risk of heart disease than younger adults.
Because it takes a long to feel the destructive effects of NSAIDs, most people simply ignore these warnings and underestimate the danger of these drugs. Instead, they continue to rely on pills for daily aches and pains
The natural alternatives
Given the clear evidence that ibuprofen and other NSAIDs have profound, even life-threatening side effects, natural alternatives should be researched and implemented.
Turmeric root
Turmeric isn’t just a spice, it’s a medicine. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has analgesic properties comparable to ibuprofen. It dulls the sensation of pain by triggering a response in the opioid receptors in the brain. Unlike drugs, though, turmeric doesn’t cause addiction.
In a study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, turmeric was shown to be effective in treating osteoarthritis. Over a period of six weeks, a portion of the participants received 800mg of ibuprofen and the remaining subjects took 2,000mg of turmeric.
At the end of the study, those who ate turmeric demonstrated better results showing that the all-natural spice is not only more effective but also safer than popping pills.
To use the spice outside the kitchen, make your own turmeric supplements by following the recipe below.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup organic, ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
3 tablespoons raw, organic honey
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl to make a paste.
Take pinches of the turmeric paste and roll them into small balls.
Place in freezer for about 1 hour and remove.
Store in a glass container and keep it in your refrigerator.
Take 2-3 a day.
White willow bark
White willow bark is an herbal remedy that stretches back in time, over 2000 years. It has been used in many herbal medicine cultures, including that of the ancient Chinese, and Romans. As well as being used to treat lower back pain, osteoarthritis and other conditions including bursitis and tendinitis, it can also be used as a natural headache relief medicine.
White willow bark contains a natural chemical known as salicin. Aspirin, which contains acetylsalicylic acid, was modeled on salicin when it was first engineered back in the 1800s. Although it is not as fast acting as aspirin, the effects of white willow bark may have a longer lasting effect.
Cat’s claw
The bark and the root of the plant of cat’s claw are used to make the herbal medication. Research indicates that Cat’s Claw may be able to stimulate the immune system. Because of this, it is advisable not to take it if you are on medication to suppress your immune system function.
Cat’s Claw contains an anti-inflammatory agent that prohibits the manufacture of a hormone known as prostaglandin (same as ibuprofen), a hormone which is in part responsible for pain and inflammation. It also contains antioxidants.
The research carried out to date also suggests that cat’s claw can be taken to relax smooth muscles, helps to lower hypertension, and as a natural diuretic, to help the body to lose excess water. It is often taken by people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee.
It can be purchased in capsule form, or in its natural form when it is used to make a tea or tincture.
Boswellia
Boswellia has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Traditionally, it has been used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as a number of other disorders including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, asthma, etc.