According to research published by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 62 million people worldwide use opioids. America is by far the biggest user of opioid painkillers, with CDC stats suggesting that almost 11% of U.S. adults used them between 2015 and 2018. This percentage is likely even higher given the recent rise in opioid use.

Natural Products for Pain

Although this form of medication has short-term benefits, it comes with a litany of side effects, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Respiratory depression
  • Addiction

Small wonder that a growing number of people are looking for a natural pain remedy. Natural hemp products are the answer, according to many alternative medicine practitioners, but there are several other options. This article investigates five natural products for pain.

1) Ginger

There is a strong suggestion that Zingiber officinale, or ginger, is capable of relieving pain. Individuals who use up to two grams of it a day sometimes experience reduced muscle pain from weight training and running. For best results, you’ll need to use it for at least five consecutive days.

By itself, ginger has an extremely strong taste, so you might want to create teas or smoothies rather than consuming it raw.

2) Capsaicin

Found in chili peppers, capsaicin has become one of the most popular products for pain in recent times. Indeed, some CBD brands add it to their topicals to improve the overall effects. You will typically find capsaicin in creams which you should rub into the affected area. You should notice a tingling or burning sensation after application.

At present, scientists aren’t sure why capsaicin helps alleviate pain. One theory posits that it decreases the skin’s sensitivity to pain by affecting the nociceptor fibers, nerves responsible for carrying pain signals.

3) Cloves

Cloves from the Eugenia caryophyllata plant are a famous natural pain remedy for toothache. It is more than a mere wives’ tale! There is evidence that clove gel is as effective for pain as benzocaine gel. Dentists typically use benzocaine gel to reduce the pain caused by needles.

Researchers think cloves could have antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, significantly more studies are required to reach this conclusion confidently.

4) Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This essential oil is synonymous with pain relief and is believed to help reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain in the body. Like capsaicin, eucalyptus is a popular accompaniment to hemp topicals. Premium Jane, for example, sells topical hemp salves containing eucalyptus essential oils.

However, while eucalyptus is useful for managing pain symptoms, you shouldn’t use this essential oil around pets or children as it can trigger asthma. Also, don’t diffuse it in a public space as it is toxic if swallowed.

5) Hemp

When we say hemp, we’re discussing CBD products for pain in particular. Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid abundant in the hemp plant. Some individuals with chronic pain use CBD to help reduce inflammation, pain, and general discomfort.

It is perhaps the most popular natural pain remedy on the market at present and is available in many forms, including:

  • Oils/tinctures
  • Topicals
  • Vaping products
  • Edibles

Although vaping can provide rapid effects, there are concerns over the health impact of vape products. Edibles can offer long-lasting relief but take up to two hours to show noticeable effects. Oils and tinctures are arguably the best selling hemp products for pain.

However, topicals such as creams, salves, and ointments are potentially the best option if you’re experiencing pain. Rub the topical into the skin at the site of the pain and wait for the benefits.

There is plenty of science behind claims that CBD can help relieve pain. One review of studies looked at research from 1975 to 2018 into CBD’s capacity to relieve chronic pain. The researchers concluded that CBD was effective in overall pain management and didn’t cause adverse effects.

Final Thoughts on the Top Natural Products for Pain

If you’re experiencing severe pain, you don’t necessarily have to reach for opioid painkillers. This is especially true if you have tried them before, and they either proved ineffective or caused numerous side effects.

There are plenty of natural products for pain that don’t cause side effects. Moreover, there is scientific evidence to back up such claims. Nonetheless, if you’re currently using a pain killing medication, discuss any plans to use a natural pain remedy with a doctor.