“Healthy Monday is our way of kicking off the week with useful health tips, information or news put together by our team of Health Consultants.”
Last week, we shared with you the startling revelation from a recent British study, which revealed that regular use of acetaminophen or Tylenon’s active ingredient may increase the risk of premature death by 60%. Click here if you missed it!
Based on the result of this study, it appears people are risking their lives every day by taking in so much pain relieving tablets, and are not aware of the negative consequences. According to Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of Real Cause, Real Cure:
“Each year, up to 65,000 Americans die from painkillers, both prescription and non-prescription, yet recent statistics show that up to a third of all Americans have chronic pain.”
“It’s time to rethink how modern medicine treats pain,” he said. “There are effective treatments, but doctors don’t have a clue as to what the research is showing about safe, natural pain relievers.
“Many natural options have been shown in studies to be more effective than prescription medications, and all with a lower risk of death and fewer side effects.”
But, continuous use of Tylenol or Acetaminophen can be avoided by turning to natural pain relieving supplements for treatment of aches and pains. Some of the more effective ones are:
1. Curcumin. This is the active compound in the spice turmeric, and it is a potent anti-inflammatory that gives turmeric its bright yellow color. Studies show that turmeric reduces inflammation as powerfully as the prescription drug phenylbutazone (Butazolidine). “A common dose is 500 to 1,500 three times a day.” Dr. Teitelbaum’s top pick for fighting chronic pain is an extract of curcumin called BCM-95. “Studies show it’s way more effective than Tylenol for fighting the chronic pain of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis,” he says.
He recommends two brands that are particularly effective. “‘Curamin‘ is the most effective pain reliever in the world,” he said. It has been observed to knock out pain that morphine wouldn’t touch, but recommended to give it six weeks to get the full effects. ‘End Pain‘ is also very effective and it’s less expensive. “Not only is the pain gone, but your body is much healthier. Curcumin also fights depression, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.”
2. Boswellia. Boswellia serrata, also known as frankincense, treats inflammation and pain without it causing ulcers like aspirin family medications “and it’s been shown to be helpful for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. “A common dose is 150 to 350 milligrams three times a day,” says Dr. Teitelbaum.
3. Willow bark. Willow bark contains salicin, a chemical similar to acetylsalicylic acid, which is the pain-relieving compound found in aspirin. According to the University of Maryland, there’s good evidence that willow bark not only relieves pain but also reduces inflammation, and it may result in fewer gastrointestinal side effects than NSAIDS such as Advil.
Several European countries have approved the use of willow bark in treating numerous ailments including headache and arthritis. Willow bark can be bought as an extract or powdered in capsules. “Willow bark has been shown to be effective in both osteoarthritis and back pain,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. He however recommends taking enough willow bark to get 240 milligrams of salicin a day and reducing the amount to 120 milligrams a day or less depending on the severity of the pain.
4. Tart cherries. “Studies have shown that tart cherries inhibit inflammation as effectively as ibuprofen,” Dr. Teitelbaum says. Eating 10 to 20 cherries a day may help arthritis, or taking 2,000 milligrams of cherry fruit extract. Cherries contain antioxidants and also have anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown that they may also reduce the risk of colon and other cancers. In addition, they contain melatonin that aids restful sleep.
5. Capsaicin. This natural ingredient is derived from hot chile peppers, topical capsaicin may be useful for some people in relieving pain. “Capsaicin works by depleting substance P, a compound that conveys the pain sensation from the peripheral to the central nervous system. It takes a couple of days for this to occur,” says David Kiefer, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.
6. Birch Leaf (Betula Lenta). The leaves from the Birch tree have been said to act in a similar manner to cortisone, a prescription drug used to treat arthritis, lupus, endocrine disorders, skin disease, autoimmune disorders, and more. A main chemical compound found in Birch leaves is methyl salicylate, similar to salicylic acid used in aspirin. It is analgesic, astringent, anti-spasmodic, antifungal, diuretic, detoxifying, reduces oxidative damage to skin (stopping wrinkles), and enhances circulation. Really, it is one of the first powerful pain-relievers ever used.
7. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens). This ominous sounding herb is actually great for treating numerous health conditions, including liver problems and heart burn. But, it also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce pain arthritis pain, headaches, and low back discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center has also published several studies that had great success treating Osteoarthritis with Devil’s Claw.
Have a healthy week!
Please, note that this information is in not intended to replace the guidance of your doctor. We always advise you see a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert’s care.
