These Four Ingredients Supercharge Natural Pain Relief
With the rise of deadly and harmful medications like opioids, it’s not surprising that people are looking to natural sources of pain relief.
Historically, indigenous cultures spent generations of trial and error to generate the evidence they needed to heal, and their lived experience provides an incredible perspective on modern medicine. Especially because it takes a lot of work to identify what ingredients are safe versus toxic outside of a lab and without a certified background in science.
But what can these ancient, and still living, cultures teach us about non-addictive ways to treat pain? Boswellia, Cayenne Pepper, Arnica, and Camphor have been proven by both ancient cultures and modern science to help people relieve pain today.
Boswellia
Commonly referred to as Boswellia extract or Frankincense, the sticky resin has incredible pain-relief properties used in medicinal and religious ceremonies both today and throughout history.
History and Origins
Beyond its studied use in Western medicine, Boswellia resin has found its way into the practices of many different medical practices.
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Frankincense was widely used for its anti-inflammatory benefits, but also because of its flexibility. The resin can be absorbed via inhalation, topical skin creams, and taken as a supplement.
The Boswellia Tree was valued as far back as 3000 B.C. when the Babylonians and Assyrians burned it in religious ceremonies. Most famously, Frankincense was recorded as one of the biblical gifts given to Mother Mary and newborn Jesus by the Wise Men.
Today
Boswellia resin has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can also aid in pain relief associated with many different types of inflammatory ailments.
Many may recommend Boswellia to assist in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and asthma. One study found that Boswellia helped people suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee report a decrease in knee pain and swelling.
Scientists have also seen Boswellia inhibit cancer growth and suppress the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, although more research is needed.
For these reasons and more, Boswellia is a main ingredient in Khalili’s Natural Pain Relief Cream
Cayenne Pepper
Despite the heat Cayenne Pepper can bring to your tongue in curries or dry spice rubs, cayenne pepper is a powerful pain reliever often overlooked as a simple spice. When applied correctly, Cayenne can fast-track your pain relief and get your body moving.
The multipurpose pepper
Historical evidence suggests Native Americans have used Cayenne pepper for 9,000 years for ailments like stomach aches, cramping, gas, and circulatory system disorders.
But if you’re wondering about the heat, not all applications of Cayenne Pepper are used as food. When used in a cream, Cayenne Pepper can relieve arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. The quick burning feeling overstimulates the nerve cells, reducing the body’s sensitivity to pain.
This natural pain relief isn’t a quick fix, treatment containing Cayenne’s active ingredient Capsaicin relieved pain effects for up to 12 weeks in patients with neuropathic pain.
Modern uses
Cayenne’s versatility means it can be used on a wide variety of pains with little harm.
From psoriasis, digestion and stomach pain, infection protection, and high blood pressure reduction, capsaicin is truly a superhero ingredient that can soothe them all. However, it’s not as simple as eating a pepper a day to keep the doctor away.
Dr. Khalili spent 20 years researching natural remedies and solutions for alleviating pain and many other doctors are researching the benefits of this natural ingredient.
Arnica
Found in rugged mountains around the world, this sweet mountain daisy has been used for centuries for its pain-relief properties.
Considering the widely charted dangers of using opioids for pain relief, doctors have come around to the idea of using Arnica as an alternative for pain relief. Although it is still not a common practice in Western medicine.
How does Arnica help with pain?
Within the little flower from the sunflower genus, the active ingredient Helanalin reduces swelling, pain, and bruising in muscles, joints, and surface-level abrasions.
Helanalin can be used in topical creams or edible supplements. In both cases, the ingredient can increase blood flow to areas afflicted with pain, swelling, and bruising soothing the feeling of pain.
How should I use Arnica?
The best advice you can get is to avoid using Arnica on broken or cut skin. And because the plant is a flower, if you’re allergic to daisies or marigolds, you should avoid arnica to prevent adverse reactions.
Also, you must take Arnica in proper dosages. Arnica can also interfere with blood-thinning medication, so inform your doctor before taking the mountain flower.
In Khalili’s plant relief cream, Arnica was expertly mixed with a base of jojoba seed, aloe leaf, virgin coconut, and avocado oils to be safe and soothing.
Camphor
Widely used across many disciplines, Camphor’s most interesting properties manifest themselves when used as a natural pain medication.
Despite its historic use in foods, like the first recipe for ice cream, modern studies have shown Camphor is not safe to eat. Its scent is complex, containing herbal, spicy, earthy, and cool notes, making it great for topical pain creams.
Origins and uses
Found as the waxy substance on leaves within the Laurel family of evergreen trees, camphor is also extracted from the wood of Camphor Laurel.
Camphor in creams mildly irritates the skin, drawing blood to the applied area and reducing pain and irritation. When inhaled through steam, the ingredient can soothe coughing and upper airway congestion.
Creams with camphor can treat osteoarthritis, muscle pain, insect bites, stings, and even fungal infections. Healthcare professionals warn against taking large doses of camphor.
How can I safely buy Camphor?
Because of Camphor’s potential for toxicity, it’s sold as oil in four different grades that are associated with colors.
White camphor is watery and milky but is safe to use therapeutically and medicinally. Any of the other four grades — yellow, brown, or blue — are toxic and should be avoided.
Always consult your doctor before using any new natural ingredients, and always purchase products like Camphor from reputable dealers.