Pain, heat, redness, and swelling are the classic manifestations of the inflammatory process. In general, with these manifestations, patients do not require immediate surgical intervention and, therefore, require treatments to reduce pain and improve quality of life activities.
In most cases, the genesis of pain is inflammatory, regardless of the etiology. With the clarification of the role of inflammatory cytokines, there is now a clear understanding of the pathways by which many anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, remains the mainstay of most classical teaching physicians for inflammatory pain related to the joints and the spine, despite their commonly known side effects.
Due to the significant side effect profiles of steroid drugs and NSAIDs, there is increased interest in natural compounds that have been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation. Many of these natural compounds also work by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in a similar way to NSAIDs.
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Ibuprofen a widely used NSAID.
Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used anti-inflammatories, but not everyone knows that it can have serious side effects, so finding natural alternatives to ibuprofen can make a big difference to anyone’s long-term quality of life.
The saying used to say, “Take two aspirin and call in the morning” but many people turn to Ibuprofen to relieve inflammation, pain, and fever.
Available both over-the-counter and by prescription, this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is commonly used to treat arthritis, menstrual symptoms, headaches, pain and malaise, and various inflammatory conditions.
The side effects of Ibuprofen.
Although many people think of ibuprofen as fairly benign, it is associated with an increased risk of heart and circulation problems, such as stroke and heart attack, as well as gastrointestinal problems, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal tract.
These risks increase the longer ibuprofen is taken, although the length of time it affects anyone varies depending on their general health, use of other medications, age, and other factors.
6 Natural Alternatives to Ibuprofen.
Many studies have been conducted on various natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs that can be used as alternatives to Ibuprofen. In general, they have few or no side effects.
Here are a few that you may want to consider. You should always consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional before starting a new treatment program.
Evening primrose.
The efficacy of evening primrose oil with hemp seed oil has been clinically evaluated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS (a chronic inflammatory disorder) have randomly taken hemp seeds/evening primrose oil and placebo. There has been a significant reduction in inflammation.
Boswellia, natural alternative to ibuprofen.
This anti-inflammatory remedy comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in India. The anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia are attributed to the boswellia acids it contains.
These acids improve blood flow to the joints and prevent inflammatory white cells from entering damaged tissue. Also known as “Indian incense”.
Capsaicin.
The active component in chili, capsaicin, is often used topically on nerves, muscles, and joint pain. It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical that helps transmit pain signals to the brain. This is one of the most widely used alternatives to ibuprofen.
Cat’s claw.
Uncaria tomentosa, also known as cat’s claw, grows in South America. It contains an anti-inflammatory agent that blocks the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which contributes to inflammation and pain and can act the same as ibuprofen but without leaving side effects.
Curcumin.
Curcumin is a component of the herb turmeric, and it is a powerful pain reliever that can block proteins in the body that cause inflammation and also stops the neurotransmitter substance from sending the pain message to the brain.
Studies show that curcumin is effective in relieving chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis. A suggested dose is 400 to 600 mg of curcumin taken three times a day for pain and inflammation, and you can supplant ibuprofen with this natural and healthy alternative.
Omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to be beneficial for people suffering from arthritis and represent an alternative to ibuprofen, other inflammatory joint diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Omega-3 also reduces cardiovascular risk, which is especially helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis, which carries an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil is 1,000 mg a day.
White Willow Bark.
This herb is the precursor to aspirin and a very healthy alternative to ibuprofen. It contains silicon, which is converted to salicylic acid in the stomach.
White willow bark is much less irritating to the stomach than the synthetic drug aspirin or ibuprofen, while it works to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. A suggested dose is 1 to 2 droppers of white willow bark tincture per day.
Berries.
Organic berries and all fruits and vegetables, as they contain various photochemicals such as antioxidants (vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and various minerals), bioflavonoids (such as quercetin, limonene, hesperidin), and fiber that is needed for elimination daily waste and support in the healthy balance of the microflora of the digestive tract.
Adult women should aim for at least 7 servings a day and men should get 9. A serving is between ½ – 1 cup. The more color the better.