The Top 5 Natural Alternatives to Ibuprofen You Need to Try

Body Hacks, Detox & Remedies

This post is all about natural alternatives to ibuprofen that have been scientifically proven to alleviate pain.

When it comes to pain relief, most of us jump to the most convenient option- cheap, over the counter medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, etc.

Unfortunately, our western society has been taught that these medications are our first line of treatment for mild to moderate pain symptoms.

Although over the counter medications are proven effective for things such as headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, tooth pain, cramping, etc, they all come with side effects.

Fortunately, over the last 10 years, there have been a multitude of research studies performed that have tested the effects of natural herbs and foods for pain relief.

The results of these studies are surprising as they have found that natural herbs and foods may have the same efficacy with anti-inflammatory, pain relief and muscular relaxant characteristics AND with much fewer side effects and adverse reactions.

Why Not Over-the-Counter & Prescription Medications?

According to the National Library of Medicine, NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and GI bleeds from the moment you pop the first pill.

Additionally, in patients older than 65, taking NSAID medication doubles your risk of acute kidney injury in the next 30 days (1).

Other side effects of these medications include (2):

-stomach aches

-stomach ulcers

-headaches

-drowsiness

-allergic reaction

-life threatening interactions with other medications, foods and alcohol

Although opioid use is strictly regulated by the US government, these medications are also still being prescribed despite the severe side effect and adverse reaction dangers.

The side effects of opioid use include:

-severe drowsiness

-nausea/vomiting

-constipation and bowel obstructions

-physical dependency

– and in some cases, death due to respiratory depression

The 5 Best Natural Ibuprofen Alternatives

1.) Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant typically used in Indian cooking dishes, however, recent studies have shown that it’s main compound, “curcumin”, has powerful anti-inflammation, antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing and pain control properties as well.

One study (3) proved that turmeric improved pain, inflammation and overall joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis. When comparing the use of turmeric and NSAID medications on these individuals, there was no indication that one worked better than the other.

Turmeric comes in a capsule, tablet or extract.

It is recommended to start out with 500mg/ day and gradually increase the dosage as tolerated.

Be sure to read the capsule and tablet labels to ensure no unnecessary ingredients and that there is a therapeutic amount of the active ingredient “curcumin”.

2.) Boswellia

Boswellia, also known as “Frankincense”, is an extract that comes from the Boswellia tree.

According to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center’s website , Boswellia can be used to:

Treat arthritis
Help with asthma
Treat colitis (inflammation of your colon)
Help with inflammation (swelling and redness)
Help reduce fluid cerebral edema (brain swelling) after radiotherapy, in patients with brain tumors
Help reduce skin damage due to radiotherapy, in breast cancer patients

In this study (5), 7 clinical trials involving 545 people concluded that Boswellia improved pain, stiffness and joint function in people with osteoarthritis.

Boswellia comes in a tablet, capsule or a topical oil.

3.) Essential Oils

These concentrated plant oils have been used for thousands of years as a type of alternative medicine therapy. Essential oils have been found to have many therapeutic benefits such as improved sleep, lowered anxiety, digestive health, respiratory health, hair growth, etc.

In addition, some of these oils have also been proven effective for inflammation and pain relief.

Lavender

Lavender oil comes from a purple flowering plant known for its calming properties; however, it has also been found to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

This study (6), found that using lavender via inhalation, massage, footbath, birthing pool, acupressure, and compress resulted in decreased maternal labor pain and anxiety.

And this study (7), testing pain on children with burns, concluded that lavender inhalation greatly reduced pain levels and even stabilization of vital signs during and after dressing changes.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil comes from a shrub with needle-like leaves. This is another popular essential oil with multiple different benefits ranging from stress reduction, all the way to hair growth.

This study (8), involving 105 people, concluded that rosemary used topically is a significant pain reducer in the muscles of people on hemodialysis.

And according to this study (9), aromatherapy massage with rosemary could increase life quality scores and reduce neuropathic pain in people with diabetes.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant that is known for its refreshing seasonal scent.

Researchers have found that peppermint oil rubbed in the nose can greatly reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines (10 & 11).

Peppermint oil has also been found to alleviate muscle aches (in body and abdomen) and joint pain.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. It is known for its strong scent and its antimicrobial and calming properties.

It’s potent pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits treat muscle aches, headaches and joint pain.

One study (12), showed that people who inhaled eucalyptus oil after total knee replacement surgery had a significant reduction of pain and even lowered blood pressure.

These oils can be used in diffusers, sprays or on the skin (after diluting).

4.) Capsacien

Capsacien is the ingredient in chili peppers responsible for their spiciness.

When capsaceion is used, it has been shown to block “substance P”- desensitizing the nerve pathways that transmit pain.

Although the research is still ongoing, capsacein has shown positive effects on painful conditions such as neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, bone cancer pain, inflammatory bowel disease, migraines and shingles.

In addition to pain relief, capsacien also has anti-inflammatory effects.

In this study (14), it was found that the anti-inflammatory effects of capsacien were comparable to that of the drug “Diclofenac”, a strong prescription NSAID used to treat inflammatory conditions.

Capsacein can be used as a cream, gel, lotion, patch or capsule.

5.) Ginger

Ginger root also has many different uses.

It has been known to treat chronic pain, muscle pain and soreness, dental pain, arthritis, menstrual pain, migraines/headaches and digestive pain.

This study (15) concluded that there was no difference in dental pain relief from people taking ibuprofen compared to people taking ginger powder.

Ginger can be taken as a powder, extract, tincture, capsule or oil. The Arthritis Foundation recommends taking 2 grams/day or drinking up to 4 cups of ginger tea daily.

In conclusion, choosing natural ibuprofen alternatives over NSAIDs and prescription medication can be a much safer and healthier alternative for inflammation and pain control.

These alternatives are not only backed by science and clinical research but also come with many additional health benefits and MUCH fewer side effects.