It is inevitable for us as humans to feel some sort of pain at some points in our lives. Pain sometimes serves a purpose. It is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. For instance, a simple headache may be a sign that you have skipped your meal, and eating on time is the best way to alleviate it or it can also be a sign that you are experiencing too much stress or fatigue and that your body needs some rest. Moreover, a secondary and persistent headache may indicate that you could be suffering from a myriad of mild to serious medical conditions such as sinus infection, brain aneurysm, arterial tears, dehydration, and even brain tumor.  So, it is important to pay attention to your body!

While pain is a normal body reaction, persisting pain that lingers for a couple of days, weeks, or even months can cause unnecessary suffering. It can also affect the quality of your daily life. Thus, you need to opt for some quick relief options to put an end to your suffering. When in pain, you probably think of over the counter remedies first. Over the counter remedies may include topical creams, sprays, and oral medication. In terms of oral medication, the most common options available are aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen or NSAIDs.

Side Effects of Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen

These three oral medications have long been used to temporarily relieve a wide variety of pain and inflammation including but not limited to headache, menstrual cramps, muscular aches, dental pain, arthritis, minor injury, common cold, and backache. They can also help reduce fever. Though effective, it is not recommended for anyone to take such oral medications in a huge dosage amounts or long-term usage as they provide some mild to serious adverse side-effects.

Ibuprofen

This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) offers both mild and serious side effects. Included in the mild side effects are bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, mild heartburn, rashes, unusual bleeding or bruising, ringing in the ears, vomiting, nervousness, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, swelling of lower legs, face, hands, fingers, feet, or ankles, shortness of breath, and unusual tiredness or weakness, among others. Now that’s a long list! (You may see the complete list of ibuprofen side effects at drugs.com and Healthline)    

Long term use or taking too much ibuprofen is also linked to some serious unwanted side-effects. This includes:

• Heart attack and stroke

• Increased blood pressure

• Allergic reaction

• Decreased kidney function

• Ulcer and bleeding in the intestines or stomach

• Liver failure

Though you may not experience all of these side effects, you will need to seek help from your doctor should you experience any of these.

Acetaminophen 

This analgesic drug also causes several unwanted side-effects especially when used in large doses. This includes anaphylaxis, liver failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, laryngeal edema, toxic epidermal necrolysis, agranulocytosis, hyperammonemia, kidney toxicity, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, among others. (Please check complete list at RX List)  

Aspirin 

This salicylate drug should be taken only as directed by your doctor or based on the directions stated on the label. Otherwise, you may be risking yourself to possible side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These includes:

• Stomach cramps

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

• Weakness or heaviness of the legs

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

• Abdominal or stomach cramping, pain, or burning

• Change in consciousness

• Lower back or side pain

• Fever

• Muscle cramping and weakness

(For complete aspirin side effect, please check Drugs.com) 

Let’s Explore the Natural Alternatives to Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen

With the long list of side effects that these oral medications may cause, more and more people are turning to natural alternatives that are not only effective but also cause fewer to no side effects. Below are some of the best alternative natural pain relief options available at a traditional holistic health store that are worth trying.

Turmeric

The active ingredient of turmeric which is curcumin provides this aromatic yellow spice with its pain-relieving qualities. According to clinical studies, the anticancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin has been proven to be effective in treating different health problems including ulcers, upset stomach, cancer, indigestion, and psoriasis. An additional study published in the US National Library of Medicine in 2014 states that Curcuma extract is as effective as ibuprofen in terms of reducing pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for different health conditions like coughs, diabetes, colds, nausea, migraine, toothache, blood circulation problem, osteoarthritis, hyperacidity, diarrhea, flatulence, and cancer. In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are more effective than Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen in relieving pain.

Boswellia

Boswellia, also referred to as Resina Boswellia or Indian frankincense, is popularly used as Ayurveda or natural remedies for pain relief. It is an effective natural alternative to OTC (over-the-counter) and prescription pain relief medications. This tree is native to Arabia, India, and Africa. It has been proven helpful in the treatment and management of different kinds of health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, collagenous colitis, tendonitis, joint pain, brain injury, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis, Crohn's disease, sore throat, menstrual pains, cancer, headache, and abdominal pain.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is a natural medicine native to Europe and some parts of Asia that are popularly known as nature's tranquilizer. It is not only effective in regulating the nervous system and in alleviating tension, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and tension, but it is also used as a natural pain reliever. Taking valerian root can also help manage menstrual cramps, joint, and muscle pain.

In Summary

There are many over-the-counter medications that are very useful for the right purposes.  However, if you are someone with chronic pain or lingering conditions where you need relief from pain on a consistent basis, the natural approach is far better overall for your health and well being.  It does sometimes take a longer approach to "feel" relief if you enlist the help of natural ingredients, but in the long-run, you won’t be opening yourself up to all the unwanted side effects that can affect other parts of your body, while trying to solve your constant pain issues.  Listen to your body, try the natural approach first, but always seek the advice of your doctor if you are unsure or need consistent medication to alleviate your chronic pain.  He may not always suggest Mother Nature, but as these studies prove, it can be just as powerful and better for you in the long run.