10 home remedies to relieve pain

Below are 10 pain relievers you can try at home:

Ginger

A natural anti-inflammatory, it can improve the blood circulation therefore relieving muscle pain. Grate some fresh ginger, take two to four tablespoons and tightly wrap it in some cotton.

Put it in hot water and soak for 40 seconds – cool and place on the affected area for at least 15 minutes.

Bananas

Bananas are a healthy fruit and a rich source of potassium. Potassium can help heal, strengthen and treat aching muscles.

Turmeric

An anti-inflammatory – add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to one cup of milk, mix well over moderate heat, drink twice daily. Alternatively, take freshly grated turmeric, salt and lemon juice (equal measures). Mix together and apply to the affected area. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse. Repeat twice daily until the pain has eased.

Cold pack

A well-known pain reliever. Apply a cold pack on the painful area to reduce swelling and inflammation. This can help constrict the blood vessels and therefore decrease the blood flow to the affected muscle.

Apple cider vinegar

Another anti-inflammatory, it also has alkalizing properties that can help reduce pain. For a hot soak, add two cups of apple cider vinegar to the bath water, soak for 20 minutes.

Rosemary

Both fresh and dried rosemary have anti-inflammatory properties, they can sooth the inflamed muscle for quick pain relief. Boil eight cups of water and add three ounces of dried rosemary leaves, cool for 20 minutes and soak the affected muscle.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is believed to effectively reduce pain and stiffness in muscles.

Add five teaspoons of cayenne pepper to one-half cup coconut oil. Heat the mixture and stand for up to 24 hours. Filter the oil and store in an airtight jar – apply the mixture to the affected muscle three times a day.

Hot water soak

A quick pain reliever that circulates blood and enhances the healing process. Please note, not for immediately after injury – wait at least 24 hours. Fill your bath with hot water, adding one cup of Epsom salt. Soak the affected muscle for 20 minutes.

Mustard oil

Characterised as a natural rubefacient, it helps increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. Add four tablespoons of mustard oil to 10 chopped cloves of garlic. Heat the cloves until brown, add some coconut oil and allow to cool. Filter the mixture and apply to the painful area several times a day.

Tart cherry

These cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. To prevent muscle pain after exercise, eat one cup of tart cherries or drink one cup of no sugar-tart cherry juice.