6 Remedies to Reduce Pain

Colds

Chicken soup increases the activity of antiviral immune cells and also reduces throat and sinus inflammation. Eat a bowl of chicken soup (homemade if possible) twice daily at the first sign of a cold. When you add a pinch of cayenne (capsaicin), you will reduce your congestion as effectively as over-the-counter medication.

Headache

Headaches are often caused by muscle tension and/or other emotional stress. You may not be able to take aspirin or other painkillers for a variety of reasons such as medical interactions or stomach irritation. In my opinion, you should try other things first anyway.

Using your thumb and forefinger, squeeze the area between your upper lip and nose for five seconds. Repeat as long as you need to. This works by blocking the nerve signals.

Insomnia

Because sleeping pills can be addictive and are known for side effects like dizziness, depression and headache, you may want to try drinking a cup of valerian tea at bedtime. This is readily available in health food stores and is recommended by Commission E (the European equivalent of the U.S. FDA. Valerian is also effective for reducing anxiety.

Nausea

The best remedy of all for all forms of nausea is ginger. The active ingredient, gingerols, can be more effective than anti-nausea drugs from the drug store. Drink two to three cups of ginger ale (be sure it contains natural ginger) from a health food store. You can also make ginger tea. Chop one tablespoon of fresh gingerroot and steep it in hot water for about 10 minutes.

Sore Throat

When prepared and used properly a mixture of warm saltwater reduces sore throat pain. It should, however, be done correctly. Add three teaspoons of table salt to one cup of warm water and stir. Gargle with a full one-cup mixture at least two to three times daily. Viruses, which cause colds, can’t survive in a high-salt environment.

Toothache

One of the best treatments for a toothache is a generations-old folk remedy that might seem unlikely to work. It is worth a try before going to the store for Orajel or to the doctor for powerful painkillers. Dip a toothpick in oil of clove from a health food store and apply it gently to the sore area. The pain should disappear almost instantly. Repeat as often as you feel necessary to minimize discomfort. This is a temporary relief until you can get to the dentist.