If you have a problem with taking tablets or any type of medication when you're suffering aches and pains, you don't have to suffer. There are plenty of ways to relieve your discomfort that don't involve popping pills or heading out to the shop to buy things.
Fruits are a great place to start. Blueberries have so many benefits and one of these is their antioxidants. These tiny blue fruits can kill the free radicals which target your digestive lining and keep you clean. Main problems which they are known to keep you clear of include bladder infections and peptic ulcers.
Pineapple doesn't just have its obvious positives, such as being high in vitamins. If you suffer from bloating after eating and heaviness in your stomach, this yellow fruit will help ease the anxiety. In addition to this, pineapple also keeps your blood flowing nicely through your body and prevents you from getting cramps.
If you fancy something a little more indulgent, cookies are the way forward. Yes, it has been proven the tasty biscuits and other sweet treats such as ice cream or chocolate help reduce the sensation of pain. By focusing on the sensation of eating something you enjoy, the pain soon fades away. The brain controls your feelings, so if you can distract it from whatever is hurting, soon enough you will notice it less.
If it's sickness you suffer from, then ginger is the ingredient you need. This wonderful root fights off nausea with its anti-inflammatory magic and if any of you women out there suffer from bad menstrual pains, ginger has been proven to have the same effects as ibuprofen. Oats help this feminine problem too as they are packed full of mineral magnesium, perfect for tackling cramps.
Moving on from food and onto temperatures, hot and cold relief is the next drug-free option.
Heat increases the flow of healing oxygen and nutrients to the area which has been damaged, suppressing the signals of pain sent to your brain. There are heat wraps available to purchase and keep in your cupboard for when the time calls for it. Or, if not this, a hot water bottle will provide a soothing alternative. Nothing beats lying in bed with a hot compress tucked up next to you.
Cooling down is best when it comes to inflamed and sore tissues, as heat will only irritate the area. Ice is best used to reduce back pain as its acts as a local aesthetic and numbs the aches and spasms.
When you burn yourself you should put on some anti-bacterial cream, but if you don't want to smother yourself in the strong-smelling stuff try Aloe Vera. This natural gel can either be used straight from the plant (cutting an end off and squeezing out the moisture) or bought ready sealed. Not only will it soothe the soreness but it will also help your skin grow back and provide a protective layer.
