OLUFUNKE FROM PUNCH
After last week’s discussion on heliotropium indicum (ogbe ori akuko), I got busy because a lot of people wanted to know about the plant and I kept sending pictures to them. Some people’s reactions after seeing it got me thinking. The truth is that we call some of these plants weed but not all of them are. The rainy season comes with a lot of benefits; everywhere is green now. Be certain of the uses of that plant that is springing up in your house before you cut and burn it. It may be extremely medicinal.
While certain circumstances may require a prescription, it may also be possible to find some of the relief you need from a variety of natural pain relievers. Many herbs and spices have a long history of being used to relieve inflammation and they work just as well without harmful side effects. This week, I want to discuss natural painkillers. Apart from herbs, I will also talk about things you can do for pain relief.
Let us see the herbs:
Turmeric
A list of herbs for pain would not be complete without turmeric. It is the spice that gives curry its signature yellow hue. Research is showing that it can also provide relief for arthritis or even joint injuries. There is powerful evidence that curcumin found in this spice helps increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Research is even indicating that it is an effective agent that suppresses the growth of head and neck cancers. It turns out that the pigment itself may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of the spice.
Cloves
Cloves are also widely used as a natural pain reliever due to their content of eugenol, a natural pain reliever that is also used in some pain rubs. Clove oil is also available and can be applied topically to reduce pain. It is called ‘kanafuru’ in Yoruba. It is a common spice used in making zobo drink.
Bromelain
It is a special compound extracted from pineapple. It also contains proteolytic enzymes that work to cut off the pain pathways in the body. Bromelain acts as a painkiller in addition to reducing and preventing inflammation. By removing toxins from the blood, bromelain allows more oxygen-rich blood to flow to the pained or inflamed areas.
Papain
Papain is a popular folk remedy for reducing pain, inflammation and swelling. It has proved effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness and as such, is an excellent supplementation for anyone who suffers from arthritis. It is concentrated in the skin of papaya (pawpaw) fruit. It is obtained by cutting the skin of the unripe — but almost mature — papaya before collecting and drying the latex, which flows from the cuts. The fruit should be tapped sometime in the morning (a period of high humidity). So, this means to enjoy the benefits of papain, it is better to eat unripe and almost mature papaya. Papain is also available in topical, chewable and capsule forms.
Ginger
Ginger contains salicylates, which your body transforms into a chemical substance called salicylic acid. Salicylic acid prevents your nerves from making certain prostaglandins and this eases pain and discomfort. It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in reducing pain. There are ginger extract ointments.
Garlic
Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that limits the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. If you have sores and inflamed joints or muscles, you can rub them with garlic oil. Garlic can be crushed and placed against an aching tooth for temporary relief and has also been used to fight the effects of carcinogens in the body.
