Diclofenac is a drug that is prescribed by pharmacists or doctors to get instant relief from mild-to-moderate pain, arthritis symptoms such as (rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis), swelling, inflammation, stiffness and joint pain. It is also an operative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain relief in patients. Diclofenac drug is available in the form of oral tablets, capsules, gels, patches, and plasters.
Pain medicine is not the only choice for pain relief. Many people use pain reliever medication and also rely on these drugs for relief from mild, moderate and severe pain. Using these types of pain relief medication or NSAID for long term can cause serious side effects.
There are several natural alternatives to Diclofenac for pain relief which do not cause any side effects and you can manage your long duration pain.
Why are Natural Alternatives considered to Diclofenac?
Diclofenac is useful medication to get relief from pain and these medications can also cause side effects specifically in older people. While taking these drugs and finding any upsetting symptoms, you should immediately take advice from your doctor.
Some of the side effects can be caused that are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Liver damage
- Dizziness
- Kidney problems
With these above-mentioned side effects Diclofenac and other NSAIDs pain relief drugs prices can be costly. It can be the reason for the natural alternatives to diclofenac for pain relief.
Let’s explain natural alternatives to Diclofenac to get relief from pain.
1. Turmeric
Active Compound: Curcumin
Uses: Indigestion, Osteoarthritis, Ulcers
Turmeric is a whole spice that is acquired from turmeric plants. It is found in Southeast Asia that has been used as an ayurvedic medicine since ancient times to treat wound healing, and gastrointestinal problems. Turmeric is effectively used to treat stomach upset, ulcers,indigestion,osteoarthritis,and psoriasis. Don’t take it in large amounts that can also cause side effects such as stomach upset, yellow stool, nausea, headache,diarrhea and rash.
2. Green Tea
Active Compound: catechins, polyphenols, epicatechins
Uses: Inflammatory and arthritis disease
Green tea is refined with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a safe alternative that provides numerous potential health benefits, improves heart health, weight control, and impedes the creation of certain inflammatory compounds, treating arthritis issues and reducing inflammation. It also slows down the process of cartilage. It is not recommended for pregnant women because it can develop an iron deficiency in women.
3. Cloves
Active Compound: Eugenol
Uses: Headaches, toothaches, arthritis
Cloves are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to cook food such as spicy meat, pies, and other meals. It also contains its active compound eugenol in high amounts which acts as a natural pain reliever. It is used to treat colds, indigestion, arthritis, headaches, toothaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Use it in the proper amount otherwise it can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, bleeding, liver problems etc.
4. Boswellia
Active Compound: Boswellic acids
Uses: Colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,
Boswellia is extracted from herbs that may reduce inflammation with such conditions like arthritis and asthma. It is used to get relief from pain, inflammation, stiffness, reduce the loss of cartilage, and inverse autoimmune symptoms. It can be taken in the form of tablets and topical treatments. It is a harmless natural alternative to diclofenac. This can also cause mild side effects like stomach pain and diarrhea.
5. Capsaicin
Active Compound: Capsaicin
Uses: Muscle and joint pain
Capsaicin is extracted from chilli pepper and has analgesic properties. It is also used as a homeopathic cure to treat burning pain. Its compounds are responsible for the heat in chilli peppers. It is primarily used to relieve neuropathic pain, arthritis, bruises, sprains, and cramps. It is available in the form of lotions, creams, and patches which reduces the pain feeling ability.
6. Ginger
Active Compound: Gingerol
Uses: Period cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis
Ginger originates from the herbaceous and rhizomes plant. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic properties. It has been used for many years in ayurveda as a natural medication to get the relief from pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disease. It offers different types of health benefits such as relieving nausea, reducing inflammation, and potentially helping to our immune system and heart health.
7. Fish Oil
Active Compound: Omega-3 fatty acids
Uses: Inflammation, arthritis and vascular
Fish oil from tuna, herring, mackerel, lake trout, or salmon are a great origin of two types of omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega 3 acids cure vascular inflammation and numerous types of inflammation. It provides benefits from dementia, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, multiple sclerosis lupus.
8. Bromelain
Active Compound: Bromelain
Uses: Muscle soreness, osteoarthritis etc.
Bromelain provides benefits from swelling and pain in the sinus, nose and other parts of the body after surgery or injury. It manages osteoarthritis, muscle soreness, cancer, burns, wounds, and digestive problems. You should take this natural alternative in the form of tablets and capsules. Its recommended dose is 80-230mg.
9. White Willow Bark
Active Compound: Salicin
Uses: Osteoarthritis, lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis
White Willow Bark contains a salicin chemical, which is the combination of this herb’s strong natural alternative anti-inflammatory plant compounds which are called flavonoids. It has an analgesic, and antipyretic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory outcome. Although, this cure should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
10. Tart Cherry Juice
Active Compound: Cyanidin, anthocyanins,
Uses: Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis
Tart cherry juice has antioxidants properties that show in older adults. It is fruit from the Prunus cerasus tree and enhanced with antioxidants properties. Tart cherry juice or tart cherry extract helps to improve immobility and reduces pain and inflammation in patients. It may improve mental health in older adults due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusion
If you are feeling pain and using pain killers, it can cause many side effects in your body. Taking painkiller related medication is not the only solution to get permanent relief from it. Use the natural alternatives to control long term pain relief without any side effects in the body. You should also consult with your doctor or physician before taking any herbal remedies.