Category: Fibromyalgia

Top 7 Pain Relieving Remedies in Ayurveda Without Aspirin

Painkillers or analgesics are one of most widely categories of medicines. Analgesics are used at every instance, either it is traumatic or other complications. These are used for a variety of health conditions such as joints pain, migraine, arthritis, stomach pain, toothache etc.

As per modern classification, there are two categories of analgesics:

  • Narcotics
  • Non-narcotics

The basic principle of these painkillers is that they break the message transmitted from the affected part to the brain through neurons. Analgesics either break the pain signals arriving from the body parts to the brain or interrupt the brain to receive the message by neurons transmitting the pain signals. The side effects of these analgesics are obvious such as nausea, diarrhoea, pruritus (itching sensation), tenderness, jaundice and severe pain in the right upper quarter of the abdomen.

It has been proved in the research that the treatment with a product containing diclofenac sodium as topical applicants is linked with liver dysfunction, resulting in severe hepatic reactions, liver transplantation or even death.

Pain Relief Remedies

Management of Pain according to Ayurveda

  • Ayurvedic approach to pain is holistic and looks to place the root cause of the disease, in contrast to simply dealing with the symptoms only.
  • The classical Ayurvedic text specifies about the species of plants that are used for muscularity relaxants and for other pain management.
  • Ayurveda uses single drug or multiple drug mixtures of herbs as well as mineral compounds for relieving pain.

Ayurveda Categorises The Painkillers into 3 Groups

  1. Local Analgesics
  2. Central Analgesics
  3. Body-ache medications

Local Analgesic : These analgesics are topically applied to a particular part of the body and include paste preparations such as Belladonna.

Central Analgesics : These analgesics are more powerful than local analgesics and sometimes are combined with strict dietetic restrictions such as Dhatura.

Body-ache Medications : These analgesics are used in Ayurvedic practice to fight against stress and fatigue. There are more than 100 plants in Ayurveda that are recognised to have pain relieving properties such as Patala and Balam.

Various Herbs and Plants Described in Ayurveda as Natural Painkillers are

Ayurvedic Remedies for Pain Relief

Garlic for Earache:

  • Garlic has been traditionally used in rural India for earache.
  • Garlic contains certain active ingredients such as sulphur, selenium and germanium which have positive physiological effects on pain.

How to use: Pour 2 drops of warm garlic oil into the affected ear for 7-10 days until it is completely cured.

Honey for Mouth Ulcers:

  • As a part of lifestyle, Ayurveda suggests honey gargle for mouth sores.
  • It is recommended for better voice, improved speech and to prevent all types of infections and inflammation.
  • It is very effective in decreasing painfulness and heals the tissues as well.

Vinegar for Acid Reflux and Heartburn:

  • In a research, it was concluded that there are good results of vinegar in heart burn and acid reflux particularly the Apple cider vinegar.

How to use: Take 30 ml vinegar mixed with water after a heavy meal to make digestion and metabolism smoother.

Clove for Toothache Relief:

  • Cloves have been used by Indians since thousands of years. It contains eugenol which works as anaesthetic and has anti-bacterial effects.
  • It has also been reported that the consumption of 2 gm clove powder improves the cholesterol level and maintains pH in the gastro-intestinal tract that in turn avoids all kinds of oral infections.

How to use: Apply clove oil to the affected tooth or chew 1-2 cloves.

Ginger Root for Muscle Pain:

  • Ginger has positive effects on reducing swelling and stiffness as well. The main element of ginger is Gingerols that is effective in treating muscular pain.

How to use: Include 5 gm fresh ginger or 2 gm dried ginger as a part of your diet to prevent muscular and joint pains.

Treatment of Diabetic Pain with Turmeric:

  • Ayurveda suggests the use of turmeric as a part of diet to avoid the problems of diabetes as well as pain associated with it. It is considered as one of the most effective natural pain relievers known to exist and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It contains curcumin as an active ingredient which is responsible for its properties.
  • Turmeric decreases the pain and irritation experienced by patients suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, IBS, arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Buttermilk for Pre-Menopause:

  • Ayurveda suggests buttermilk for pre and post-menopausal syndromes as well as for menstrual pain. It is also effective in curing vaginal infections as well as itching. It is also effective in curing yeast infection. It is quite favourable in treating gynaecological conditions.

How to use: Take a plain glass of buttermilk with cumin seeds. You can buttermilk twice or thrice a day.  The calcium content in buttermilk dispassionate the physical and psychological irritability associated with PMS.

Cherries:

  • Cherries are packed with certain anti-oxidants known as anthocyanins which are responsible for giving them red colour and for relieving pain.
  • Research has indicated that anthocyanins, an active element in cherries is ten times more beneficial in lowering pain than common painkillers such as Ibuprofen without causing any side effects.

Epsom Salt Bath for Leg Pain:

  • Epsom salt that is rich in magnesium, is an excellent pain reliever. This remedy is also helpful for patients suffering from arthritis as it soothes leg pain. Salt also possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it effective in relieving pain. Regular soaking of infected parts in warm salt water acts better than topical painkillers and antibiotics.

Massage/Snehana:

  • In the world of Ayurveda, oil massage or sneham is considered as a very rewarding therapy for treating pain and other ailments. It pacifies Vata, mobilises the toxins, maximises circulation and therefore relaxes the overall body.

Cumin:

  • Cumin is an aromatic spice and mild pain reliever.

How to use: For stomach pain, make a mixture of 1/3 tablespoon of cumin powder, a pinch of asofaetida and a pinch of rock salt. Mix and chew it thoroughly followed with a drink of warm water

Top 7 Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia-Fatigue

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain which is accompanied by fatigue, memory, sleep and mood issues. It is a chronic condition where is non-inflammatory tenderness in muscles, ligaments and joints. Fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way by which brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia patients have been found to have lower levels of a brain neurotransmitter known as—serotonin which leads to lowered pain thresholds and increased sensitivity to pain. Serotonin also promotes calm and stable mental state.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia. Many people suffering from fibromyalgia also suffer from tension, headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. There is no cure of fibromyalgia in modern medicine but a variety of medicines are available to control its symptoms. Exercise and stress-reduction measures may also help.

Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

  1. Widespread pain—There is a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least 3 months. The pain occurs on both sides of the body and also above and below the waist.
  2. Cognitive difficulties—A symptom commonly known as—fibro fog impairs the ability to focus and concentrate on mental tasks.
  3. Fatigue—Patients suffering from fibromyalgia often awaken tired and the sleep is often disrupted by pain and many patients also develop sleep disorders like—restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
  4. Many patients who have fibromyalgia also experience depression, headaches or cramping pain in the lower abdomen.
  5. Stiffness
  6. Burning sensation
  7. Pain is usually severe on waking up in the morning and gradually decreases with passing of the day.

What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?

  1. Infections—Some illnesses trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
  2. Physical or Emotional Trauma—Post-traumatic stress disorder can be correlated with fibromyalgia.
  3. Heredity—Fibromyalgia tends to run in families.

Diagnosis

  • The diagnostic evaluation of fibromyalgia can take time, but this should not be the barrier in primary care practices. It is diagnosed on the basis of characteristic symptoms. Patient history, physical examination and ruling out co-morbid disorders are the cornerstones of fibromyalgia recognition. No radiological testing is required however some tests like—ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a complete blood cell count, rheumatoid factor (RF) factor is recommended.

Fibromyalgia according to Ayurveda

  1. The Charak Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 13 elaborates on the pre-eminence and primacy of the Vata dosha in the body. Acording to Master Charak, Vata is the physical energy of the body penetrating as a life force everywhere in the physiology. Fibromyalgia is classified as Mamsa Dhatugat (diseases affecting muscles and tendons) and Mamsavrut Vata (diseases due to excess of Vata dosha in muscles and tendons). It involves dysfunction in Vata Vaha Srota, Mamsa Vaha Srota and Mamsa Dhatvagni. It falls into a sub-type of disease known in Ayurveda as “Vatavyadhi”—the diseases caused primarily due to the vitiation of Vata dosha—the physiological energy responsible for the stability and activity of the nervous system.
  2. It is described in ancient texts as manifesting with a variety of possible and changing symptoms and signs including pain, stiffness, fatigue, gradual loss of movement, mental disturbance etc.  Dietary and lifestyle modifications are suggested in Ayurveda to correct the Vata imbalance. In Ayurveda, accumulation of toxins is believed to be the root cause of various auto-immune disorders like—rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis and fibromyalgia.
  3. The build-up of toxins can lead a person to feel fatigue all the time. When toxic accumulation takes its toll on the nerve tissue, it results into the symptoms of tenderness, sensitivity and pain. Therefore, cleaning of toxins becomes necessary. Primarily, samprapti (pathogenesis) originates in the gastro-intestinal tract, then branches out through the madhyama rogamarga, the middle channels of the pathogenic process of disease with special inclination for shleshma sthana especially mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue) and their corresponding channels.

Ayurveda uses a range of natural anti-arthritic herbs to treat this condition. Various herbs are

  • Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)—This herb is commonly known as “Salai Guggal”. It is a resin obtained from the tree and is purified and used to treat pain and inflammation. It has the potential to relieve pain naturally without having any side effects and is a popular natural anti-inflammatory herb used by Ayurvedic physicians across the world.
  • Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)—It is considered as the most potent anti-arthritic herb effective in controlling pain and inflammation in arthritic conditions.
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-–  This herb is commonly known by the name Indian ginseng by the western countries. This herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties.
  • Guggul (Commiphora mukul)—This herb has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb helps particularly in osteo-arthritis.
  • Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)—This herb is one of the leading immunomodulators. This herb is known by the name “Amrita” meaning elixir for long life.
  • Ginger (Zingiber officinale)—It is a very common anti-inflammatory herb that reduces inflammation and also a good analgesic.

Top 7 Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia:

  1. Grind 8-10 papaya seeds and mix it in a glass of water and boil it. Drink this water twice or thrice a day for a month.
  2. Drink freshly prepared cranberry juice or radish juice daily.
  3. Drinking freshly prepared juice of beetroot, carrot can help in fighting this condition, apart from improving overall health.
  4. Make Meditation as a part of your lifestyle.
  5. Regular Sleeping Habits—This is important for reducing pain
  6. Make a habit of morning walk every day.
  7. Epsom salt—Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate. Epsom salt bath helps the body to absorb magnesium as fibromyalgia is associated with magnesium deficiency.

Diet—Things to be Taken

  • The best suited diet for fibromyalgia are vegetable juices, cow’s ghee, spices such as—ginger, coriander, asafoetida, turmeric, fennel, etc. It is a condition mainly associated with magnesium deficiency, so it is good to consume green leafy vegetables, soybeans, cashews, almonds. Taking omega-3 fatty acids help in creating a hormone prostaglandin that helps in reducing inflammation.
  • It is essential to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from the body.

Things to be Avoided

  • Avoid eating spicy food, caffeine, refined sugar, yogurt.

Note : It should be noted that herbs give results but it will take some time for herbs to manifest in the body.