9 Natural Alternatives To Ibuprofen and NSAIDs With No Side Effects

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How many people do you know that turn to ibuprofen to relieve inflammation and pain? This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), available both over the counter and by prescription, is commonly used a number of painful conditions such as arthritis, menstrual symptoms, headaches, and various inflammatory conditions. However it is also linked to anemia, DNA damage, hearing loss, hypertension, miscarriage and even influenza mortality. So why not use natural alternatives that have no side effects and are just as effective?

Many studies have been done on various natural pain killers and anti-inflammatories that can be used as alternatives to ibuprofen and NSAIDs. They generally have no side effects.

1) Boswellia: This anti-inflammatory remedy comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in India. The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellia are attributed to the boswellic acids that it contains. These acids improve blood flow to the joints and prevent inflammatory white cells from entering damaged tissue. Also known as “Indian frankincense,” boswellia is available as a supplement and a topical cream. For pain and inflammation, a suggested dose is 450 to 750 mg daily for three to four weeks. In one study, this decreased arthritis pain by over 80%. Use 900-1,000 mg a day.

2) Devil’s Claw is a South African herb that has active in Europe for hundreds of years. It is very effective against inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain.

Some evidence suggests that devil’s claw works about as well as pain relieving drugs for improving osteoarthritis pain in the hip and knee. Some people taking devil’s claw seem to be able to lower their dose of NSAIDs or eliminate them completely. This evidence comes from a study that used a specific powdered devil’s claw root product (Harpadol, Arkopharma) containing 2% of the devil’s claw ingredient harpagoside (9.5 mg/capsule) and 3% total iridoid glycosides (14.5 mg per capsule). Another specific devil’s claw extract (Doloteffin, Ardeypharm) 2400 mg/day providing 60 mg/day of the harpagoside ingredient has also been used.

3) Capsaicin: The active component of chili peppers, capsaicin is often used topically to nerve, muscle, and joint pain. It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical that helps transmit pain signals to the brain. It is available as a topical cream or gels in several different potencies (most often, 0.025% to 0.075%) and is usually applied three to four times daily. It can cause some stinging and burning initially, but it typically subsides with use.

4) Cat’s claw: Uncaria tomentosa, or cat’s claw, also known as una de gato, grows in South America. It contains an anti-inflammatory agent that blocks the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which contributes to inflammation and pain. Suggested doses are 250 to 1,000 mg capsules one to three times daily. Taking too high a dose may cause diarrhea.

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