5 Natural Remedies for Body Pain

With the country slowly getting back to normal, the increase in physical activities, as well as the change in the weather, can induce random pains and aches in different parts of our bodies. These aches are often mild enough that it does not warrant a visit to the doctor, but still arduous enough that it hinders your everyday life. While popping a pain relief pill and calling it a day may seem like the easy way out, over the counter pain relief medication has a number of harmful side effects like the weakened immune system, kidney or liver problems, and even heart issues. Instead, we suggest that you look back to nature to help you manage your pain, and have compiled a list of natural remedies for body aches and pains. Read on to find out here:

1. Nilgiri oil

Nilgiri oil or Eucalyptus oil is the steam distilled extract of the eucalyptus leaves. Its normally referred to as ‘Nilgiri oil’ owing to the large eucalyptus plantations in the Nilgiri hills of southern India. Nilgiri oil reduces congestion and swelling near the joints and is very helpful in dealing with localized body aches, as certified by the European Medicines Agency Committee in Herbal Medicinal Products. Thus, pain relief oils are a great natural alternative to alleviate muscle and joint pains in the body.

Imbue Natural’s Niraama Body Oil is a natural blend of herbs and ayurvedic oils for pain relief, including Nilgiri oil, camphor, lavender essential oil and Hemp seed oil, all of which are helpful in reducing pains and provide a calming and de-stressing effect. The Niraama body oil is an all-around oil for health and wellness and can also be used during PMS and it helps in reducing general fatigue and tiredness in the body. 

2. Warm compress

A warm bath at the end of the day can do wonders to alleviate muscular pains and soreness. You can also use Epsom salts or bath salts with some calming essential oils to help further relax the aching body part. Simply take a tub with water that’s a comfortable temperature, but not too lukewarm. Add some bath salts and lavender, lemongrass or orange essential oil to it and soak the aching body part for around 20 minutes. 

If you do not have access to a large enough tub, or if the body part is not easily accessible for soaking in the water, then you can use a clean towel and use it as a hot compress instead. Soak the towel in the hot water and squeeze most of the water out. Apply this compress to the affected areas and repeat the process until the towel becomes cool. This remedy can be used many times throughout the day and gives great relief for sore muscles.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is gaining popularity as a superfood, and rightfully so. Consuming turmeric can help strengthen the immune system and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which are great in helping the body heal. These properties are due to an active compound present in turmeric that is known as Curcumin. Curcumin also gives turmeric its signature bright yellow colour. 

Turmeric is added in almost all Indian dishes for these healing properties, and it is also often consumed in its fresh state in the form of turmeric pickle. Turmeric can also be taken with warm milk and a crack of fresh black pepper, as the Piperine in the black pepper enhances the Curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2000%. 

4. Nutmeg oil

Nutmeg is a familiar spice for most of us due to its prevalence in Indian kitchens. It is used in many cultural foods, sweets and baked goods for its mild nutty flavour and sweet aroma. However, the lesser-known fact is that the oil extracted from nutmeg seeds is packed full of health benefits! The nutmeg pods are put through the process of steam distillation, from which the concentrated, light yellow coloured oil is extracted. Nutmeg oil has hydrocarbons such as sabinene, pinene and limonene which helps in relieving joint pains and muscle aches. However, Nutmeg essential oil is volatile on its own, and must only be used in suspension with another carrier oil.

Imbue Natural’s Niraama Joint pain relief oil contains the goodness of not only nutmeg essential oil, but also Datura, Guggal oil, Rasna, Nirgundi oil and Shush Kuchala. These ayurvedic herbs are used to reduce pain and swelling in the body, relieve joint stiffness and lumbar pain, soothe nerve endings and relax the muscles. To use, take a few drops of the oil in your palm and apply it to the affected areas to relieve pain and soreness. 

5. Ginger

Ginger is said to have a similar effect to Ibuprofen, a very strong pain killer. Ginger root is very helpful in reducing pain and inflammation in the body. Ginger tea can help relieve body pain and muscle soreness. To make the tea: boil adequate water with two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger. Strain the tea and optionally, add honey to mask the strong ginger flavour. You can drink this tea throughout the day to help with body pain. Alternatively, you can also start adding a few pieces of ginger to your regular tea brew to incorporate it into your diet!

Here are our favourite ingredients to help battle body aches and pains. If your pain is chronic or excruciating, please visit your medical practitioner immediately. The topical treatments mentioned in this blog are safe for everyone to use. People with ulcerative stomachs or sensitive stomachs must take caution with the ingestible remedies. Let us know your favourite home remedies for body pain!