Natural Pain Relief
- Mary Kate Fuller, MS, CNS, LDN, CHHP
- Nov 10, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: May 19
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications may provide temporary relief, but many people are unaware of their long-term side effects. Regular use can contribute to:
Indigestion, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding
Gut dysbiosis (imbalanced microbiome) and increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut")
Food sensitivities and autoimmune activation
Liver and kidney damage
Increased risk of stroke
While there are appropriate times for using OTC medications, they shouldn’t be your everyday solution. Thankfully, there are many evidence-based natural options that support pain relief and reduce inflammation—without the side effects. These options not only alleviate discomfort but also nourish and strengthen the body. Here are some of my favorites:
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is an adaptogen, helping the body return to a state of balance (homeostasis). It's a powerful natural option for pain, inflammation, and stress management.
CBD comes from the hemp plant and contains phytocannabinoids—plant compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling network found in the brain, immune system, digestive tract, and more.
CBD may support:
Pain relief and inflammation reduction
Immune system regulation
Muscle relaxation
Mood stability and emotional balance
Cognitive function and memory
Neuroprotection in conditions like epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s
Cardiovascular health through reduction of oxidative stress
Healthy appetite and digestion
Brain cell regeneration and communication
Skin conditions like acne
Healthy metabolism and weight balance
SPM Supreme (Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators)
SPMs are unique compounds derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Rather than blocking inflammation (like NSAIDs), SPMs resolve it—helping the immune system shift from inflammation to healing.
SPM Supreme is ideal for:
Post-surgical healing
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and leaky gut
Obesity and metabolic inflammation
Tissue repair and regeneration
Asthma, allergies, and respiratory inflammation
Stroke recovery
Cognitive decline (dementia, Alzheimer’s)
Cardiovascular health (e.g., atherosclerosis)
Periodontal disease and oral surgery recovery
Arthritis, MS, eczema, and skin conditions
Bone health and bone loss prevention
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Healthy immune modulation without suppression
Use for acute pain and inflammation, then taper as symptoms resolve.
Curcumin/Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. I recommend Curcum-Evail by Designs for Health due to its superior bioavailability and combination of three key curcuminoids, plus turmeric oil for enhanced absorption.
Curcumin supports:
Antioxidant protection
Joint pain, arthritis, and physical wear-and-tear
Allergies and asthma
Autoimmune modulation (e.g., MS, RA)
GI protection and leaky gut healing
Cholesterol and cardiovascular support
Brain health and neuroprotection
Detoxification via liver/gallbladder support
Binding of toxic metals
Antimicrobial activity
Postoperative recovery
Use daily or during flares for acute or chronic inflammation.
Inflammatone
Inflammatone is a broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory formula combining herbs, nutrients, and proteolytic enzymes.
Key ingredients and benefits:
Proteolytic enzymes: Break down damaged tissue when taken on an empty stomach
Turmeric, Boswellia, Ginger: Target inflammatory pathways
Quercetin, Rutin, Rosemary, Resveratrol: Provide antioxidant and cellular protection
Used for:
Asthma and allergies
Brain injury recovery
Post-surgical inflammation
Eye health
Gout, joint pain, and headaches
Periodontal disease
Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease
PMS and fertility support (especially in endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts)
Boswellia
Boswellia is excellent for pain and inflammation, especially in:
Osteoarthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Cartilage support and autoimmune modulation
Bromelain
Found naturally in pineapple, bromelain is a powerful enzyme with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties—comparable to NSAIDs, without the side effects.
Ideal for:
Postoperative swelling and inflammation
General inflammatory pain
ArthroSoothe Supreme
Designed to nourish joints and connective tissues, ArthroSoothe Supreme supports joint mobility, flexibility, and repair.
It supports:
Joint lubrication and collagen integrity
Cartilage and tendon health
Inflammation reduction
Swelling and fluid retention
Recovery from joint injuries
Antioxidant protection
Especially helpful for those with chronic joint deterioration, arthritis, or injury recovery.
Magnesium
Magnesium is often overlooked but plays a key role in pain regulation, muscle function, and nerve health. Deficiency is common and can contribute to:
Headaches and migraines
Muscle cramps, twitches, and spasms
Fibromyalgia-like pain
Sleep disturbances
PMS and hormonal tension
Stress sensitivity and irritability
Forms like magnesium glycinate or magnesium malate are best for pain and muscle support.
Summary
While pharmaceuticals may provide short-term relief, they often don’t address the root causes of pain. A well-stocked natural medicine cabinet can offer powerful, safe alternatives that support the body’s healing processes, reduce inflammation, and restore balance—without sacrificing your long-term health.
If you’re dealing with pain, consider working with our functional practitioners to develop a personalized plan that includes nutritional, herbal, and lifestyle strategies for natural relief. Everyone is different, please contact us with questions regarding medication interactions and/or which would be the best support for you.
Interested in a more personalized plan? Schedule a FREE 15-Minute consult to discuss what Purely Rooted Nutrition and Wellness can do for you.
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