Codeine who?

Natural Alternatives to Pain Medication.

Aches and soreness can be a royal pain, but did you know that there are several natural options which may provide effective relief? Healthy Life Naturopath Mem Davis shares her flu-fighting favourites.

With codeine no longer available over the counter in Australia, there are natural options which can help to reduce pain – possibly without the side-effects associated with conventional pain medications.

Most pain is associated with inflammation, so by dealing with that you can often reduce discomfort.

Herbal pain relief might take a little longer to work than some drugs, but regular use has proven that natural remedies can provide effective pain relief.

Here are some tried and tested natural anti-inflammatories and painkillers that can have an impact on anything that goes ‘ouch’, and which are currently available over the counter at Healthy Life stores.

CLOVES

Cloves have a potent smell and taste that’s why it only takes one drop of clove oil to help with tooth and headaches. It’s often used in topical rubs such as Tiger Balm as part of a treatment for sore muscles and aching heads. If you can hack the strong taste, it’s a great option as a local oral anaesthetic.