Pain medication isn’t the only option for pain relief. Next time you’re experiencing a toothache, back pain, or any other pain, you can try an herbal and natural pain reliever like turmeric.

Many people rely on medications for relief from things like toothache or backache, but these can come with a risk of side effects, drug interactions, and sometimes misuse.

While certain circumstances may require a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, finding some of the relief you need from various natural pain relievers may also be possible. Many herbs and spices have a long history of being used to relieve inflammation and pain.

The following natural pain relievers fall under a treatment category known as alternative medicine. Just ask your doctor before trying them, especially for those remedies that need to be ingested, as they may have some side effects, including interfering with some medications.

Boswellia, otherwise known as frankincense, is often used in Ayurvedic medicine.

A 2020 study involving 545 people found that Boswellia was an effective, safe treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), easing pain and stiffness.

Turmeric, which contains curcumin, is the spice that gives curry its signature yellow hue and unique flavor.

It contains the compound curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical molecules that can damage cells. It has also been well-studied for its ability to ease swelling and reduce inflammation and pain, especially in bone-related conditions like arthritis.

Though most commonly used as a spice, turmeric is also available in supplement form and is often paired with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, to increase its absorption.

Learn more about the health benefits and possible side effects of turmeric and curcumin.

Whole cloves are often used to spice up meat and rice dishes, they’re also widely used as a natural pain reliever due to their content of eugenol, a natural pain reliever that’s also used in some OTC pain rubs.

Cloves are available in capsule or powder form. Clove oil is also available and can be applied topically to reduce pain.

Learn more about the health benefits of cloves and their side effects.

Research suggests that a few other herbs may have pain-relieving properties. Many of these can be distilled into essential oils. These include:

Many herbal extracts are thought to help relieve pain because they contain phenolic compounds like eugenol, which are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

This ancient Chinese medical practice seeks to relieve pain by balancing the body’s natural energy pathways. The energy flow is known as qi (pronounced “chee”).

For this practice, acupuncturists insert tiny, thin needles into your skin. The location of the insertion is related to the source of the pain. Based on the qi, a needle may be inserted far from the part of the body experiencing pain.

Acupuncture may relieve pain by causing the body to release serotonin, a “feel-good” brain chemical that eases pain. It is also believed to reduce stress levels and promote healing.

Applying heat and ice directly to pain sites is a common home remedy for pain. While this treatment may seem obvious, not everyone knows when to use ice versus heat.

Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation shortly after you experience a strained muscle, tendon, or ligament may bring relief.

Interestingly, once the inflammation has decreased, heat may help reduce the stiffness that comes with sprains and strains.

A heating pad or cold pack used briefly on the head may also help reduce the pain of a headache, while an ice pack can help relieve low back pain.

If your painful problem is arthritis, moist heat applied to the affected joint will help more than ice. Moist heat packs can be warmed in the microwave many times, making them effective and easy to use.

How do you treat unbearable pain?

If your pain is unbearable and you’re not finding relief either through natural remedies or OTC medications, you should see a doctor, as you probably need a prescription for stronger medication or alternative treatment depending on the cause of your pain.

Are there natural remedies for nerve pain?

This depends on the cause of your nerve pain, but remedies may include essential oil, exercises, and certain vitamins and minerals.

Can I use natural pain relief after surgery?

This depends on the type of surgery and the degree of pain. However, some possible ways to help reduce pain without medication after surgery include acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Easing pain and inflammation more naturally can have many benefits. However, some natural pain relievers have not been well studied in humans (especially regarding dosage), and an independent lab does not test many supplements to ensure quality or safety. Supplements are also not regulated for quality by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like drugs.

In addition, these natural pain relievers may only be effective for specific causes of pain and may not work for everyone.

So, if you’re dealing with pain or chronic issues, it’s best to talk with a doctor before buying or trying any natural remedies. Integrative medicine professionals, who are physicians trained in more natural remedies, may be a great option if you’re seeking alternative pain therapy.

It’s also important to consult a qualified health professional before adding supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.