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We all experience aches and pains from time to time. They can be frustrating, especially when you don’t want to reach for conventional pain medication to help. You might prefer something more natural to relieve pain and discomfort in the long term. While studies exploring natural pain relievers don’t always confirm their total effectiveness, the following additions to your diet might prove helpful:   

Delta-8 THC

Many people purchase Delta-8 gummies and other Delta-8 products to experience pain relief. So far, studies haven’t confirmed Delta-8 THC’s value for this purpose. However, that’s not to say people don’t experience the relief they’re looking for. 

According to current research, over half of Delta-8 THC users rely on it for health and medical conditions like chronic pain, stress, depression, and anxiety. Likely, they wouldn’t use it for these reasons if they didn’t feel it could help. However, research still hasn’t caught up to people’s unique experiences. 

Ginger

Many people consume foods with ginger to relieve stomach discomfort and nausea. However, that’s not all ginger is known to help with. Anyone suffering from menstrual cramp pain may like to explore ginger to relieve it. 

Studies with a ginger group, valerian plant group, and placebo group found that ginger shortened the window for pain. Even compared to peppermint, ginger was more effective at decreasing menstrual pain and related symptoms. 

The study concluded that you may be able to manage menstrual cramps and related symptoms by using up to two grams of ginger per day in powder form for the first three days of a menstrual cycle. You may also be able to control menstrual pain by combining ginger with complementary therapies like light exercise and yoga. 

Salmon

Salmon is a delicious ingredient for many meals. That can be reason enough to include it in your diet. However, you might be more likely to add it to your shopping list when you learn it may relieve tenderness in your joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Salmon and other cold-water fish, like mackerel, sardines, and tuna, have anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. These are often described as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Strawberries

Strawberries are many people’s favorite fruit. At least 94% of US households consume them yearly. If you don’t contribute to that statistic, their health properties might have you visiting your local produce market before long. 

Studies show that strawberries improve the pain and inflammation experienced by obese adults with evidence of knee osteoarthritis. In a trial, participants received a control beverage or a reconstituted freeze-dried strawberry drink every day for 12 weeks. Inflammation and cartilage degradation markers significantly decreased in the strawberry group. 

Chili Peppers

It’s easy to assume that chili peppers would relieve pain because the discomfort in your mouth would make you forget about the discomfort in your body! While that might play a part, chili peppers might help prevent inflammation. The burning sensation you feel may also trick your brain into releasing the pain-blocking signals known as endorphins. 

However, it’s not the chili pepper as a whole that works all the magic. It’s the capsaicin within it. While we know that capsaicin causes pain, recent studies confirm it can relieve it. That might be why capsaicin is a common addition in creams, lotions, and patches for pain relief. 

Clinical studies exploring capsaicin within these products showed that three to five applications of topical products each day for up to six weeks may have modest beneficial effects against pain syndromes like chronic musculoskeletal pain, diabetic neuropathy, and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Cinnamon

While delicious in sweet treats, cinnamon is also something you might try if you’re experiencing uncomfortable and painful menstrual symptoms. Studies have shown that cinnamon may relieve premenstrual syndrome and general menstrual pain. If you’re already open to trying other alternative options like hormone spray and wheat bags, cinnamon might also be worth exploring. 

Two groups of women were included in the study, one with a placebo and one with three grams of cinnamon for the first three days of their menstrual cycle. Those in the cinnamon group experienced significantly less pain. However, the cinnamon wasn’t seen as effective as traditional pain-relieving drugs. Aside from pain, another study found that cinnamon may reduce menstrual bleeding. 

Not everyone wants to reach for pain medication every time they have minor discomfort. By including these foods in your diet, you might experience the relief you’re looking for.