Common acute pain is something that we all deal with almost every day. The problem is that most people turn to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals that have adverse side effects. Instead of turning to a pill bottle to deal with your pain, turn to your spice cabinet.

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to deal with pain. Here are a few spices that you can use at home to help fight off common everyday pains.

Ginger
Ginger can take away even chronic joint pain. Dr. Krishna C. Srivastava from the Odense University in Denmark has done extensive research on the therapeutic qualities of spices.

In one study, Dr. Srivastava gave arthritic patients small amounts of ginger daily for three months, and the results showed that the majority of the patients tested showed significant improvements in their levels of pain.

Cloves
Clove is amazing for easing the pain of a toothache. Cloves contain eugenol, which is a powerful, natural anesthetic and antiseptic compound. Eugenol is still used by dentists today in a purified form that is separated from the essential oil of cloves.

You can use clove essential oils directly, or powdered form. To use clove in it’s powdered form all you have to do is rub a small amount of the clove powder between you cheek and gum at the site of the toothache, and let it soak in.

Garlic
Most earaches are caused by an infection in the ear. Garlic is effective for treating earaches because of it’s amazing anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.

This simple method for curing earaches has been used for centuries: all you have to do is take a clove of garlic, peel the papery skin away, and stick it in the ear that is hurting. make sure to use a clove large enough to not get stuck.

Place a band-aid over your ear and leave it in overnight. Repeat every night until the earache is gone, which usually only takes one night.

Turmeric
Most chronic pain is caused by inflammation. Turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory spices. Turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin.

The anti-inflammatory power of curcumin comes from its ability to inhibit the body’s production of pro-inflammatory compounds called eicosanoids. Curcumin has been shown to not only reduce inflammation levels, but can even fight off cancer.

Oats
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when pieces of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. These cells can turn a menstrual cycle into pure misery.

Endometriosis causes inflammation that triggers severe cramping during menstruation, and sometimes even an ache that can last all month long. Research has shown that a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60% of women within six months.

Peppermint
When muscles get sore and tired, peppermint is an ancient remedy that is extremely easy to use. Peppermint essential oils contain between 28 and 48% menthol. According to Cancer.org: “Preparations containing menthol have a long history as a treatment for muscle soreness and pain.”

Grapes
A compound known as resveratrol, which is found in grapes, has been shown to protect intervertebral disc cartilage. Resveratrol even reverses cartilage damage, which may responsible for certain types of back pain. More good news? Resveratrol is found in red wine as well.

Horseradish
Sinus pain is usually caused by blockages in the sinuses, and the pain from this pressure can be debilitating. The best way to use horseradish to clear your sinuses is to simply hold it in your mouth until the flavor dissipates. It’s a little tricky if you use hot horseradish, but the treatment doesn’t take long.

Featured image Via: www.emasherbs.com