Relieving Your Pain the Natural Way

Relieving Your Pain the Natural Way

Pain is a very personal and emotional experience, no two people will feel pain in the same way, even when the origins of pain are alike, this becomes heightened when pain is long lasting and chronic.1,2 Pain can have a quick onset and recovery, or it can become chronic and long lasting, sometimes with what feels like an unknown origin or long after an injury has resolved.2 Pain often can be described as pricking, tingling, stinging, burning, shooting, aching, or electric sensations.2 Pain can affect all aspects of life, it can cause low moods, depression, anxiety, impact relationships and work capabilities, limit movement and your ability to enjoy certain activities.1

 

Approximately 3.37 million Australians experiencing chronic pain, with a large majority being women and older adults, how can we help improve quality of life without the potential side effects that come with allopathic pain medications.3 Utilising natural herbal remedies have the potential to help alleviate pain and discomfort to improve quality of life and mind-set. 

 

Understanding the inflammatory pathways of pain

Pain is a complex experience governed by intricate pathways within the body. When broken down simply, pain at its core is often a result of inflammation and the activation of nociceptors, which are specialised nerve cells that detect harmful stimuli.4

When tissue damage occurs, it triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, which activate nociceptors in the affected area.5 This activation sends signals through the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and then to the brain, where the sensation of pain is perceived.5

Chronic pain often involves persistent activation of these pathways, even without ongoing tissue damage. This can lead to a state of central sensitisation, where the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain stimuli.5

What inflammatory markers are involved:1,5

Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2 and lipoxygenase (LOX) specifically 5-LOX.

Arachidonic acid converts into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds that are involved in the inflammatory process, fever, and pain.6,7

     

    Herbal pain support

    Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

    Curcumin, one of the active components found within turmeric, is a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.8,9 Curcumin has been shown in research to help inhibit the NF-κB Pathway which is involved with cytokine production and helps to reduce inflammation.8,9 It further works through the suppression of COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes, reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes resulting in lower pain and inflammation.10

     

    Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

    Ginger is a wonderful aromatic and culinary herb and it is also has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions.11,12 It may further help with symptoms of nausea which can be a common symptom of pain. It contains the compounds gingerol, shogaol, and paradol, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.11,12

    Gingerol inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines specifically TNF-α, interleukins IL-1, and IL-6, which are the major inflammatory molecules involved in inflammation and the pain response. Ginger further works systemically to help reduce the production of inflammatory COX and LOX-5 enzymes reducing prostaglandin production.11,12

     

    Celery (Apium graveolens)

    Celery is rich in the compound apigenin, which is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.13 It has been shown in research to help with the inhibition of NF-κB reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators involved with pain sensations.14,15 It also works through scavenging free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, which reduces oxidative stress that is often associated with chronic inflammation and pain.14,15

     

    For specialised pain support reach out to your Natural Health Care practitioner.

     

    References:
    1. Coghill RC. Individual differences in the subjective experience of pain: New insights into mechanisms and models. Headache. 2010;50(9):1531–5.
    2. Feeling Pain and Being in Pain. Vol. 1. 2001. 1–159 p.
    3. AIHW. Chronic Pain in Australia. 2020;(May):21. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/10434b6f-2147-46ab-b654-a90f05592d35/aihw-phe-267.pdf.aspx?inline=true
    4. Basbaum AI, Bautista DM, Scherrer G, Julius D. jiohjiop. Cell. 2009;139(2):267–84.
    5. Cole BE. Pain Management : Classifying , Understanding , and Treating Pain. Hosp Physician. 2002;38(June):23–30.
    6. Manuscript A, Pathways C, Prevention C. NIH Public Access. 2013;8(4):316–24.
    7. Martel-Pelletier J, Lajeunesse D, Reboul P, Pelletier JP. Therapeutic role of dual inhibitors of 5-LOX and COX, selective and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62(6):501–9.
    8. Peng Y, Ao M, Dong B, Jiang Y, Yu L, Chen Z, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in the inflammatory diseases: Status, limitations and countermeasures. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2021;15:4503–25.
    9. Peng Y, Ao M, Dong B, Jiang Y, Yu L. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin in the Inflammatory Diseases : Status , Limitations and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin in the Inflammatory Diseases : Status , Limitations and Countermeasures. 2021;
    10. Peddada K V, Peddada KV, Shukla SK, Mishra A, Verma V. Role of Curcumin in Common Musculoskeletal Disorders : a Review of Current Laboratory , Translational , and Clinical Data. 2015;(June):222–31.
    11. Rayati F, Hajmanouchehri F, Najafi E. Comparison of anti ‑ inflammatory and analgesic effects of Ginger powder and Ibuprofen in postsurgical pain model : A randomized , double ‑ blind , case – control clinical trial. 2017;1–7.
    12. Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L. Anti ‑ Oxidative and Anti ‑ Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity : Review of Current Evidence.
    13. Powanda MC, Whitehouse MW, Rainsford KD. Celery Seed and Related Extracts with Antiarthritic, Antiulcer, and Antimicrobial Activities. Prog drug Res Fortschritte der Arzneimittelforschung Prog des  Rech Pharm. 2015;70:133–53.
    14. Sukketsiri W, Chonpathompikunlert P, Tanasawet S, Choosri N. Effects of Apium graveolens Extract on the Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats. 2016;21(June):79–84.
    16. Chonpathompikunlert P. Apium Graveolens Extract Attenuates Adjuvant Induced Arthritis by Reducing Oxidative Stress : AGE ATTENUATES ADJUVANT INDUCED ARTHRITIS APIUM GRAVEOLENS EXTRACT ATTENUATES ADJUVANT INDUCED ARTHRITIS BY REDUCING OXIDATIVE STRESS. 2017;(October).

     

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