Medical problems aside, everyone has days when their bones and muscles ache from overexertion. And when that happens, we don’t think twice before popping painkillers into our mouths, thinking they are safe and convenient.
Studies have shown that painkillers cause side effects, ranging from constipation, drowsiness and liver and kidney damage, to cardiovascular and respiratory problems. In addition, their soothing and numbing effects make them highly addictive.
So next time you have an ache, and you find yourself heading for the medicine cabinet, give Daadi’s safe and natural pain remedies a chance first.
Ginger (Adrak): It is anti-inflammatory and helps relieve muscle and joint pain. It’s great for sore throats and stomach troubles too. Take up to 1 teaspoon a day, or sprinkle it on salads, add to cooked meats or mix with honey. It’s fairly easy to grow and is a low maintenance house plant.
Cayenne pepper (Laal Mirch): The spice can be added to tea (just a pinch) and to all kinds of foods. Take up to 2 teaspoons a day for maximum effect. It’s great for clearing up the respiratory passages, in addition to its pain relieving benefits. Remember to use the original spice, ground from red cayenne chili peppers and not the commercial kind.
Turmeric (Haldi): Add to tea or sprinkle on salads; use in cooking meats, veggies, lentils and even rice. It gives food a beautiful color, distinct flavour, and is good not only for pain relief but also for treating infections of all kinds. Be careful in your handling of turmeric — it stains.
Family-favourite concoctions for pain relief:
Turmeric and milk: A time -tested totka for pain relief, indeed. Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric in 1 cup of milk and heat over a low flame (don’t boil). Sip slowly. Drink this twice a day. I gave this to my aunt after she fractured her wrist for immediate pain relief and speedy internal healing, and she found it to be very effective.
All in one: This tea is a tasty blend of all pain-relieving spices from your kitchen cabinet that is very effective. Mix together 1 tablespoon ginger, ½ teaspoon turmeric, a tiny pinch each of cayenne pepper and black pepper (kaali mirch) and 1½ cups of cold water. Bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste. There’s nothing like a hot brew for relieving aching joints and muscles, as well as clearing a stuffy nose.
Ginger flavoured tea: Add a couple of thin slices of fresh ginger to your choice of tea for a quick and easy pain relief remedy.
By far the yummiest pain remedy I know: Combine 1 glass pomegranate juice (anaar juice), 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and drink your pains away. Take this regularly for best results. This tastes so good that it doesn’t even warrant a painful muscle or joint for drinking!
Honey: Practically a cure-all, combine 1 tablespoon honey with ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder, and have it every morning before breakfast for effective relief from chronic pain (this has actually been tested on arthritis patients and gave great results!).