Natural Pain Relief Alternatives to Tylenol
Got a headache? Perhaps an achy back. While your first instinct may be to reach for Tylenol or another over-the-counter med, you have other options at your fingertips as well. While there are upsides to Tylenol and their counterparts, there are also downsides that could compound with regular use. If you find yourself regularly reaching for that plastic pill bottle, it’s time to look at the host of natural alternatives that may work even better than what you have used in the past.
Why Find Natural Pain Relief Alternatives to Tylenol
The main ingredient in painkillers like Tylenol is acetaminophen, which may be effective in relieving pain but over the long term can cause side effects. Regular use of drugs like Tylenol can cause intestinal damage, liver issues, and dangerous skin reactions. Rather than relying on dangerous medications, why not tap into alternative natural options, many of which have been used for centuries to treat pain, fever, and benefit overall health.
Natural Tylenol Alternatives for Headaches
CBD
People who suffer from regular headaches tend to be on a constant search for remedies that actually work. CBD is one of the best plant-based pain relief options out there, with a variety of products to suit each person's needs.
So how can CBD serve as a natural alternative to Tylonel for relieving pain? It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which has receptors ready and waiting to use CBD molecules to help curb inflammation and pain.
Those who suffer from chronic headaches find that taking CBD daily can help with headaches and even migraines.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a huge role in muscle contraction and relaxation throughout the body and can be an effective natural pain reliever for tension headaches and migraines.
Most people don’t get enough magnesium through food sources, and when your body lacks this vitamin, it can mean that you are less equipped to deal with stress, resulting in more frequent headaches.
Caffeine (when not abused to excess)
Caffeine is a double-edged sword when it comes to headaches. You might be wondering; does it cause or help headaches? Well, the answer is both.
Consuming caffeine can narrow blood vessels, which can ease headache pain. Additionally, if you are used to having regular caffeine and skip your cup of joe, a sudden lack of caffeine can cause a headache by triggering a series of events that lead to dilated blood vessels. It is also possible to make a headache worse with too much caffeine, so the trick here is not overdoing it.
Want to give your favorite drink an extra boost? CBD & Caffeine - Should You Add It To Your Coffee and Other FAQs.
Tumeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a wonderful plant-based pain reliever when it comes to headaches. A special substance called curcumin within this well-known spice is a natural antioxidant that helps ease swelling and inflammation. Aka, it helps decrease pain by targeting the root cause of your nagging headache. Will it be as powerful as Tylonel? No, but it’s a natural aid to help keep headaches in check.
To dive deeper into this natural alternative to tylonel, read about tumeric vs. CBD.
Cold compress
By applying a wet washcloth with ice to your head, you can effectively curb your headache without ingesting any medication or supplements. Using a cold compress can reduce swelling and inflammation in blood vessels, thus diminishing your headache symptoms. Additionally, applying cold sources to your head is known to be relaxing, allowing you to unwind from headache-related stressors.
Don’t forget to drink water
It may seem too simple, but it works. Drinking water is one of the best natural headache relief treatments available because more often than not, your body is just dehydrated. Remember that the best treatment is actually prevention in this case. Staying hydrated will help avoid future headaches, preventing you from needing to reach for the Tylonel in the first place.
Consider preventing triggers and making behavioral changes
If you deal with chronic headaches, consider making lifestyle changes and avoiding known triggers that spike your headaches. Pay attention to the foods, drinks, or additives that can trigger your symptoms, as well as stressors that contribute to your headaches. Adding meditation, yoga, or another calming activity to your daily routine can help you reduce the occurrence of nagging headaches.
Natural Tylenol Alternatives - Muscle and Joint Aches
CBD
Over the last couple of decades, scientists have been looking at CBD as a natural pain reliever for arthritis and muscle aches. Other common uses for this plant-based pain relief?
The human body contains the endocannabinoid system, including receptors that are naturally created to receive and activate the healing properties of CBD. Best yet, CBD has much less side-effects than those reported for Tylonel.
To learn more about this natural Tylonel alternative, read Do CBD Creams Have Side-Effects.
Menthol
Menthol is a natural plant-based pain reliever that can be applied topically for achy joints and muscle pain. Made from extracted peppermint oil, this natural alternative to Tylenol provides cooling and soothing relief when applied to the skin.
Arnica
When looking to reduce your muscle or joint pain, Tylenol and other over-the-counter meds are not your only option. In fact, arnica has been used as a natural treatment for these ailments for centuries. Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, arnica is used for muscle soreness, arthritis, bruises, and muscle spasms. While very effective, it is important to note that arnica should only be used topically and can have serious side effects if ingested.
Turmeric
Inflammation and pain go hand in hand, so it seems obvious that adding anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric to your daily routine can help alleviate muscle and joint aches. Turmeric can be added to your meals as a zesty spice and can also be taken as a supplement. Keep in mind that regular use will increase your benefits for natural pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Adding some green leafy vegetableslike broccoli, spinach, kale, or brussel sprouts to your diet can help reduce inflammation in your body, thus assisting joint and muscle pain. In addition, foods like walnuts, fresh, and olive oil are also amazing anti-inflammatory foods. Filled with Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, it can’t be over-stressed how helpful filling your plate with healthy anti-inflammatory foods can be to your health.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil offers plant-based pain relief with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. Used since ancient times, this powerful pain reliever is often combined with other pain-relieving ingredients to increase their potency.
Natural Tylenol Alternatives - Fever Reductions
When your body has a fever, it is actually a good sign that your immune system is paying attention and fighting illness. But if it gets too high or uncomfortable, here are some natural alternatives for bringing your fever down prior to immediately turning to Tylonel.
Water and fluids
If you are running a fever, your body temperature will deplete vital water from your cells, thus causing dehydration. Not only does your body need extra water and fluids, but it can also be the best cure for bringing your fever down.
Vitamin C
It is common knowledge that upping your vitamin C intake at the onset of cold or flu symptoms helps boost your immunity. But vitamin C is also useful for naturally reducing fevers. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells in your immune system, which are your body’s defensive cells that aid in fighting off infections and diseases.
Herbs and spices that encourage circulatory flow
Spices and herbs such as cayenne, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic are excellent for getting your blood flowing which can help your body reduce a fever. Your circulatory system is made up of your heart and blood vessels but is connected throughout your body. Circulation not only keeps you alive but also helps the body detox when fighting illness.
Turmeric
One of the best plant-based alternatives to Tylenol for fever reduction is turmeric! Turmeric can help reduce fevers due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is known for boosting immunity and inhibiting viral infection. Turmeric can be used as a supplement, in cooking, as well as in tea, and golden milk, which is a comforting turmeric drink.
Shop for CBD From Botanika Life
Find plant-based natural pain relievers that can help with your aches and pains daily without causing harmful side effects. With the use of powerful full-spectrum CBD combined with ingredients like menthol and lidocaine, you won't find yourself turning to a pill bottle for relief anymore.
Check out Botanika Life CBD pain products for plant-based pain-relieving options.
By Emily Wegener
With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.
