here are many different types of painkillers that you can explore. This includes medical painkillers that are recommended by doctors and pharmacists and typically created in a lab. It also includes herbal painkillers, which consists of natural ingredients and can provide a break from tablets and pills.
This post explores 12 different types of painkillers – including 6 medical painkillers and 6 herbal painkillers – and when to consider taking each of them.
Medical painkillers
Paracetamol
Also known as acetaminophen, paracetamol is the most commonly consumed painkiller. It helps block pain receptors and is excellent for headaches. While it does not relieve inflammation, it is one of the best medicines for reducing a fever. Paracetamol may not be suitable for people with liver issues.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is the most popular NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It can be taken with paracetamol, and helps reduce inflammation as well as pain – making it excellent for joint pain and muscle pain. Ibuprofen may not be suitable for those with stomach ulcers or kidney disease.
Aspirin
Another NSAID, aspirin provides milder pain relief than ibuprofen, but is often better suited to those with stomach issues. Aspirin is also known for its ability to thin the blood, helping to reduce blood clots. It is recommended to those with heart disease, but not recommended for those with anemia.
Naproxen
Naproxen is a NSAID that is very similar to Ibuprofen in almost every way except that it lasts longer. In fact, its effects can last up to 8 hours in some cases. It is also more likely to have gastrointestinal effects, which is why less people take it. It is not recommended for those with stomach issues.
Codeine
Codeine is an opiate painkiller. It contains less opium than morphine and is sold over the counter in some parts of the world, while requiring a prescription in many other locations. It is known for offering stronger pain relief than the above painkillers, but can be addictive so should be taken with caution.
Morphine
Morphine-based medication contains higher levels of opium and is usually only available on prescription for more serious pains. It is by far the most effective form of pain relief, but is very addictive, and some people experience withdrawal symptoms after taking it for a long period. As a result, it’s not something you should consider unless you’re in a lot of pain.
Herbal painkillers
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have suggested that it can be as effective as ibuprofen. It is one of the most commonly taken herbal painkillers – particularly by people with joint pain or back pain. The best way to consume turmeric is as a powder, which can be mixed into drinks or even blended into coffee and tea.
Cloves
For centuries, cloves have been used as a remedy for toothache – rubbing cloves on the gums is known to have numbing effects. Cloves are less effective for other forms of pain and must be applied topically to have results. You can buy clove-based teething gels from herbal pharmacies, or use raw cloves.
CBD
CBD is an ingredient that is derived from the cannabis plant. It can offer pain relief for headaches or joint pain without the psychoactive effects of marijuana. The most common way to consume CBD is in the form of an oil. You can choose from a broad spectrum of CBD oil tinctures online. There are also other products to try such as gummies.
Devil’s claw
This sinister-sounding herbal ingredient is so-called because it literally looks like a demonic claw. It has long been used as a painkiller for joint pain. As with CBD, devil’s claw is available in the form of oil tinctures. You can also drink it in the form of tea.
White willow bark
White willow bark contains an ingredient called salicin that is similar to aspirin. As with devil’s claw, it has been used for pain relief for centuries. It is commonly used for treating arthritic pain, but can be used for other pains like headaches too. There are many ways to consume white willow bark, including in the form of a tea or as a tincture.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the ingredient within chillies that gives them their heat. While consuming pure capsaicin will cause a lot of pain, it can have the opposite effect when applied to the skin as a topic cream or gel. Just make sure that you don’t have any cuts in the area and avoid applying near the eyes and mouth.