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Ibuprofen is a popular pain reliever. In fact, most people resort to it when any sort of pain occurs. Plus, it is a convenient pain reliever to obtain as anyone can buy it over the counter. But is there any alternative natural pain reliever to Ibuprofen?
Certainly, there is. Nature provides us with a wide variety of choices. For instance, cinnamon is one natural pain reliever helpful for many types of pains. The good news, it is effective.
Study Says Cinnamon Is A Natural Pain Reliever
Probably, Ibuprofen is the most popular painkillers available. However, it comes with various side effects. Fortunately, nature does not short of alternatives when it comes to a natural pain reliever.
In fact, there more pain relievers available from nature.
But in this case, we will be exploring cinnamon. It is a spice used in bread. Perhaps, you might have heard or even eat a cinnamon roll, right?
Well, that’s the same cinnamon with a pain-relieving property. And what’s even more interesting, it has no side effects as long as you use it appropriately. Now, you might say, is it safe?
One study1 in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research proves that cinnamon surpassed placebo on reducing severity and duration of menstrual pains. Although the effect of cinnamon is lower than that of Ibuprofen.
Despite the lower effectiveness of cinnamon compared to Ibuprofen, it has no side effects.
In that regard, the researchers say that cinnamon is effective and safe primary treatment for dysmenorrhea.
On a side note, women who suffer from menstrual cramps may also opt for Thyme oil. Just like cinnamon, researchers say thyme oil2 is also safe and effective. Although we are talking here about cinnamon as a natural pain reliever, it is good knowing other natural options.
After all, menstrual pains or cramps is something women don’t want to experience. For men reading this, now you know two of the natural pain relievers you can recommend to your female partner.
Too Much Is Bad
While cinnamon is effective and without side effects, taking too much of can be bad. Studies3 4 found that consuming a lot of cinnamon can increase the risk of liver damage.
The good news is that you don’t need a lot of it. A pinch of cinnamon is good enough to help you go through the day. Cinnamon becomes even more effective if you combine it with raw honey.
If you don’t like the taste of cinnamon, adding honey to it can make it taste more appealing. Plus, with additional health benefits coming from the raw honey with its antibiotic and pain-relieving properties.
So, this is something to keep in mind that although cinnamon can heal, it can also make you ill if you take too much of it. Do not assume that since it is natural, you can just consume more of it. Definitely, not!
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy diet along with little cinnamon each day can have a positive impact on your health.
More Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Aside from being an effective natural pain reliever, cinnamon has many uses and health benefits. Here are a few of the cinnamon’s health benefits backed with scientific evidence.
But before we explore the other health benefits of cinnamon, let us know more about it. The cinnamon we are referring to and where the health benefits have come from a bark of a tree, Cinnamomum.
In addition, it comes in two types;
- Ceylon cinnamon, this is the cinnamon type that has the most health benefits. Experts call it the “true” cinnamon.
- Cassia cinnamon, is the other variety and more common in which most people refer to as “cinnamon”.
The next time you buy a cinnamon, ask the seller if it is Ceylon or Cassia cinnamon.
Now, let us explore the health benefits of cinnamon.
61. Boosts Metabolism
The distinct scent of cinnamon comes from the oily part, which contains a high concentration of cinnamaldehyde. It is this compound found in cinnamon where most of the health benefits come from.
Cinnamaldehyde is antimicrobial and antioxidant5. One of the known health benefits this compound provides is boosting the body’s metabolism.
52. Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants get rid of the free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause various unhealthy consequences including inflammation and faster aging.
The polyphenols in cinnamon are powerful antioxidants. One of the most potent sources of antioxidant is garlic. However, in one study6, cinnamon surpasses garlic along with other superfoods like oregano.
43. Fights Inflammation
Inflammation naturally occurs in the body and it is essential. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it is not good. In a study, researchers were able to link chronic inflammation to depression.
So, definitely, you don’t want to have that kind of inflammation. Therefore, sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet like the Mediterranean diet is highly valuable for better health.
The Mediterranean diet is also among the top diet trends along with Ketogenic diet, which is also effective for reducing inflammation in the brain.
And, when it comes to cinnamon, it has anti-inflammatory effects lowering the risk of developing diseases. Moreover, it may have positive benefits towards boosting the body’s immunity due to its anti-inflammatory property.
Of course, when no chronic inflammation occurs, there will be no pain. This makes cinnamon a natural pain reliever.
34. Lowers Risk Of Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading cause of premature death. Fortunately, cinnamon consumption has been known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Although it does not have a direct impact on heart health, cinnamon has positive benefits on factors toward a better heart health. For instance, one study7 says that cinnamon reduces total cholesterol level.
It reduces the bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while maintaining good HDL cholesterol.
25. Improves Insulin Sensitivity
The hormone insulin plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism and use of energy. Additionally, it also plays a role in transporting blood sugar from the bloodstream into the cells.
Unfortunately, a lot of people today are resistant to the hormone insulin. Eventually, this can lead to metabolic diseases particularly type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
When it comes to maintaining and improving insulin sensitivity, cinnamon can help as these two studies8 9 found.
Of course, having a good insulin sensitivity means lower risk of developing diabetes.
The best way to use cinnamon is by adding them to various healthy recipes that you can eat daily.
16. May Be Beneficial To Preventing Neurodegenerative Diseases
Brain health declines with age especially if good nutrition is not highly considered. Neurodegenerative diseases are common in older individuals. This is a condition wherein progressive loss of brain structure or function occurs.
Two of the most common neurodegenerative diseases to date are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
The good news is that cinnamon appears to inhibit protein build-up in the brain. This protein build-up is what eventually causes Neurodegenerative diseases.
Although there are no studies on humans yet, cinnamon seemed to help normalize and protect neurotransmitter in mice with Parkinson’s disease. In that animal-based study10, researchers also found an improvement in motor function.
In humans, particularly on older people, cinnamon along with regular exercise could be helpful.
Final Thoughts
Although we are primarily talking about the pain-relieving benefit of cinnamon, it is worth knowing the other health benefits, as well.
Of course, these are just a few of the cinnamon’s health benefits. Certainly, there are many others we have not covered here. For instance, cinnamon may have protective property against cancer and even fights virus including HIV.
For now, hopefully, this may encourage you to take a closer look at this natural pain reliever as an alternative. Or, perhaps, use it regularly at small amounts to enjoy long-term health benefits.
Before we end this article, it may be a good idea to learn how Ceylon cinnamon is made and where it comes from. As well as, how does it reach to the groceries and eventually to your kitchen.