4 Spices Proven To Fight Your Pain

Try these pain-fighting spices
Giulio Mencaroni

You pop a pill when pain strikes. We all do; it's as American as apple pie. But there's a big, wide world of natural cures out there—some right in your kitchen—that can be shockingly effective. Since these remedies don't always come with easily deciphered labels and it's hard to know which ones really work, you need the latest science—and instructions. Here's what you need to know about these 4 pain-fighting spices:

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Best for:
Stomach pain, IBS, and depression
Why it works: This is the spice that gives curry its brilliant golden hue. Turmeric's key component, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. In a recent study, curcumin was shown to be as effective a pain reliever as ibuprofen but with less abdominal distress. In another study, it lowered IBS symptoms by 50%, likely by reducing inflammation and abnormal muscle contractions in the bowel. Finally, in a recent clinical trial, turmeric was deemed helpful for depression and proven to be significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing symptoms.
How to take: Add ½ tsp turmeric to food daily, or take 400 to 600 mg capsules 3 times a day with meals that contain fat and black pepper to enhance absorption.
Word of caution: If you have diabetes, discuss with a doctor. If combined with diabetes medications, turmeric could cause low blood sugar.

MORE: 21 Healing Herbs And Supplements Doctors Prescribe

Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum)

Giulio Mencaroni

Best for: Arthritis, stomach pain, and digestive problems
Why it works: You probably never thought of plain old black pepper as a healing spice, but it's a common remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. Pepper is packed with compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2013 test-tube study that focused on piperine, an active pepper constituent, researchers pretreated human cartilage cells with black pepper and then zapped the cells with an inflammatory protein. The cells' inflammatory activity was inhibited, leading to the conclusion that pepper could be an effective arthritis treatment.
How to take: Sprinkle it on dinner, using freshly ground whole peppercorns to ensure that you're getting pepper only, or try it as a supplement in 10 mg capsules.
Word of caution: Piperine can slow the metabolism of a few prescription drugs, such as Dilantin and Inderal, so talk with your doctor before taking significant supplementary doses.

Giulio Mencaroni
You'll find hundreds of natural remedies in the new book No More Pills, by Martha Howard, MD, and Sara Altshul.


Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Giulio Mencaroni

Best for: Headaches
Why it works: In a 2014 study, 100 people experiencing migraines were treated with either 50 mg of sumatriptan, a migraine drug, or 250 mg of powdered ginger. Two hours after treatment, 64% of people given ginger and 70% of those who took the drug experienced a 90% reduction in pain. In the sumatriptan group, 20% reported side effects, including dizziness, vertigo, and heartburn, while 4% of the ginger group reported mild indigestion.
How to take: Use fresh or powdered ginger liberally in cooking—its taste enhances most meals. Or you could use naturally pickled Japanese sushi-style ginger or munch on crystallized candy. Ginger also makes a nice tea: Pour boiling water over 3 thin slices of fresh ginger, cover, steep 10 minutes, and add a few drops of honey. (Here's how to make the perfect cup of tea every time.)
Word of caution: Do not take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, including aspirin. And in high doses, ginger may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth.

MORE: 7 Ways To Stop A Migraine Before It Starts

Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita)

Best for: Upset stomach And IBS
Why it works: According to a 2014 Journal of Gastroenterology review of treatments, enteric-coated peppermint oil is considered a first-line treatment for IBS cramps and pain.
How to take: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and cool. Drink the tea 4 or 5 times a day between meals. Or take 1 or 2 capsules containing 0.2 ml of peppermint oil 2 or 3 times a day between meals. (Also consider these 6 other natural remedies for IBS.)
Word of caution: Peppermint may worsen gallstones and make symptoms worse for people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Large doses of peppermint oil can be toxic, and pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally.

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