Pain
Natural Remedies

Holistic Chronic Pain Management: Natural Therapies and Supplements

| Modified on Sep 21, 2023

Incorporating natural therapies and dietary changes can potentially be transformative in the complex journey of managing chronic pain. Alongside acupuncture, a range of natural supplements are acknowledged for their efficacy in mitigating chronic pain issues. By nourishing the body with the right nutrients and maintaining an active lifestyle, one can pave the way to a pain-free life.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, extending for three to six months or longer, affects individuals even after recovering from the primary health issue. This lingering discomfort can be categorized into neuropathic pain, involving the nervous system and structures, and nociceptive pain, associated with deep tissues and organs. Recognizing the symptoms, which include sensations like tingling, burning, aching, and throbbing, is the first step toward managing chronic pain.

Natural Therapies for Chronic Pain Management 

Delve into the world of natural supplements, promising in treating various types of chronic pain, including joint pain, fibromyalgia pain, and chronic back pain. Natural substances can offer a reprieve from persistent pain, from activated charcoal to apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses.

Acupuncture

Among the age-old techniques, acupuncture stands tall, significantly used to release the bodily pain stemming from various chronic conditions. By aligning the body’s energy channels, it seeks to restore the natural balance, encouraging the body to initiate its self-healing process.

Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners

It is crucial to evade artificial sweeteners as they can potentially exacerbate chronic pain. Maintaining a diet rich in natural foods can be a beneficial strategy in chronic pain management.

Epsom Salt Baths

Soaking in Epsom salt baths can be a soothing solution, aiding in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation through the absorption of magnesium and sulfate.

Activated Charcoal

Renowned for its toxin-absorbing properties, activated charcoal can be vital in chronic pain relief. Learn how this natural supplement aids in trapping toxins, facilitating a pain-free life.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar stands as a robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, it promotes health and wellness while striving to keep pain at bay.

Blackstrap Molasses

Harboring nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, blackstrap molasses can be your ally in fighting nutrient deficiencies associated with chronic pain. Moreover, it serves as a weight loss adjunct, helping reduce weight-related inflammation and health issues.

Conclusion

While chronic pain stems from various health complications, employing natural methods can be a sustainable solution. As we navigate through different holistic approaches, we are greeted with a ray of hope, a possibility to reclaim a life free from the clutches of chronic pain. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor a treatment plan that suits individual needs best.

Continue reading below to learn which natural remedies have been the most helpful to Earth Clinic readers!

Related Links:

Art Solbrig's Top 10 Pain Relief Solutions
Effective Natural Remedies for Knee Pain Relief
Joint Pain: Top Natural Remedies




Activated Charcoal

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Lauren (Brooklyn, NY) on 02/13/2008
★★★★★

I had a miscarriage and inflamation developed in my uterus as a result. I was unable to stand or walk for mor than 10 minutes. The pain in my lower back and pelvic area was excrutiating. I used 1 tbs of charcoal in a glass of warm water every morining and night for 10 days. The inflamation and the pain were gone by the end of the program.


Acupressure

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Heavenlymats (Venice, Ca) on 03/13/2011
★★★★★

Acupressure Mat use the principles of acupressure to help relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic back or neck pain, while at the same time increasing relaxation and an overall sense of well-being.

The acupressure mat works by applying non-penetrative acupressure on numerous points over an area of the body. The pressure stimulates the release of endorphins and oxytocin, the body's natural pain relieving and 'feel-good' hormones.

Using the acupressure mat for just 20 minutes each day promotes relaxation, increased energy levels, and an improved sense of well being.


Acupuncture

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Chen (New York City, Ny, Us) on 04/17/2012
★★★★★

I have found acupuncture very helpful. Several years ago, I had pain, both sharp and dull, bloating, indigestion, etc, for many months. After treatment for about a month, all gone! Recently they flared up and I'm returning to treatment again. If possible, find a practitioner trained in the classical Chinese medicine, not TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine, a misnomer, since it was developed after the Revolution, in the 1950s).


ACV, Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, MSM

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Pat Spurgis (Melbourne, Florida) on 02/25/2008
★★★★★

Praise God This Works. Thank My GOD, And Thank You, I had a sence of tiredness and I have arthrits, an knee problems, bone on bone,(PAINFUL) I took 2tabs. ACV, 1.tesp.baking soda, plus I've been on lemon, [baking] soda (same dosage) and 1000uts of MSM I need some potassium, but it's much better.

Replied by Sorrell
(Brookline, Ma, Usa)
06/15/2012

Hi you all and Ted, Are the Apple Cider Vinegar tablets easier on the system than the regular liquid acv? Also I have candida and do not do well with vinegar.

I am desparate. I hav excruciating pain in my shoulders and and neck -I have arthritis and fibromialgia and now I am starting to have severe pain in my feet and am scared I will not be able to walk.

I am utterly exhasted and wake up around 2, 3, 4 am and sleep poorly when I do slleep this has been going on for months and months and months. I take deep sleep a supplement but it is not remedying the problem

I also have terrible digestion and it feels like my colon area is full of toxic sludge but am not sure which cleanse to do that is safe. I am too thin.

I HAVE TRIED SO MANY THINGS and I'm not getting better, any ideas? Sorrell

Replied by Alex
(Riverside, Ca. United States)
06/16/2012

Hi, I used to have severe shoulder pain from an old injury I aquired from a bicycle accident which lasted about 10 years. I could hardly lift my arm up and the doctors told me there was nothing I could do about it. And that I had probably developed arthritis in it.

And also I had severe pain in both my knees and my ankles. I changed my diet due to another problem- to an all-most all vegetarian and fruit diet and loads of fresh juice I juice myself NOT STORE BOUGHT JUICE.

I also started YOGA about a year ago. I am 67 years old and right now I have no pain in any of my joints whatsoever! I suggest that you purchase "Yoga beginners manual by Alice Christensen" and follow the instructions in this book! It took me about 3 to 4 months to get rid of my pains and feel good again but you must stick to the diet and the exercises in this book! I know what it's like to live with pain!

I don't have pain anymore and I regained all the strength in my injured shoulder!

Replied by Andrea C
(Wales)
03/23/2014

If you are or have ever been please look up opiate induced hypremyalgia. I have this it has been callled ME, FIBRO, CHRONIC PAIN, NEUROPATHY. Opiate painkillers cause it or opiate addiction. One is enough to cause it you don't have to be an addict!!! I have been in hell for many yea's. I tried telling DRS THE PAINKILLER WAS MAKING IT WORSE!!! PLEASE LOOK IT UP. THE ONLY WAY I CAN SEE OUT IS TOTAL DETOX. IT IS HELL!! BUT AT LEAST AFTER SOME TIME IT WILL GET BETTER. I AM SORRY BUT EVEN NON OPIATE PAIN KILLERS WILL NOT HELP. OXYCODONE STARTED MINE. XXX

Replied by Ana
(Miami)
03/25/2014

You may be highly dehydrated.

Replied by Lana
(Texas)
01/16/2021

Thanks for sharing. I was on psych meds for over 20 years and in constant pain in shoulders and most muscles in legs and back. I began to suspect these were causing the pain so detoxed for 3 months and walla! With a little exercise and losing a few pounds, the pain disappeared. Four years later now, I'm living mostly pain free, clear minded and thanking God for giving me the wisdom to do that.


ACV, White Grape Juice

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Jayna D. (Orange County CA) on 04/14/2023
★★★★★

I have been taking ACV capsules for years because I do not like the taste of vinegar. They are reasonable and very effective for pain reduction. I take two in the a.m. before other natural meds or eating.


ACV, White Grape Juice
Posted by Donna (Seaside, Ca) on 05/22/2011
★★★★★

I have suffered greatly for 14 years with severe chronic pain, obesity, insomnia... You get the picture. I had been on a 'cocktail' of oxycodone (6 per day), MORPHINE (2x/day), 4 different muscle relaxers... and on top of that I would take 4 ibuprofen AND 4 naproxen sodium- all just for the pain. Then add in the sleep medication, valium, clonazepam- and still up almost all night with pain.

I was beginning to see the negative effects of all of this, and with no relief in sight except for when I took the narcotics, I decided to search and found this page about ACV.

After reading all the posts about ACV, I decided to try it right away. I knew I would have to cut it with something more palatable, so I followed the juice recipe.

1 c organic ACV
1 c organic white grape juice
2 c organic apple juice

I woke up the next morning with so little pain, I could actually get on the stationary bike and did 15 min in the morning and another in the pm. I also did my daily walk with the dog. She is a mastiff-size dog and at 11 mos. Is almost 90 lbs and she pulls on the leash, adding to my pain. Not that day- we got home without the usual added pain and I didn't have to rest for hours after.

I have kept a journal since the first day about my experience with ACV. Today will be my 7th day. Yesterday, my husband and I took the dog to the beach (her first time). I woke up with no pain at all that day and went to bed the same, even after running errands as well.

I am sleeping a bit better, have already stopped taking the oxycodone, morphone, all muscle relaxers, sleep meds, and valium.

My husband is in the Army and is really working hard on his physical training but he also deals with pain intermittantly. He has been doing this with me and feels no pain at all now.

We both have reflux issues andI take an Rx for it. The ACV will aggrevvate it for us both if not cut with juice and an equal amount of water (& ice). Then the taste is actually pretty good- like lemonade or something, and we just sip it all day, getting our 3 doses in.

Nature cured what 11 (yes, eleven) specialists could not. We will always use this from now on!


ACV, White Grape Juice
Posted by Jan (Willowick, OH) on 07/24/2007
★★★★★

I have been using ACV in a tonic called Jogging in a Jug and literally within 24 hrs my knee, hip and shoulder pain have completely disappeared! I have been struggling with my shoulder pain for 12 yrs due to a car accident and my knee and hip pain for the last 2 yrs. What a miracle. I have told everyone I know about this tonic and they are all giving it a try!

Here is the recipe:

1 c organic ACV
1 c organic white grape juice
2 c organic apple juice

Mix all together. Take 1-2 oz daily before a meal. Keep refrigerated.

I didn't care for the tast at first, but now I love it. I had to plug my nose for the few days but now I can drink it just fine. My energy levels are back and I am sleeping more soundly at night. I love this stuff!!

Good Luck!

Replied by Butterfly
(Greenfield, Ma)
02/09/2013

Hi, is there a way to take Apple Cider Vinegar if you cannot tolerate vinegar due to candida, does the pill form affect candida? will a very small dose be ok? any ideas? Butterfly

Replied by Alan
(Qld Australia)
11/12/2013

Try taking ACV with aluminium free bi-carbonate of soda :-1 tps with 2 tbls ACV with the mother left in it two times a day once in the morning then again at night after the evening meal, buy some PH strips from your health store to monitor your ph levels , ph should be maintained @7.3 the bi-carbonate soda neutralises the Acid in the ACV as well as in your blood, good luck and keep looking for what is good for you ,


Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Elixir

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Om (Hope, Bc, Canada) on 04/11/2015
★★★★★

I am quite amazed. I have been taking Turmeric for umpteen years but now that an old injury started to cause bad pain from hip to ankle and did not go away, I found a very tasty drink which made it disappear. I had to repeat it about three days after the first drink. It is so good tasting and healthy --- so here it is:

  • 3" piece root of ginger or 2 tblsp. powder.
  • The root can be juiced or slices simmered for short time in a very small amount of water.
  • 4" piece of turmeric root OR 2 tsp. powder.
  • Juice of 3 lemons, organic if possible and utilize the skin for other uses.
  • dash cayenne
  • 4 cups coconut water. Watch what quality
  • Raw honey to taste, not heated but warmed in a small glass inside a pot with warm water off the heat.

Store in fridge up to three days.

This is a refreshing drink. But any similar drink with turmeric will be good, too.

MahaNarayan oil on alternative days will also help a great deal for treatment of pain.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Avielle
(Santa Clara, Ca)
04/12/2015

Lots of great info in all of your posts, Om. Thank you. Could you possibly share which MahaNarayan oil you use? I think I have excess vata, as it shows up as dry skin, keratin plugged follicles and aching legs (poor circulation?). I'd like to give the oil a try. Thanks!

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
04/12/2015

Avielle, Santa Clara, CA ---

I am glad you found the post useful. For vitiated vata, regular oiling with MahaNarayan oil, or if not available, pure cold pressed sesame oil . You could enquire in an Indian grocery store or find a wholesaler (which I have done) that sells Ayurvedic meds, or online. MahaNaryan oil is sesame oil with added minerals. So if you use that, always shake the bottle as the minerals collect at the bottom. I have used this for many years as Vata constitution requires oiling regularly to keep skin youthfull and soft. For plugged pores etc. always do exfoliation with oatmeal, turmeric and a little coconut oil to hold it together. I myself do UT (urine theraphy) externally and internally and my skin is perfect.

The things I do for legs in particular, is hydro therapy. Before bed fill a tall bucket with cold water and do water treading for at least two minutes. Do not dry and put on warm socks and you will sleep well. This sees to good blood circulation. Your legs will warm up while covered by the bedding. Also remember to water tread up to at least half of your calves.

Do oiling as often as you can as this also addresses circulation and helps with good quality sleep and improved skin.

Both turmeric with some oil and Amala (vit C) do marvellous things for health especially since Turmeric nourishes muscles and ligaments in particular beside numerous other benefits.

While Ayurveda always works with the individual doshas, once one reaches fifty, the major treatment will be for vata.

Overriding all these treatments is topical application (transdermal) of Magnesium oil which seems to be the underlying cause for all the twitches, etc. Which is a real art to fit all this in.

I hope this is not too overwhelming. All the best.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Marcin
(Toronto, Canada)
04/13/2015

I also benefit from this information. Thank you.

Yesterday I luckily found a small bottle of Mahanarayan oil in an Indian grocery store. I have also been massaging my head with sesame and castor oil. I am also going to try almond oil.

I am also looking for Yograj or Kaishore guggulu. If not available, maybe I will try Boswellia-Shallaki.

Replied by Avielle
(Santa Clara, Ca)
04/15/2015

I agree about the transdermal magnesium, and have been using it for a couple of years. Magnesium saturated baths are my favorite. I believe most any and every one will greatly benefit from more magnesium. Your other suggestions are new to me... and they sound wonderful! I'm only wishing I had someone who could do the oiling for me! (wink) Is the idea of oiling to incorporate a self massage? I'm envisioning a Swedish style with long brisk upward strokes. Should the amla and turmeric be added to the oil for oiling, or should we take it internally? Is the exfoliation done dry / before bathing, or wet / after soaking? Sorry for all the questions!

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
04/15/2015

Avielle from Santa Car, CA ---

When you use MahaNarayan Oil, other items are not necessary. But with plain sesame oil one could include Amala and or Turmeric at special times. Both these are also taken internally as you know. Honey is also a help with bitter meds.

For exfoliation it seems best after a bath and then showering. It is great for skin care and circulation. For self massage you could use also circular method with long strokes along the legs, for example. Doesn't everybody like a full massage . It is heavenly.

Amala can be included in shampoos. Wait a while when you are doing something else, then rinse.

I take both Amala and Turmeric at least twice a week to keep tissue elastic and for the many benefits. But as for all regimens one should introduce a week's pause as Ted on EC also suggests. But as in foods, I take it every time it is called for.

I hope I have answered your questions and I wish you the enjoyment of radiant health.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Avielle
(Santa Clara, Ca)
04/16/2015

Many thanks Om. I feel doing the things you've shared will greatly benefit my overall health and well being. Blessings to you!


Apple Cider Vinegar

32 User Reviews
5 star (30) 
  94%
4 star (1) 
  3%
1 star (1) 
  3%

Posted by Sweety (Rome, Georgia) on 12/10/2017
★★★★★

I don't like the taste of apple cider vinegar at all but I was in a automobile accident where I was rear ended and had seen accident a chiropractor for 3 years. I would get better than get worse. I don't know what was going on with that. Anyway, I stopped going to him about a month ago because I began to think that he was doing something to keep me coming back so I started to take the apple cider vinegar about a week ago I could not take it straight or with water so I tried it with grape juice it was the way for me.

I have been taking a tablespoon once a day but I am going to start to take it two times a day because it is working some for me so if I double that amount I feel as I will get faster results.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rshafer32 (Ft. Wayne, In) on 01/13/2014
★★★★★

I have been suffering with severe back and neck pain for 3 months. I tried getting chiropractic treatments done and nothing was working. I couldn't really take any pain medicine because I am breastfeeding my infant daughter. I decided 3 days ago to start taking ACV. It was in no way intended for my back/neck pain, it was just for all the health benefits I've heard about, which at the time did not include chronic pain. Since taking it, I've been able to sleep on my sides again and my neck pain is almost gone. I didn't even know ACV helped with that so wasn't expecting these results! AMAZING!!! I am a true believer.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kim (Essex) on 09/29/2013
★★★★★

Hi Earth Clinic, WOW what a fab site, my work mate told me about you as she had very painful hip and knee, she was in so much pain that I said to her perhaps you should go to the hospital... No joy there, x-rays and pain killers but nothing happened she was still in pain and this was after a couple of weeks, so she investigated some web-sites and yours came up, she had a good read through and found that Apple Cider Vinegar would do the trick... What has she to lose........... PAIN, after rubbing apple cider vinegar and honey on her hip and knee she was very surprised that the pain she had has gone to a very mild ache, and her skin is very smooth........... I am very interested in the natural healing, and am on your web-site quite a lot, thank you for such an easy site to find your allments. Keep up the good work. Kim

Replied by Bonniebee
(New)
02/24/2017
1 posts
★☆☆☆☆

I already take one TBLS of ACV with honey and lemon every morning in a glass of warm water, but it has not helped the pain in my head, neck and back. How much ACV can one take a day for pain? Would you recommend taking it again at bedtime (I have the most pain at night and I have been avoiding IBP and other NSaids after finding out how dangerous they can be.

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
02/25/2017

Well Bonniebee, the cause of pain is very tricky to identify, especially when it occurs in multiple locations in the body.

Your doctor may well be as confused as you are, lead you up the garden path, the wrong path, or most probably assert there is no path and just keep on taking the "tablets"!

I am tempted to refer you to my ground-breaking (ha ha) research, which you will find on this wonderful site under "Backpain (multiple remedies)" section. But then again, where would you start on that long journey! ?

1) You could consider Molasses as well as ACV, lemon and honey. Many folks have had good and rapid success with these two either separately or together (ACV/Molasses). I would take that in the morning, as you do already and another one at night, say up to one hour after your evening meal. I find that taking stuff immediately upon retiring is not always conducive to a good night's sleep-something many of us crave for and is frequently annoyingly elusive! Take with the tiniest dash of ground black pepper. Eat before seven p.m. and don't snack afterwards too. Self control is going to be key!

2) You could consider MSM dosing, but again NOT before bedtime or watch out! MSM is very popular and there is plenty of feedback here you should peruse. Start off very low (Americans tend to over-indulge/binge out in my experience- they wont print this bit!! ). Slowly increase the dosage till benefits occur. Be patient!

3) Mega dosing with Alfalfa herb is one exception I would make to the above unkind comment! I would consider that in special unresponsive cases but you need to see your Good Doctor before going there. May depend on the meds you are already on. A bit costly that one.

4) Alkalize the body long term, heavily reduce acidic foods and drink more water than you currently feel comfortable with. Gradually increase your consumption and add lemon or lime to make it palatable if required. Add a pinch of ground black pepper, sea salt or that millions of years old salt you have in Utah (it will probably come with a use by date on the label?! ) Cayenne pepper stirred into in a glass of warm water can have a quick, temporary result.

5) Apple Pectin

6) Avocado - a whole avocado each day.

7) Boswella Carterii / Devil's Claw

8)Ted's Borax Protocols (there are two and folks get confused but it is not rocket science-choose one of them).

9) A good quality vitamin C tablet once every three days is really important. Get a non-acidic one. You should follow the MSM with Vit C I reckon anyway if you choose to go down that road.

10) Ceylon/Sri Lankan Cinnamon and honey one or two doses per day.

You can get the amounts of all of the above by researching this Site. Gotta let you do some of the work!

Cheers and good luck.

Michael

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
02/25/2017

Hi again Bonniebee, More on the pain treatment:-

! ) Take powdered Turmeric stirred up in a little water! Boil a cup full of water, let it go off the boil and add a teaspoon of Turmeric. Stir and allow to cool. If you like you can simmer that liquid for a few minutes (say 5 to 10). Allow to cool and you can add a little honey to taste if preferred. Don't boil the honey. Ginger could be included alongside the Turmeric as an extra. Pinch of Sea Salt or Black Pepper also.

2) Castor oil can be rubbed into your sore spots. Use old clothes/sheets/towels though as it is messy (but effective). It's even more effective if used with a hot water bottle as described on this site.

3) An Epsom Salts bath (or foot bath) again as described herein.

4) Serrapeptase (I have not tried this one but it can apparently be combined with an agent to increase absorption). Check it out as I have good reports for this when other treatments failed.

5) Magnesium Chloride for muscle spasms (taken with water). Very effective for that. Maybe spray the Magnesium on the skin and briefly and gently rub over.

6) Celery Juice or Cabbage juice

7) 2 cups Apple juice, 1 cup white Grape juice and half a cup of ACV. Mix up and keep in fridge. Take 2 ozs each day before meals.

8) A smoothie first thing in the morning to set you up. Use mostly vegetables esp. Cauliflower and Broccoli, as well as Carrots, Beetroot and Spinach etc. Less of the fruits as they can contain too much sugar (more than we realize). A few fruits are O.K. of course.

I hope you will choose to try out some of the above and get good results. It would be nice if you would keep us posted on your progress though.

Cheers, Michael


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Terri (Grass Valley, Ca) on 09/18/2012
★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I tried ACV and honey (2 tsp each) in water, 2X a day for joint and muscle pain. The first day it helped my knee and ankle pain almost immediately. On the fourth night I felt poisoned---hips, knees and ankle joints VERY painful, stomach bloated; limbs, face, lips tinglling. Is this cleansing, and should I continue or not? I am very disappointed as I was so hopeful.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dimple (Brighton, East Sussex) on 04/15/2012
★★★★★

Hello you lovely ppl, In pain for the last 2 days.. Couldnt move let alone get a good night sleep. Also in my last yr of Uni so filled with too much work. I found myself being so lazy and sitting around like a zombie.. when I thought maybe there will be a home remedy I should try.

Oh boy, one shot of ACV and magically the pain was gone within seconds!!! What!! I want to thank all you ppl on this website for helping me :) God bless u all xx


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Beezer (Nassau, NY) on 07/27/2009

I have used ACV for 4 days now, 3 x daily as I read on your site. I do not see any difference in my hip or body pain so far. Is it too early or should I try something else. The pain keeps me up at night alot, and I have trouble walking. Help

Replied by Cured
(Niceville, Fl)
01/02/2010
★★★★★

To Beezer: You did not list the dose you were taking. The ACV could be working on something else in your body which would be why it is not relieving your body pain. Either increase your ACV intake a bit or take a hot bath in half a cup or so of ACV and see if that helps. Turmeric also works great for body pain. Sometimes the ACV will not work for me and my body pain and other times it will. Vice versa, sometimes the turmeric will not work so I use ACV next. I eventually find relief usually between those two remedies.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Khalid Mahmood (Singapore) on 06/14/2009
★★★★★

I have severe knee and ankle pain, took first dose last night and in the morning seem 70% pain is disappeared and it also help me remove dizziness and headache.



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