Home Remedies for Body Pain

Cold compression can help in relieving the inflammation and pain of the body, especially in the cases of arthritis. It also slows down the nerve impulses of the painful parts, thus relieving pain.

How to use:

• You can take a gel ice pack and place it on the affected part for 10 minutes. If you don't have an ice pack handy, you can take ice cubes in a towel and place it on the affected part for 10 minutes.
• You can do this therapy twice daily.

Many studies have compared the effectiveness of ginger to ibuprofen, a painkiller. It is helpful in managing inflammation and pain. It can also help people with nausea.

How to use:

• You can add a spoonful of grated ginger to your regular tea.
• You can boil grated ginger in a pan full of water. Strain the water to remove the pieces and then consume the water slowly throughout the day.
• You can use this remedy once daily.

Tip: Avoid consuming a piece of ginger with wet or greenish patches - these patches could be the result of fungal growth.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (painkilling) and healing properties which help in relieving body pain. Turmeric also improves the overall immunity of the body.  

How to use:

• You can add a spoonful of turmeric and honey in a glass of warm milk. Drink the milk before going to bed.
• You can use this remedy once daily.

Cinnamon not only improves the taste of the food but also helps in the healing of the body. Studies have shown that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. 

How to use:

• You can grind three or four sticks of cinnamon to make a powder. Then add half a teaspoon of the cinnamon powder to a glass of warm milk along with a spoon of honey. 
• You can do drink this milk once daily.

Mustard oil contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate which not only reduces pain but also inflammation of the body. A hot mustard oil massage can relieve body pain and give a sense of relaxation.

How to use:

• You can warm a cup of mustard oil, either in the microwave or in a pan. The temperature of the oil should be a little higher than room temperature, not too hot. Now massage the body with the oil and leave the oil on the body for at least 10 minutes.
• You can do this remedy twice a week or according to your convenience.

Salt solution or brine water has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in relieving soreness in the muscles. It is a great remedy after a vigorous workout or a tiring trek.

How to use:

• Add a cup full of salt in a tub filled with warm water. Soak the affected body part in the tub for about 20 minutes. 
• You can also dip a towel in the salty water, squeeze it and then apply it to the affected area, till the towel stays warm.
• You can do this remedy once daily.

Cherry juice has the ability to reduce both pain and inflammation. It is believed that the anthocyanin pigments of the cherry juice can also be used to treat peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in the extremities like hands and feet). 

How to use:

• You can directly consume a glass full of unsweetened cherry juice once daily.

Tip: Research shows that eating tart or sour cherries also reduces pain.

This one is slightly tricky: you should avoid bananas if tyramine (a protein which is present in bananas, old cheese and some beers, among other foods) triggers your migraine headaches.

However, if your body pain is because of gout, then bananas - which are low in purine but high in vitamin C - can help.

Bananas can also help reduce body pain in people suffering from hypokalemia - potassium deficiency. Adequate levels of potassium also help to reduce bloating as well as the risk of muscle cramps. For these reasons, bananas are also suggested in the diet for PMS or premenstrual syndrome.

You can eat ripe bananas directly or add them to a healthy yoghurt smoothie with lots of nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds and flaxseed that are rich in magnesium (an important mineral for reducing muscle twitches and cramps).