Many individuals use opiates for pain relief. These medications work well for awhile, but eventually the body adapts to them and develops a tolerance. When this happens, the pain relief usually subsides, and now the medication is just preventing the individual from getting sick.
I can’t even tell you how many people have commented or emailed me about this happening to them. Injuries, surgeries, chronic pain, back problems and more, there are countless individuals who are taking prescribed opiates to relieve pain and improve quality of life.
When people finally get the courage to come off opiates, they often still have the pain to deal with. At this time natural painkillers can be very beneficial.
Natural Painkillers
Natural painkillers are plentiful and diverse throughout the world. I’m truly fascinated with all of the different ways in which we can use the gifts of nature to ease pain. Furthermore, the fact that we can make pain disappear by manipulating our bodies and minds is wondrous, and it reveals how intricate and dynamic the mind-body connection is.
For most of my life I’ve been fortunate enough to live pain-free, however, within the past few years I’ve consistently battled recurring shoulder tendinitis, neck tension, and a rotator cuff partial tear. Going from an active life of surfing and circuit training to a more sedentary one has been an adjustment. The rehabilitation process has been quite an undertaking, but I’ve managed to make exceptional progress, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.
The following list of natural painkillers is the result of my in-depth research, using myself as a guinea pig, to find the absolute best holistic remedies for pain relief. I’ve found that using several of these natural painkillers together works quite well.
1) Noni Concentrate
My absolute favorite natural painkiller is a fruit called Noni which grows in the Polynesian islands. Noni juice concentrate has been clinically proven to increase the body’s natural production of nitric oxide.
After learning about nitric oxide (NO), I’ve found the “Holy Grail” to natural pain relief, energy production, cognitive health, and many more extraordinary health benefits for opiate detox and recovery, fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic pain, nerve pain, and just about every pain syndrome you can think of.
In 1998, three scientists won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their research on nitric oxide.
In their paper, they stated “nitric oxide maintains, defends, and repairs every cell in the body.”
After reading many articles and watching a lot of doctors give lectures on the many benefits of nitric oxide, I became totally fascinated with it. And after trying out an organic whole food supplement called Nitro Xtreme that is clinically proven to increase the body’s natural production of nitric oxide, I was instantly hooked, and I’ll be taking this everyday for the rest of my life.
Now I’m going to share with you some science and research-based slides from a presentation by world-renowned Dr. Tom Burke:
Pain Relief:
- Pain goes away if nerves receive normal levels of oxygen. Think of grandma’s heart pain (angina)
- Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and increases oxygen delivery to nerves
- Oxygen = More ATP produced by nerves
- ATP regulates nerve function
- More oxygen = less pain
Decreased Pain: Two Reasons:
- Better blood flow = less pain (think of a rubber band around your finger)
- Direct inhibition of pain signals…exactly the same way that narcotics decrease pain
Nitric Oxide and Pain Relief:
- The molecular mechanism of action of peripheral morphine analgesia: stimulation of the cGMP system via nitric oxide release.
- Morphine + receptor = nitric oxide…pain relief
Aspirin for Pain:
- Aspirin induces nitric oxide release from vascular endothelium: a novel mechanism of action.
Dr. Burke then goes on to cite numerous studies discussing the major role of nitric oxide in decreasing pain with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other types of pain. In the presentation, he is recommending the use of Nitro Xtreme to increase the body’s natural production of nitric oxide.
Note: I take Nitro Xtreme with the complete Triangle of Health…which also has a product called Sunset which significantly reduces pain and inflammation.
2) Turmeric
This herbaceous perennial plant is a member of the ginger family. Native to southeast India, the active phytochemical that gives turmeric it’s anti-inflammatory and natural painkiller benefits is curcumin, which has been shown to block the COX-2 enzyme.
In a recent study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, it compared to the drug phenylbutazone, and provided equivalent improvements in shortening the duration of morning stiffness, increasing walking time, and decreasing joint swelling. My favorite curcumin product is Curamed
.
3) Ginger
A root that is indigenous to southern China, ginger has phytochemicals called gingerols, which are structurally similar to the COX-2 inhibitors in Advil and other NSAIDs.
In two clinical studies involving patients who responded to conventional drugs and those who didn’t, physicians found that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain and/or swelling.
4) Montmorency Cherry Juice Concentrate
Montmorency cherries are high in anthocyanins, which are water soluble antioxidants that have the following benefits: cardiovascular, immune support, angiotension, enzyme blocker, anti-bacterial, anti-viral. In a study done at Michigan State University, researchers found that anthocyanins may have more powerful anti-inflammatory effects than aspirin.
The researchers found the anthocyanins in the equivalent of 20 cherries to inhibit COX-2 enzyme. This helps to relieve inflammation in a similar fashion to the way NSAIDs do. My favorite product is Dynamic Health Organic Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
.
5) Qigong
Qigong is one of the least-known natural pain relief alternatives s in the West. In a randomized trial, routine practice of qigong seemed to significantly decrease pain in patients with fibromyalgia and lessened the impact of the disorder.
In another randomized control trial, the objective was to evaluate whether qigong was more effective and not inferior to exercise therapy for patients with chronic neck pain. 123 patients, 88% of whom were women, were involved. The study concluded that qigong was more effective than no treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.
In a block-random placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers studied the effect of qigong on treatment resistant patients with late-stage complex regional pain syndrome type 1. By the last training session, 91% of the qigong patients reported analgesia compared to 36% of control patients.
The study concluded that qigong training was found to result in transient pain reduction and long-term anxiety reduction. My favorite qigong DVD for pain relief is QiGong for Self-Healing
.
6) Wild Salmon
This cold water fish is high in the long-chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Hundreds of studies have suggested that omega-3′s can help reduce inflammation. According to Joseph C. Maroon, MD, co-author of Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory, large amounts of long-chain omega-3′s reduce the inflammatory process.
A diet rich in salmon or fish oil containing long-chain omega-3′s is a good place to start if you’re looking for natural painkillers. My favorite fish oil product is Nordic Naturals DHA
.
7) Meditation
In my opinion, meditation is one of the most beneficial ways to relieve pain naturally. By closing your eyes, breathing slowly and deeply, and focusing on relaxation of your entire body, pain can dissipate in a manner of minutes.
There have been numerous studies concluding that meditation is one of the most effective natural painkillers.
Meditation is free, has no side-effects, and also benefits many other emotional, spiritual and physiological aspects of the body and mind. An amazing DVD for beginners to learn is Meditation for Beginners
.
8) DMSO
When it comes to natural relief of pain, this one’s in a class all it’s own. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a natural compound which is a by-product of wood processing. DMSO is an effective natural painkiller, blocking nerve conduction fibers that produce pain.
It reduces inflammation and swelling by reducing inflammatory chemicals. It improves blood supply to an area of injury by dilating blood vessels and increasing delivery of oxygen, and by reducing blood platelet aggregation. I highly recommend reading The DMSO Handbook for Doctors
. It’s a super short manual that can teach you how to use DMSO for pain relief and other ailments.
9) Kratom
One of the strongest natural painkillers is kratom, a tropical deciduous and evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Kratom has natural painkiller benefits because it’s an opioid agonist.
This means that it mimics the effects of drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other opioid painkillers. 7-OHM is the mu-receptor agonist in kratom that causes opioid euphoria similar to hydrocodone, cross-tolerance to morphine, etc.
Using kratom for pain relief can be very effective due to it being one of most powerful natural painkillers in the world. Many people have enjoyed the benefits of kratom for chronic and other types of pain.
It’s a natural solution to using prescription opioids, yet despite this, there are still some risks and concerns with it’s use. If one uses it too long an addiction and dependence can develop. My favorite company to get kratom from is TopExtracts.com.
10) DL-Phenylalanine
This supplement is a combination of the D- and L- forms of the amino acid phenylalanine. The L- form is found in protein rich foods, and bolsters mood-elevating chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. The D- form is made synthetically in the laboratory, and it appears to block a nervous system enzyme that amplifies pain signals.
Therefore, DLPA may prevent the breakdown of the brain’s natural painkilling chemicals. Research indicates that DLPA can be an effective part of an overall program for chronic pain and mild depression. My favorite product is Solaray DL-Phenylalanine
.
11) Cissus Quandrangularis
A type of plant that is part of the grape family, cissus quandrangularis is very high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce inflammation. Inflammation can cause pain, swelling and numerous other health problems.
Many experts compare the natural painkilling effects of cissus quandrangularis to Aspirin or Ibuprofen. An 8-week course of supplementation with cissus quandrangularis reduced joint pain in a sample of 29 young, healthy, exercise-trained men. My favorite product is Cissus Pro 1000
.
12) Systemic Enzymes
The word “systemic” means body wide. Systemic enzymes are those that operate not just for digestion but throughout your body in every system and organ, and they can be used as natural painkillers. Hundreds of published studies have documented the effectiveness of systemic enzymes in reducing inflammation, swelling and internal bleeding associated with athletic injuries.
In a study involving 31 athletes suffering from sprains and strains, the ones that were given systemic enzymes reported significant pain relief within two days and returned to training three and a half weeks post injury. The group given medical treatment did not report pain relief for seven to nine days and did not resume training for six weeks. My favorite systemic enzyme product is Garden of Life Wobenzym
.
13) Exercise
Running, swimming, weight training and other forms of exercise cause the body to produce endorphins, which are our natural painkillers. This natural morphine works fast in the body to ease feelings of both physical and emotional pain. Exercise is free, fun, and can lead to improved mental, emotional and physical well-being.
14) Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate with 85% cocao decreases inflammation molecules before they start. Think of it as a very delicious version of an Aspirin. Reducing inflammation is critical because inflammation can cause the feeling of pain. In one study, rats that were given chocolate while a light bulb was lit under their cage had a reduced sensation to pain.
15) Massage Therapy
Massage, whether conducted in a softly lit day spa or a treatment room at a physical therapy clinic, is something many people use to soothe sore joints and muscles, to ease anxiety or to help them sleep better.
This is actually one of the most powerful natural painkillers I’ve ever tried. After a 90 minute full-body massage, my pain was completely gone, and I had a feeling of relaxation and euphoria that lasted for hours.
16) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that is being increasingly used in the day-to-day management of pain. It originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is practiced worldwide. Countless studies have shown acupuncture to be one of the top natural painkillers available.
If you have any questions about natural painkillers, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment box below.
Bupenorphrine does not help pain… It’s awful. I am also a recovering opiate addict…. A 20 year addict. I went on bupenorphrine to quit and have been successfully clean from opiates for 7 years, but I can’t get off the freaking bupe, so far anyway. I’ve been making progress, reduced my dose,came can skip it completely often. I also have pain issues so figuring out how to cope with my pain and not turn to opiates was an extreme challenge… Enter kratom. I’ve been taking kratom for 6 years and it has helped my pain tremendously. while allow me to reduce bupe intake. I’ll eventually make the final jump with the help of my kratom but I’m not rushing. I can’t afford to be stuck in a bed, either sick or in more pain than I can bear. I suppose I am blessed I don’t experience anything I’d call withdrawal when I don’t take kratom, perhaps because I’ve always taken breaks, or maybe the rotation of strains and vein colors. In any case, I’ll take any of the minute discomfort, usually just headache, over the intense sickness and pain of dropping heroin or the drawn out, seemingly unending pain of quitting bupe…. Anyday. Best of luck to everyone.
My sister is on bupenorphrine and it does help her pain. She has very severe fibromyalgia. I didn’t get on it but did Kratom instead. It does help significantly but it’s very messy, expensive, a hassle to take, and only cuts my pain about 50 % and makes my chronic fatigue worse. I hate how it makes me feel, but without it, I’d be screaming in pain.
Matt,
I need your HELP PLEASE….About 50 days ago I got on Kratom to get off of OxyContin and oxycodone. I’ve had Fibromyalgia Chronic Pain for 25 years and wanted off opiods. My body is now addicted to the Kratom and I am experiencing withdrawels when I don’t take it,including the Fibromyalgia Burning,etc. I am a woman and wanted to know would Vitamin C Liposomal be just as good or the same as taking ascorbic acid powder? I took 10,000 mg one time of the Liposomal and didn’t notice anything…Also,I tried to do the 3 days in,starting slow and increasing the C as you mentioned,but didn’t take more C to see if the symptoms would abate,so I feel I need to try again. I really want off of this Kratom. Could you please let me know if I should take the powder or the Liposomal? I do have acid reflux and scared to take the powder. Please,any suggestions??? Thank you for this site…it has been of great help to me and so many of us. Also,if anyone else has been on Kratom and have gotten off with C,feel free to comment,thank you…Urgent!!
N-Acetyl Cysteine powder, acetyl multivitamin, acetyl b complex vitamin, Moringa leaf powder, pure cacao powder, N- Acetyl Tyrosine powder, daily exercise, healthy food, lots of green vegetables, red and blueberries, and lots of water helped me after being on oxy for 7 years.
It’s still going to suck but all of this helps and even though you feel like your going to die it goes away after a few weeks or more. You just have to continue doing things that produce dopamine, seratonin and endorhins on a daily basis until your brain can start producing them on its own again.
You have fibromyalgia, so not taking what kills the pain is going to cause your burning and other pain to be felt. Are you saying that your pain is accentuated by the Kratom? Because it works on opioid receptors, Kratom will cause a dependency and may increase burning, antsy sensations, etc. It’s not necessarily the same as addiction. I’ve tried just about everything out there but Suboxone, even low-dose naltrexone (look into it), and nothing helps. People who are helped by most of these alternatives don’t have fibromyalgia very significantly. Anything that works like Tylenol and actually works for a person … wow, that would be a dream for me and most people with Fibro.
I’m a 52 year-old female, who also suffers from Fibromyalgia. The pain, fatigue, fibro fog… It’s unforgiving and makes normal tasks a real chore. My Dr. put me on Savella which helps mildly. I’m on Percocet and without that, I’m not doing much of anything because of my pain. I also have degenerative disc disease and arthritis. Have you found any natural remedies that helps you?
Lavania I think we are twins, but I’m 55, with fibromyalgia and terrible arthritis EVERYWHERE my back and knees are the worst. My discs are a mess from several car accidents when I was a teenager (passenger with seatbelt on, back then many just lap belts). Doctors told me after those accidents I would need surgery by 60ish, they were right.
My joints that were injured when I was younger are turning to mush, and the fibro started when premenopausal started. I believe fibro is mainly in women aged 40-55 due to hormonal changes, just my opinion and how I felt goin thru menopause hell.
So I take cymbalta for fibromyalgia, it really helps eliminate that heavy feeling and tight muscles, ya know like when it feels the muscles are being ripped off your bone when you move. And when you move you feel like you weigh 1000 lbs. helps somewhat with the depression, at least I don’t wake up everyday wishing I was completely dead.
Monthly I go to my pain mgmt doctor, get my pain meds and sometimes injections if it’s time. Like when I can’t turn my head or straighten up, I will get cortisone/nerve block injections. Shots last few months and can get up to 3 a year, they help a lot in my case until I get knees replaced and back fusion. I’m holding out as long as I can for any surgeries cuz my pain doc says grass isn’t always greener, could make nerve pain worse but joint work better. Life is a gamble.
But I also would love to know what fibromyalgia victims can take for chronic pain.
Stay strong Love, can’t get much worse, right?
Just popped in to see what new things are out there. Systemic Enzymes are great. If you think Wobenzym is good, you should check out Fibrenza! Less caps per dose, less doses per day and substantially more benefit. Just throwing it up on your radar is all. Great article – Thanks!
For an addict, kratom might not be the best idea. Im addicted to it myself and Im having a very hard time trying to stop. Thats why I came to this site. Ive been addicted over 8 years to kratom. The withdrawal is no fun.
Lori,
I hear you! I recently had to go back on opiates for severe pain due to my tolerance to Kratom causing it to no longer help. I’ve been using Kratom daily for about a year. I titrated up to about 35 mg oxycodone equivalent at which point I was able to stop the Kratom. I experienced 2 to 3 days of pretty severe muscle pain and restlessness, which was no doubt due to the absence of the Kratom. Sadly, my crappy pain mgmt doctor reduced my meds drastically at my next visit so I had to start taking K again. Its so frustrating, because without something on my receptors, my brain will start to hurt really bad. It will get worse and worse as if it is in a vice until I take an opiate or Kratom. I guess thats ‘addiction’. I even tried a low dose of buprenorphine, but it didn’t help my pain at all and the dose wasn’t strong enough for my brain. All I know is I’m so tired of this never ending battle and the marginal help I get from the medical community. They simply won’t listen to me and dictate the meds they prescribe. I will say that the gabapentin they Rx’d does help somewhat with nerve pain especially in my legs, but my back remains under treated despite steroid shots and chronic inoperable torn roto-cuffs in shoulders make them limp noodles…if I try to use my arms much, i can develop debilitating pain pretty fast. Anyways, I agree there are significant Kratom withdrawals that are entirely separate and different from opiate withdrawals. I wish you all the best!
I suffer from frozen shoulder and damaged rotator cuffs on my left side. The pain is worse at night. I have found that rubbing Pennsaid on my shoulder and arm (the pain has migrated down to include my bicep and elbow) helps a great deal. Pennsaid was originally developed for pain following knee replacement.
As for your “noodle arms” start swimming as your arms gain strength add weight lifting, slowly. Then start doing push ups. Nothing has diminished my shoulder pain and added to my freedom of movement as much as doing push ups. I am now up to between 90 and 100 done in groups of 30.
As for getting off drugs, I was putting 35 MILLIGRAMS of fentanyl gel up my nose daily for ten years. I had a very obliging doctor who wrote for 60 100mcg/hr patches and 60 75mcg/hr patches a month. I am sorry that I can’t include a sad horror story of alienation and loss as I flourished under his care. I lost 75 pounds and began daily gym visits getting in the best shape of my life. I am now 65 years old. Last June when I saw the political attitude towards pain management change because of the false narrative being put forth by the DEA, I began a long term detox. I continued with my doctor until he was forced out of business last October. By that time I had accumulated 240 patches by cutting my use in half. I continued decreasing until two weeks ago when I ran out of my supply. I am now wearing non reservoir 50mcg patches which cannot be milked for their gel. I will stay on these until I get fed up with my new pain management doctors who are obsessed with cutting open my back to insert a morphine pump. I have some kratom and will use it when nessesary. Sadly, I have lost most of my zest for life, but I am hoping that it will return. I live in Thailand for most of the year( I am a New Yorker) drugs are very illegal here and the punishments severe.
Thanks for sharing as it helps all of us, in one ayanother
Bupenorphrine does not help pain… It’s awful. I am also a recovering opiate addict…. A 20 year addict. I went on bupenorphrine to quit and have been successfully clean from opiates for 7 years, but I can’t get off the freaking bupe. I also have pain issues so figuring out how to cope with my pain and not turn to opiates was an extreme challenge… Enter kratom. I’ve been taking kratom for 6 years when it has helped my pain tremendously and it has allowed me to drastically reduce my bupe dose. I’ll eventually make the final jump with the help of my kratom but I’m not rushing. I can’t afford to be stuck in a bed, either sick or in more pain than I can bear. I suppose I am blessed I don’t experience anything I’d call withdrawal when I don’t take kratom, perhaps because I’ve always taken breaks, or maybe the rotation of strains and vein colors. In any case, I’ll take any of the minute discomfort, usually just headache, over the intense sickness and pain of dropping heroin or the drawn out, seemingly unending pain of quitting bupe…. Anyday. Best of luck to everyone.
Just want to add if you use Matts taper method you CAN safely use kratom without becoming addicted….https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/how-to-use-kratom-for-opiate-withdrawal/
I am currently doing the subutex taper am at the .5mg every other day point and I am using 1 tbs of kratom 3 times a day only on my (non-take days.) If anyone wants the taper schedule, see this link..https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/suboxone-taper-plan-4-pillars-method/ I plan on tapering off of the kratom just like I did the subutex. Currently I am on day 69 of the method as I only ever took .5 mg subutex to get off of methadone. I am currently off of the methadone for 10 days now and am having no more methadone pain related withdrawal side effects. I agree kratom IS a very strong painkiller but if used exactly or very much similarly as Matt has described, kratom addiction won’t really be an issue.
I’m surprised corydalis isn’t in this list
Hi Joe,
I haven’t heard of this…but will look into it. Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
Hey Matt shoot me an email. Ive been researching the topic of ways to kick the last couple months and I I have allot of cool stuff I think u could add to your website. By the way in all my studying, which has been ALLOT, you have the single best website that I’ve found that has the most and best Info.
Medicinal mushrooms!!!!?
I’ve heard that kratom was just illegalized. Is that true? Also, what can you tell us about supplements such as white willow bark, magnesium, msm, or others that might work in conjunction to mimic the relief felt from narcotics? I was addicted to opiates for over 10 years and have been clean now for just over 5 months but I’m trying to find that non-prescription combination that will maximize pain relief.
Tamara,
Congratulations on your clean time!!! That is incredible!! Obviously you are aware that white willow bark and msm both have pain relieving qualities. However, much of finding a good combo of supplements that work for pain is in knowing what kind of pain it is. For instance msm may help with pain from arthritis, while it may not help much with pain associated with certain diseases. What kind of pain do you have? I can guide you from my own experience or that of my husband, since we both do deal with different types of chronic pain and use supplements that we each find beneficial; some the same, some different.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Thanks for the reply. I have arthritis in my upper back, sciatica, and pain from herniated/bulging and degenerative discs in my lower back. Prescription-wise I’m on baclofen for muscle spasms and topamax for nerve pain. Otherwise I’m treating my pain with aleve and a combo of supplements that help a lot. I am in less pain these days then when I was zooted out on Vicodin because I understand that my brain-body connection is healing and my natural pain killing chemicals are back in force.
I’m taking magnesium, zinc, d3, b-complex, C, garlic, joint complex like osteo-bi-flex, aleve and sometimes Tylenol. I’ve recently learned that the willow bark basically acts like aspirin but when combined with other supplements can be a great pain killer but I haven’t been able to find out what that “magic” combo is.
Hi
I’m slowly making the climb out of my dependence on Suboxone. Suboxone was great initially as it brought my abuse to a stop. But, of course, now I am needing/wanting to get off of it. I’m also quitting smoking marijuana at the same time.
I have been tapering and am currently taken about 1-2 mg ev other day. So I’m definitely making progress.
I am really agitated and having insomnia. My mind is very obsessive on the drug. Physically I am having withdrawal symptoms but they are more or less manageable (cold symptoms, anxiety, chills, adrenaline shots, sweating). When they get overwhelming is when I know I need to take another small dose to stay in check.
The psychological dependency is what is really messing with me. I am trying to stay in the present but my mind is just flip flopping around topic to topic to topic.
I am interested in the various supplements but have a question.
I live w bipolar, OCD and ptsd, I need to take psych meds.
Are the supplements safe to use with psychiatric meds like Zoloft, Risperdal, neurontin and
Lamictal?
(Yes, I will check w my dr but was curious if you had any thoughts on this since I don’t see him for 3 more weeks)
Any guidance, support, encouragement, would be most appreciated.
Thanks for this site and for being responsive. Often I find sites that haven’t been answered in months and that’s discouraging. You, however, are encouraging!
God bless you!
God bless each on of us!
Alison,
Taking serotonin producing supplements (5htp and tryptophan) with SSRIs is not a good idea at all. These together can make too much serotonin and cause a condition called serotonin syndrome. This can range from mild to deadly. Please check with your Dr before starting any supplement.
~Mary
OAS RECOVERY SPECIALIST
One drug withdrawal at a time, if you want to succeed.
Hi Alison,
I am in a VERY similar situation to you, with all of the same co-existing issues. I understand that your comment on this page is very old, but if you happen to see this through a notification of some sort, I was wondering if we could chat through email. I am curious to know how you are doing, and have some additional questions for you.
Thanks!
Nick
Matt,
There are not many guys out there like you.
You are very experienced, informative, and very responsive….
Thanks for your vital information, and for sharing with very needy people, like me…..
God’s RICHEST BLESSINGS to you Matt……..
Thanks so much Roger! 🙂 I appreciate your support my friend.
I have been on Oxycodone for over 5 years. I take four 30 mg a day. I have a brachioplexus injury in my left shoulder . I get shooting burning pains down my left arm and hand. I have had tendon transfers in my left hand, which have not help much. I have been ok on the meds until recently being diagnosed with severe gastritis / GERD /acid reflux. The oxycodone stops the burning bent over double pain, but I need more than the 4 per day. I have made the changes to diet that are recommended for the GERD symptoms. Also I am taking the PPI’s to help with acid production in my stomach. Nothing works to stop the severe pain but the oxycodone and I still need them for the shoulder and arm pain.
I was thinking of trying the Kratom but I can’t drink the grapefruit juice that is recommended to mix it with . Is there anything else to mix it with that would be just as effective ? Water? Tea? Even coffee ?
Thanks John
I’ve also read that turmeric can potentiate kratom. However, in my opinion its plenty strong on its own without anything to potentiate the effects. And I’m so sorry to hear about all of those issues with pain. You might want to check it this book I read that really helped me get over pain without medical treatments. It might not work for the type of pain you have, but it’s probably worth looking into.
The Great Pain Deception: Faulty Medical Advice Is Making Us Worse
Disclaimer: This comment is for informational use only, and is not medical advice. Always consult with your physician before trying new natural remedies for pain relief.
John C, I make my own Kratom capsules and take 4-6 of them with cold water. It works really well for me.
How do u make them? I have kratom now to detox from Suboxone. I have tried everything but kratom to get off Suboxone. Really trying to not feel defeated.
Mix it with cinnamon applesauce, the strongest you can find. (I used TreeTop) That’s what I used and I could hardly taste it.
about the GERD thing some people are dealing with…. i had taken so many anti acids that the proton pumps in my stomach stopped making acid. i did not have enough acid to digest anything… lost 40 pounds in 30 days… went to a naturopthic doctor… and she put me on betaine hydrocholic acid so i could eat…. supplemented acid instead of killing it… two week and i knew i was going to live…that was ten years ago…. my MD had no idea on earth what to do with me…. i would have died had i not found the naturopath dr … it was about a year to 18 months and the proton pumps fixed themselves and i do not have to take anything when i eat now…. no supplemental acid and no prilosec or anything… i never told omy doctor i went to someone else…. i did show him my bottle of betaine hydrochloric acid… he was not familiar and could not believe it worked…. he has been my doctor for years and years and he is an excellent dr… but things that don’t show up on xrays or blood tests, mri, or sonograms ? they don’t know what to do with,…. just passing this along incase it might happen one more that was like me…
Hi Matt, the Kratom link isn’t working. Is there another site you trust?
Hi Annie I put the correct link in. Glad you told me about this. Thanks!
I love this site but I love accuracy even more, so we should go to great lengths to avoid falling into the “natural” trap. For example:
o Amanita mushrooms are “natural” – and deadly.
o Marijuana is “natural” but (usually) illegal, though it has no peer as an anti-emetic.
o Kratom is “natural” but contains an opioid agonist 17 times stronger than morphine.
o For that matter, opiates are “natural”, derived from the immature seed pod of the opium poppy.
o Steel pins inserted into your back aren’t “natural”, but acupuncture works for some.
o D-Phenylalanine is made in a lab and doesn’t occur in nature — it is 100% artificial.
o Etc.
The word “natural” is used with such ambiguity in the modern vernacular that it has become meaningless. I find that the process of “labeling” — such as “food”, “supplement”, “natural”, “artificial”, etc. — dilutes what should be our basic evaluation process, namely and simply, risk (cost) vs. benefit, regardless of the substance or procedure at hand. In the case of opiates, many are just as “natural” as any other substance derived from plants, and in fact opiates are great for pain relief, but the risk/cost is high — tolerance builds or the side effects mess you up or kill you. The status of prescription medicines for pain is actually quite dismal, since the mainstream medical community has nothing better to offer than opiates for severe or intractable pain.
I absolutely think you should consider these options, and more, in your quest to improve your quality of life by reducing the burden of chronic pain. Make an informed choice by evaluating the pros and cons of each option as objectively as you can, ignoring the labels of “natural”, “artificial”, “metaphysical”, “medicinal”, whatever. (When I did that evaluation, I surprised myself by settling on Kratom vs. prescription meds for managing my chronic auto-immune pain – for now, at least. That’s a long story for another post.)
The purpose of this article is to provide people with alternatives to using drugs or medications they have become addicted to. Perhaps the word “natural” has in fact become meaningless, since the definition is “existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.” I suffered from chronic pain, tried many different approaches, and after 3 years finally healed it. You know what I took? Nothing. I used my mind to heal my pain. Thus, different approaches work for different people.
I would like to add Cayenne pepper or Capsaicin to the list. The benefits are innumerable, and I personally swear by it. Once, I had unbearable pain in my stomach for like two days. I’m pretty tough, but I hurt so bad I couldn’t speak. Then I remembered cayenne pepper to be known for pain relief and even help those with stomach issues so I took some. About 45 minutes later I was pain free. Now, whenever I get a headache or feel some kind of pain, I take some and the pain will actually go away or diminish considerably at least. It’s even known to relieve migranes and help those with arthritis pain (hence, Capsaicin ointments for arthritis sufferers). Last week, I came very close to getting the flu; fever, horrible aches and pains, chills, no appetite, mild cold symptoms, etc. I kid you not, after taking a few shots of cayenne pepper (90,0000 heat units which is very strong and I don’t recommend for newbies) I was completely symptom free the very next day. These are just a few examples of what’s it’s done for me.
I’ve never had addiction issues but I believe cayenne may probably help with withdrawal symptoms. I do recommend high quality organic cayenne and to start with 30,000 heat units which is very mild but still incredibly effective. Even though it won’t irritate your stomach (in fact, it helps heal ulcers) I strongly suggest you start with a pinch, like 1/8 tsp in maybe 3-6 ounces of water. You can then gradually increase your doses. Too much at first may cause you to vomit.
Here’s a great link about this miraculous spice
http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html
hello, if you will make the mind set as you MUST, (you’ll have to do it to believe it’s power). The subconscious mind doesn’t know a truth from a lie and I wonder if this is it’s roots? I went from a scared, helpless feeling to “I’m excited to get my freedom back, in 1 day!” We do have a choice and people like Matt are living proof, we are NOT HELPLESS! The opiates have weakened our mind, NOT totally destroyed it, I’m a long time heavy medically prescribed addicted person and just changing my mindset has changed so much, please start there it’s powerful, bless all you who’ve fell into this hell and be THANKFUL THERE IS AWAY OUT! Thank you Matt
Wonderful comment and wisdom Lynn. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
🙌🏽 For we were Not given a spirit of fear but of Power, Love and Sound mind.
Oceans of Agape Love and Thanks Matt and All going through this Journey✨💙✨🤙🏽
Virginia aka Nini
Coconut oil has helped me. I have 2 herniated and 1 bulging disc in my neck. Oxycodone was no longer helping. I’ve had 2 epidurals that didn’t last but a couple of weeks. Recently I tried coconut oil and within 1 hour my pain went away. At first I thought it was a fluke. After 4 days of taking the oil, I was convinced. I take 1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 in the evening. My biggest problem now is tapering off of the oxy. Which brought me to your sight. If you have pain please try this. It should be organic virgin, unrefined, cold pressed and chemical free.
Thanks for the wonderful input Diane. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time write about this. I knew of many raw organic coconut oil benefits, but not this one.
u just swallow the oil ?
I bought some coconut oil and flaxseed softgels along with ginger root, cinnamon, turmeric, bioperine, DLPA, MSM, Devils Claw, Glucosimine, etc…. Have used them all ( not all at once) in one form or another for many months. I’m not really sure what helps or doesn’t. I do know Kratom ( reds only) helps the most for pain and for stepping -off opiates. I know it is a mu and delta opioid agonist, but its nothing like narcotics. I can think clearly and function on it. My depression and anxiety is improved. It has helped me immensely but , I am now dependent on it. I’ve been taking it a few months. I have no craving or desire for opioids. My pain is 70%+ controlled but I do need to redose several times a day. I don’t really feel guilty taking this supplement, because the crazy driving force that fueled my addiction is mysteriously absent with its use.. I take it merely when my chronic pain returns and then, only an amount needed to stifle the pain. I’ve been reluctant to talk to my doctor about it, but I have concerns especially regarding interactions with blood pressure medications. It seems my blood pressure has gone up since using it. I really have no choice though, as I am narcotic dependent. I do feel that I can most likely reduce this dose slowly overtime a lot easier than with something like suboxone or worse, methadone. However, it won’t happen overnight, and I do have pretty severe chronic pain ( back and shoulder tears). I was really amazed how well it worked for pain. IMO it is as good or better pain reliever than oxycodone and lasts a bit longer.
Sadly, I know I’ll never be the same again, post-opiates….but right now I’m in a pretty good place with the herbal supplements and try different combos daily. I have brought myself back from brain dead anhedonia with dopamine supplements and kratom. It did take 2 full years, but i am improving daily. I just hope I live long enough to again appreciate a clean and naturally enjoyable life. Patience and perseverance is the order of the day. I wish all the very best in recovery!
Thankyou Dianne, it is so amazing what medicos don’t know or won’t share. The opiate replacement therapies currently available in Australia are verging on criminal, a large percentage of participants become dependant on two, often more substances, somehow the really determined addicts fake anxiety and epilepsy to gain a script for melds that enhance the heroin leading to a raft of social and personal ills. A criminal cocktail indeed, a high dose of methadone, various pills with a heroin chaser. Two thirds on prescription and heavily subsidised or gratis at hospital pharmacies. Is it a hippocratic oath or a hypocrites oath.