What if you could….
Exercise more freely.
Sleep better.
Socialize with ease.
Pursue hobbies.
Feel more present.
Well, you can, friend. And we are going to talk about the what, how and why of how to get you to that place in this blog!
As we go along, ask yourself. What is one thing you would enjoy more if pain wasn’t a constant companion?
Is Pain Unavoidable?
Pain is a natural part of life, but much of the pain we experience, especially in our day-to-day lives, can be influenced by factors within our control. Certain types of pain—such as from injury, illness, or aging—are inevitable, but even these can be managed well with natural solutions!
We will be so bold as to say that almost all chronic pain issues can be managed or even avoided by addressing the underlying causes related to diet, lifestyle, side effects, and habits.
Diet
Processed foods, excess sugar, and canola oil can contribute to and worsen chronic pain conditions like arthritis or digestive issues. These foods feed the inflammation in the body and disrupt the gut microbiome. Adding in colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and fermented foods is a wonderful way to actually reduce pain and discomfort!
Lifestyle
Spending our days sitting can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and back pain. Daily movement and exercise helps keep muscles strong and joints flexible, reducing pain over time. Additionally, being mindful of posture can prevent discomfort as well! Getting 10,000 steps a day is a great goal for anyone. If that feels overwhelming, start with a goal of 5,000 steps a day! Gentle movement like yoga, swimming or water aerobics are also wonderful as well.
Side effects of medications
Some pain comes from the side effects of medications. While we aren’t here to diagnose or treat, it is always a good idea to take a look at the potential side effects of a treatment. Oftentimes, there is a natural alternative that the body can utilize without the unwanted side effects.
Stress
Stress and anxiety manifest physically, causing headaches, muscle tension, and worsening of chronic pain conditions. Managing stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, using essential oils for emotional processing, and seeking support can ease these symptoms.
Habits
Smoking, alcohol use, or poor sleep habits can make pain worse. Smoking reduces blood flow, delaying healing and increasing inflammation, while poor sleep impairs the body's ability to recover and regulate pain. Alcohol may numb the pain and seem like it helps you sleep, but you aren’t getting the deep sleep your body really needs to recover.
The Side Effects of Painkillers and Bandaids
Painkillers, especially opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are commonly used for pain relief. In fact, you can find all kinds of options at a pharmacy or grocery store!
And while these may be tools in your toolbox every so often or for managing short-term pain, using these tools long-term carries significant risks and potential long-term consequences.
In fact, sometimes taking pain relievers can worsen an injury because you are masking the pain!
The problem is that conventional pain relievers don’t actually treat the problem. They stop the pain, but they act as bandaids. They never actually heal the underlying issue.
So we keep taking them to stop the pain, but the cause of the pain is never addressed. And it creates a giant spiral that can be tough to break out of.
NSAIDs and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are extremely popular over the counter options, but they really aren’t good for long-term use and can cause…
Damage the stomach lining, leading to ulcers, bleeding, and increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Kidney damage over time.
Depletion of the antioxidant glutathione, which is essential for our health.
Opioids are a popular prescription option, but long-term use has some pretty weighty side effects ….
Tolerance (meaning higher doses are needed for the same effect)
Risk of addiction and dependence.
Depression, anxiety, mood regulation, cognitive function
Respiratory issues, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune function
An increased sensitivity to pain.
There is no judgment here friend, only concern. These pain relievers were really never meant to be used the way they are today! They were a temporary solution to a symptom, not a treatment for a problem.
But there is hope.
Pain Free Eating - reducing foods that contribute to inflammation and pain
Diet plays a significant role in managing chronic pain and inflammation. Many common foods can exacerbate inflammation, leading to increased pain, while others can help reduce it. Adopting a "pain-free" eating approach can be a powerful strategy to manage discomfort naturally.
Foods That Contribute to Inflammation
Processed and Fried Foods: Highly processed snacks, fast food, and fried items increase inflammation and contribute to conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars: Foods like white bread and sugary drinks spike blood sugar levels and promote inflammatory responses -- especially when consumed without adequate protein for balance. When it comes to sweeteners, opt for natural options like honey or maple syrup.
Conventional wheat (potentially): When it comes to wheat, conventional flour is typically not a friend, but many individuals find that ancient grains like Einkorn flour or Kamut flour are more tolerable. You can also switch to fermented breads or sourdough, which many consider a health food!
Foods That Fight Inflammation
Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with antioxidants, fruits like berries, oranges, and leafy greens help combat inflammation. These foods are high in vitamins and phytonutrients that protect the body from oxidative stress.
Wild Caught Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3s can help reduce joint pain and inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. (Don’t like fish? Grab a bottle of Green Omega 3s, a vegan fish oil alternative!)
Whole Grains: Unlike refined grains, whole grains such as freshly milled flour, oats, brown rice, and quinoa are rich in fiber and help lower inflammation. They also regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
Spices and Herbs: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to reduce pain and swelling in chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
Antioxidants & Inflammation - Ningxia Red, Golden Turmeric
Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to persistent pain, especially in conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and autoimmune disorders. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term damage to tissues and joints, resulting in persistent pain.
Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, a process where free radicals (unstable molecules) damage cells, contributing to inflammation and pain. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Say hello to our favorite antioxidant-rich supplements -- Ningxia Red and Golden Turmeric! This duo can help reduce pain, enhance recovery, improve function, and support overall health and longevity.
NingXia Red
NingXia Red is a delicious supplement drink that combines wolfberries (goji berries) with other antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries, cherries, and pomegranates. It also contains Lemon, Orange, and Yuzu essential oils.
Goji berries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and especially high levels of antioxidants, such as zeaxanthin. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Lower inflammation = less pain overall.
Golden Turmeric
The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Curcumin has been widely studied for its ability to reduce inflammation at a molecular level by blocking the activity of certain inflammatory enzymes (such as COX-2). In fact, curcumin blocks these enzymes as well as conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)!
Golden Turmeric has all these benefits, plus it has better absorption than any other turmeric supplement. This supplement powder is infused with essential oils and tastes great!
Headaches & Tension - Clarity, Peppermint, Valor, Chiropractic Care
Oh headaches, one of the worst aches and pains around. Headaches can make it to where you cannot even function, and that is not okay!
When it comes to headaches, we love Clarity, Peppermint, and Valor oils. We also love consistent chiropractic care to get and keep the bones right where they need to be!
Clarity
Clarity is a powerful blend of 12 essential oils including Basil, Cardamom, Rosemary, Peppermint, Coriander, Geranium, Bergamot, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, and Palmarosa. These oils are wonderful for soothing tension and releasing stress that you can focus on feeling your best.
Peppermint
Peppermint is soothing and cooling to the body overall, making it one to reach for when you are feeling the tension in your neck and shoulders and have a headache blooming! The icy cool relief is wonderful massaged on the neck, temples, and shoulders.
Valor
Valor is great for tension. Not only do the Spruce, Frankincense, and Camphor wood help support physical healing, this blend is amazing for soothing the anxiety and stress of a headache! Valor contains Blue Tansy, known for its ability to soothe the central nervous system and align the body -- almost like a chiropractor in a bottle.
Head On Roller (10mL roller bottle)
15 drops Clarity
10 drops Peppermint
10 drops Valor
Optional: 10 drops Frankincense
Fill with liquid carrier (V-6 Carrier or fractionated coconut oil)
Head On Diffuser Blend
5 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Lavender
Practical tips
Hydrate! Many headaches can be warded off with water.
Apply oils liberally and frequently, making sure not to get the Peppermint too close to the eyes.
Layer Clarity, then Valor, then Peppermint if not using a roller. Or add a little Peppermint on top of the roller. Peppermint will help to drive the other oils into the tense muscles.
Many find it soothing to take a warm bath with magnesium flakes and essential oils when they have a headache.
Another thing to try is to soak your feet in really warm water (as hot as you can stand) with some epsom salt and Clarity oil. While soaking, apply a cold pack to your head. Sit with hot feet and a cold head for 15 minutes or so (fire up your diffuser!), then apply your oils.
Arthritis & Gout - AgileEase, Cool Azul Pain Cream, Alkalime
Arthritis and gout are two painful conditions that can significantly impact your quality of life. Stiffness, inflammation, and joint discomfort are daily struggles for many, but there are natural solutions that can offer relief!
AgileEase
AgileEase is a supplement designed to support joint mobility and reduce inflammation. It combines Frankincense powder (anti-inflammatory), calcium (minerals for joint health), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), and Black pepper essential oil (reduces pain and inflammation). AgileEase is perfect for those dealing with daily joint discomfort, whether it’s due to arthritis, gout, or even the normal wear and tear of an active lifestyle.
Cool Azul Pain Cream
When arthritis or gout flare-ups hit, fast-acting, external relief can be a game-changer. BUT. Did you know that over the counter pain creams are ‘counter irritants’ that just make your skin tingle so you forget the pain? It’s true.
But it’s not true of Cool Azul!
Cool Azul Pain Relief Cream is packed with essential oils and natural ingredients that help cool and soothe sore areas. Menthol and methyl salicylate reduce pain and inflammation while also bringing a lovely cooling sensation to the skin.
Alkalime
Gout is triggered by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, leading to painful joint inflammation, so individuals are often told to eat a more alkaline diet. An alkaline environment can help neutralize acidity and potentially reduce flare-ups. And we have the perfect supplement for promoting an alkaline environment -- Alkalime!
Alkalime is a specially formulated powder that helps balance the body’s pH levels.
With a unique blend of alkaline salts and essential oils like Lemon and Lime, Alkalime supports healthy digestion and helps the body maintain its natural pH balance, which can help prevent gout flare-ups.
While supplements and topical creams are crucial, regular movement and stretching can also help alleviate arthritis and gout symptoms. Gentle exercises like yoga, swimming, and light walking promote flexibility and circulation, helping reduce stiffness over time. Let’s layer these things together for better pain relief!
Joints & Stiffness - Sulfurzyme, OrthoEase Massage Oil, Stretching
Joint discomfort and stiffness can really slow us down, but thankfully, nature has some powerful tools to help us feel our best. Whether it is a physical injury, aging, or joint replacement, this trio can help ease the discomfort and give you better mobility.
This powerful supplement combines MSM (a sulfur compound) with the antioxidant-rich Ningxia wolfberry to help with joint function and mobility. MSM and wolfberry work synergistically to help maintain the structure of cartilage and connective tissue, easing stiffness from the inside out.
OrthoEase Massage Oil
Soothe away aches with a gentle massage using OrthoEase. Infused with soothing essential oils like Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Juniper, it promotes relaxation and targets those tight spots that need extra care. Perfect after a workout or long day!
Stretch it out
Don’t forget the power of stretching! Incorporating regular movement and stretches can help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Aim for 15 minutes every day of stretching, then give your muscles some TLC by massaging OrthoEase all over! Feeling like you want more? Stretch for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.
Stomach & Kidneys - Enzymes, DiGize, Alkalime, dangers of antacids
Digestive discomfort and kidney issues can cause persistent pain and negatively impact your overall health. While antacids are often seen as a quick fix for heartburn and stomach pain, they can mask underlying issues and potentially create long-term health risks.
Essentialzymes-4
Digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down food and ensuring that your body absorbs the nutrients it needs. When the digestive system struggles to produce enough enzymes, it can lead to bloating, stomach pain, and even kidney strain over time due to incomplete digestion.
Essentialzymes-4 is a powerful enzyme supplement that supports the digestive process by breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. They help the body absorb nutrients, promote healthy digestion, and reduce discomfort. Essentialzymes-4 provides a blend of both animal- and plant-based enzymes, helping to digest a wide range of foods.
DiGize
For immediate relief, DiGize Essential Oil Blend is a must-have. This blend contains essential oils like Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel, and Tarragon, known for their soothing effects on the stomach.
And while we love it for immediate relief, it is a wonderful tool for daily support and overall digestive health. Use it in an empty capsule for a DIY supplement that works so well! DiGize is our go-to for calming the digestive tract, relieving bloating, cramping, and discomfort.
Alkalime
Maintaining the right pH balance in your body is crucial for digestive and kidney health. Alkalime is a supplement designed to neutralize excess acidity in the body, which can contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, and kidney strain. Gout and kidney stones are often linked to high levels of uric acid, and addressing acidity can help alleviate these issues.
With a unique combination of alkaline salts and essential oils like Lemon and Lime, Alkalime helps the body maintain a healthy pH balance. This can relieve digestive discomfort, help prevent acid reflux, and reduce the risk of kidney issues related to excess acidity.
Say no to antacids
Antacids are often used to provide fast relief from heartburn and acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid. However, long-term use of antacids can come with significant risks… nutrient deficiencies, kidney damage, worsening digestive imbalance, and masking root causes that need attention.
By opting for natural solutions like digestive enzymes, DiGize, and Alkalime, you can relieve stomach and kidney pain without the long-term risks associated with antacids. These products not only target the symptoms but also address the root causes of digestive and kidney issues, promoting lasting health.
Chronic Pain - CBD
Chronic pain is a widespread issue, affecting millions of people worldwide, and one increasingly popular approach to managing it is the use of CBD (cannabidiol). Whether it is arthritis, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune disorders, CBD has promise for reducing pain.
CBD is derived from the cannabis plant and has therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) -- the compound in marijuana that causes a "high."
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors throughout the body that regulates pain perception, inflammation, mood, and sleep. The ECS has two primary types of receptors involved in pain:
CB1 receptors: Found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, they play a role in regulating pain, mood, memory, and appetite.
CB2 receptors: These are located primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues and are involved in inflammation and immune response.
CBD affects both of these receptors, which is why it has so many uses.
But here is the kicker. CBD does not bind directly to these receptors but influences them indirectly by enhancing the body’s own production of endocannabinoids, helping to modulate pain and reduce inflammation. This is important!
This means that CBD is working WITH your body to help it heal, not taking the place of your body’s natural systems.
CBD can….
Reduce inflammation
Alleviate pain caused by inflammation
Ease nerve pain by calming overactive nerves
Reduce joint pain and swelling
Relax muscles and relieve tension
Improve sleep
Reduce the need for opioids
CBD Drops
Many use these under the tongue for best results. You can also apply the drops topically for localized pain. These are available in mint, citrus or cinnamon.
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