When you experience pain, certain enzymes are active that trigger the pain and inflammation process. Paracetamol suppresses these enzymes, temporarily reducing your pain and lowering your fever. What many people don't realize is that paracetamol actually has almost no anti-inflammatory effect, while many pain complaints are actually caused by inflammation.

Paracetamol does not combat the underlying cause of the pain, but only the symptoms.

Although considered safe, frequent use (or prolonged use) can be harmful to the liver and kidneys. This can be especially significant if you have weakened liver or kidney function, even at the recommended dosages.

Many people immediately take paracetamol when they have a fever, but fever is actually an important part of your immune system. Your body raises its temperature to fight viruses and bacteria, helping you get better faster.

If you immediately suppress a fever, you disrupt this natural process. This can actually prolong your illness and hinder your immune system. Instead of immediately taking paracetamol, it's better to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and give your body time to heal. Only if your fever is very high or persists for a long time is it wise to intervene.

Fortunately, nature provides us with painkillers that can be just as effective as paracetamol, but without the adverse effects.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory for chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle pain. A growing number of studies show that curcumin can be as effective as some painkillers, but without the adverse side effects. Note: curcumin can interact with certain medications, so discuss this with your healthcare professional before using it.

Also known as frankincense extract, boswellia is a wonderful anti-inflammatory. It has been traditionally used for thousands of years to support joints, the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract, as it not only relieves pain but also helps reduce underlying inflammatory responses.

A major advantage of boswellia is that it doesn't irritate the stomach lining, unlike many conventional painkillers. It can be taken as a supplement, but is also used in ointments or creams to relieve local pain.

Another effective pain reliever is ginger. Its active ingredient, gingerol, works similarly to NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) and can be used long-term without side effects. Read more about NSAID alternatives here .

This makes ginger effective for various types of pain, such as muscle soreness after exercise, menstrual cramps, joint pain from arthritis, and even migraines. The advantage is that ginger can be used long-term without the harmful side effects often associated with synthetic painkillers.

You can drink ginger as a fresh tea, incorporate it into meals, or take it as a supplement. Ginger can also help with nausea.

Magnesium is essential for over a hundred processes in your body. It's essential for muscle relaxation, and it can be very effective for tension headaches, migraines, and muscle cramps. Many people, partly due to stress, are unknowingly deficient in magnesium, which can also worsen pain.

Good dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and bananas.

If you're considering taking a magnesium supplement, pay close attention to the form of magnesium it contains. There are many different forms, and many aren't easily absorbed. Our magnesium supplement contains the 5 most readily absorbable forms. Magnesium oil or flakes can be very helpful for relaxation, muscle soreness, and pain relief.

If you experience a lot of pain, it's often due to chronic inflammation. EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation and also reduce joint stiffness. And omega-3 can also enhance the effectiveness of other (natural) painkillers. Fatty fish like wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Many people consume too much omega-6. Omega-6 can promote inflammation. Therefore, it's important to strive for a good balance between omega-3 and omega-6.

It might seem obvious, but applying heat or cold directly to painful areas can also have a significant pain-relieving effect. Heat stimulates blood circulation and therefore aids your body's self-healing capacity.

You can use an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation shortly after a muscle strain or sprain. Once the inflammation has subsided, heat can be effective in reducing stiffness.

Briefly applying a heating pad or cold compress to your head or neck can relieve your headache. An ice pack, for example, is also effective for lower back pain.

A good massage can help stimulate blood circulation, which reduces pain. It also helps relax tense muscles and reduce stress. Stress can worsen pain, so addressing it is important to reduce your pain.

A healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fiber, good quality proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and pain. Avoiding junk food and sugars is also important. Drinking plenty of fluids helps your body eliminate waste.

Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives to acetaminophen that can effectively relieve pain. We believe that your immune system should first be given the opportunity to fight pain and illness before resorting to acetaminophen. During this period, you can, of course, provide your immune system with additional support. For prolonged pain or fever, we recommend seeking professional help.