The 2004 Vioxx recall, as you may remember, was spurred by the nearly 30,000 excess cases of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths caused by the drug between 1999 and 2003. Despite the fact that scientific research had accumulated as early as 2000 linking Vioxx to increased heart attacks and strokes, the drug’s manufacturer, Merck, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration remained silent as the death toll steadily increased. The Reuters report focused on
research published in The Lancet indicating the risk of heart attack increases as much as a third and the risk of heart failure doubles among heavier users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Pain and unhealthy levels of inflammation are fast becoming default bodily states in the industrialized world. While, in most cases, we can adjust the underlying pro-inflammatory conditions by altering our diet, reducing stress, and avoiding environmental chemical exposures, these approaches take time, discipline, and energy. Sometimes we just want the pain to stop now. In those often compulsive moments, we find ourselves popping an over-the-counter pill to kill the pain.
The problem with this approach is that, if we do it often enough, the side effects accumulate and we put our lives at risk.
Ibuprofen really is a perfect example of this. As mentioned above, this petrochemical derivative has been linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attack and increased cardiac and all-cause mortality risk (when combined with aspirin). Among the more than two dozen serious adverse health effects, people taking these drugs may suffer:
- Anemia
- DNA Damage
- Hearing Loss
- Hypertension
- Influenza Mortality
- Miscarriage
Ibuprofen is, in fact, not unique in elevating cardiovascular disease risk and/or mortality. The entire category of NSAIDs appears to have this under-recognized dark side; cardiovascular disease and cardiac mortality score highest on the list of more than 100 unintended adverse health effects associated with their use.
So what does one do? Pain is pain. Whether it happens to you or you witness it in another (which can be worse), finding relief is a top priority.
Research on Natural Painkillers
Here’s some evidence-based research on alternatives to ibuprofen, sourced from the
National Library of Medicine.
Ginger: A 2009 study found that
ginger capsules (250 milligrams, four times daily) were as effective as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen for relieving pain associated with women’s menstrual cycle (primary dysmenorrhea).
Topical Arnica: A 2007 human study found that topical treatment with
arnica was as effective as ibuprofen for hand osteoarthritis but with a lower incidence of side effects.
Chinese Skullcap (Baicalin): A 2003 animal study found that a compound in Chinese skullcap known as baicalin was equal in effect to ibuprofen in reducing pain.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A 2006 human study found that omega-3 fatty acids (between 1200–2400 mg daily) were as effective as ibuprofen in reducing arthritis pain but with the added benefit of having fewer side effects.
Panax Ginseng: A 2008 animal study found that
panax ginseng had analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity similar to ibuprofen, indicating its possible anti-rheumatoid arthritis properties.
St. John’s Wort: A 2004 animal study found that St. John’s wort was twice as effective as ibuprofen as a
pain-killer.
Anthocyanins from Sweet Cherries and Raspberries: A 2001 cell study found that anthocyanins extracted from raspberries and sweet cherries were as effective as ibuprofen and naproxen at suppressing the inflammation-associated enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-1 and -2.
Holy Basil: A 2000 study found that holy basil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory activity comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
Olive Oil (oleocanthal): a compound found within olive oil known as oleocanthal has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
There are, of course, hundreds of additional substances that have been studied for their pain-killing and/or anti-inflammatory effects, and there are also aromatherapeutic approaches that don’t require the ingestion of anything at all.
But even here, with such seemingly gentle approaches, there’s danger.
When we think of taking an alternative pain-killer to ibuprofen, we’re still thinking within the palliative, allopathic medical model: suppress the symptom, and go on about our business.
It would behoove us to look deeper into what’s causing our pain. And when possible, remove the cause(s).
That often requires lifestyle changes, such as a dramatic dietary shift away from pro-inflammatory foods, many of which most Westerners still consider absolutely delightful.
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