Whether you’ve got a minor injury, chronic pain or want to reduce your intake of synthetic drugs, natural pain relief is a preferred choice by many.
So, what is natural medicine?
The term ‘natural’ is thrown around a lot these days, especially in reference to medicines and treatment. It may seem like just another health and beauty trend, but natural medicines offer a number of benefits to your health and the environment. Compared to many aspects of conventional medicine, natural medicinal practices can have minimal impact to the natural environment due to the way ingredients are sourced and administered. Many natural medicines avoid synthetic-based ingredients which when created can harm the environment through wasted resources and chemical exposure. But what does it mean for medicine to be natural, and why are more and more people adopting natural forms of medication over synthetic?
To put simply, natural medicine uses plants, flowers, and naturally sourced ingredients to heal and recover the body from ailments and pain. The development of natural medicine has been derived from ancient practices and traditions originating in East Asian countries, Central Africa, and various parts worldwide.
With advancements in modern technology, we can now extract and utilise the active natural ingredients found in plants to ensure natural products are the most effective for their use. This can be through oils, teas, or herbal extracts.
What are the benefits of natural ingredients in medicine?
Beyond keeping harmful chemicals out of your body, natural products offer additional health benefits. Not only can natural ingredients promote the body’s natural healing response, in some cases, natural ingredients are more efficacious than their synthetic counterparts. Natural pain relief can also be a suitable alternative if you’ve got sensitive skin and are prone to reacting to chemical, topical treatments.
The five naturally derived active ingredients in Sensocream:
Arnica
Arnica Montana is a flower with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica has a long history of traditional use in western herbal medicine with a high number of supporting studies. It is a popular remedy for muscle aches, muscle recovery, mild joint pain, bruising and arthritic pain. When applied, the active chemicals in Arnica stimulate circulation which helps to reduce swelling, pain, and act as antibiotics.
Hypericum
Hypericum Perforatum, also known as St. John’s Wort, is a flower that has many healing properties and is used extensively in traditional medicine. As a topical treatment, it can help treat injuries, muscle pain and burns; however, there is also evidence showing it can be an effective treatment against symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.
Menthol
Menthol is a popular natural ingredient derived from mint leaves and is used to reduce inflammation and relieve aches and pain. It is often used as a topical ointment through balms, creams and patches. Menthol works by dilating the blood vessels, causing a sensation of coldness on the skin followed by an analgesic effect which helps to relieve aches and pains in your muscles and joints.
Melaleuca Oil
Melaleuca oil is more commonly known as tea tree oil and is often referred to as ‘nature’s antiseptic’ due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Melaleuca oil can be used to treat a range of ailments including muscle pain, joint discomfort, minor burns and insect stings. Traditional uses of melaleuca oil date back to Indigenous Australian communities creating compresses from the crushed tea tree leaves.
Calendula Oil
Calendula oil is derived from the pot marigold plant and is great for sensitive skin through its cooling, healing and gentle properties. Like other essential oils, calendula oil has antispasmodic effects that help ease muscle spasms and joint pain. Calendula oil has a long history of traditional use in European, Chinese and Indian Medicine for the healing of minor wounds and the relief of minor inflammation.
Sensocream by Deep Heat uses the best extracts of natural oils to create a safe and effective treatment for muscular aches and pains. When applied to the skin and due to the combination of natural active ingredients, Sensocream releases a mild, cooling sensation and a fresh botanic scent which is perfect for work and social occasions. Keep a tube handy at all times and let Deep Heat Sensocream take care of your muscle aches and pains while you get back in the game! Available at Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse and other leading Pharmacies.
NATURAL MEDICINE MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF OF MUSCULAR ACHES AND PAINS.
References:
https://www.atms.com.au/natural-medicine-and-sustainable-healthcare-by-sandra-grace/
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/10-stjohnswortastreatment.pdf
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/arnica-homeopathic
https://healthtimes.com.au/hub/natural-medicine/72/guidance/ht1/what-is-natural-medicine/2115/
https://www.mothernurture.net.au/aromatherapy-muscular-and-joint-problems/
https://mundicare.com.au/our-ingredients/australian-melaleuca-oil/
https://www.mydr.com.au/herbal-medicine/
https://www.mydr.com.au/st-johns-wort/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-calendula-4582641
https://www.wellbeing.com.au/community/natural-health-glossary/the-benefits-of-herbal-medicine.html
