7. Willow Bark
If you’re clear that you need something stronger to bust through your pain, try willow bark. It contains a compound called salicin that is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, which you probably know as aspirin. Long before aspirin was designed and produced in a lab, people chewed willow bark to manage pain, fevers, and inflammation. Today, you can find dried willow bark for brewing a pain-relieving tea. Even easier, though perhaps less soothing, is to take a liquid or capsule supplement.
Even though willow bark is natural, it can cause the same side effects as aspirin. If you use it every day, you may develop a bleeding disorder, slow your kidney function, or get an upset stomach. Willow bark is not safe for children because it is difficult to achieve the right dose for them. Avoid willow bark if you take warfarin or another anticoagulant medication.