Nutritionists recommend phenylalanine for chronic pain. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. In dietetics, it is considered an excellent natural pain reliever for sudden head jerk injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, migraines, muscle cramps, postoperative pain and neuralgia. It works by reducing the breakdown of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones produced by the body itself during injuries, accidents or illnesses, in order to eliminate pain. Certain enzyme systems in the body constantly destroy endorphins. Phenylalanine effectively inhibits these enzymes, allowing endorphins to do their job of relieving pain.
White willow or willow bark once served as the original herbal aspirin. It contains a chemical known as salicin, which Bayer once turned into small white tablets of acetylsalicylic acid - a painkiller called aspirin.
Willow bark tea relieves pain and acts against inflammation, in a similar way to aspirin. But, as the irritating ingredient of the aspirin tablet is diluted with tea here, the risk of stomach upsets, ulcers and overdoses is reduced.
