A large number of professional athletes, and Americans in general rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen to treat muscle cramps, and other athletic injuries. While these drugs are effective for relieving inflammation, long term use comes with some dangerous side effects. Increased risk of kidney damage, stroke, and heart attacks. Luckily there are natural solutions that can relieve pain just as effectively without all the harmful side effects. Find out what they are and how they could be benefitting you...

1. Devil's claw fruit.

The devil's claw is a fruit native to South Africa, and although it's naturally covered with sharp hooks that will cause you pain if you try to pick it up, once it has been made into a form suitable for consumption the healing properties are incredible. People have even reported effective relief for their chronic back pain, and arthritis. A recent study done by a university California found that taking 100 milligrams of harpagoside, the active pain relieving ingredient in devil's claw, or 400 milligrams of the devil's claw dried on a daily basis can reduce the severity of pains related to osteoporosis.

2. Arnica flowers.

Grown mainly in the alpine meadows of Europe, the arnica flower has been used as a way to boost your immune system, and reduce the problem of inflammation by applying a topical arnica cream. When used 4 times a day the cream could be used to heal bruises, strains, sprains, while promoting a proper healing process. Additionally, arnica is available in the form of differently strengthened tablets if you prefer not to use the gel or cream based lotions.

3. Ginger root.

Most commonly used to add a special flavor to Asian cuisine, ginger root also has powerful enzymes that halt the production of inflammatory compounds in your body, which in return provides you with long lasting pain relief. Although you may enjoy the flavor of ginger candy, and a little ginger spice in your coffee, or tea, that is not a reliable source for pain relief. The most effective way to gain the benefits of ginger is to consume 2 grams of the ground, dehydrated root on a daily basis.