Did you know that you can fight aches and pains naturally by using food from your own kitchen?

Although  over-the-counter medications and prescriptions are effective at the right times, studies show that there are foods that can offer pain relief naturally.

In their natural state, holistic foods are comprised of the 5 basic elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, each of which is essential to a person’s health. In holistic foods, there are some active as well as passive components, which balance each other. As the saying goes, “let my food be my medicine.”

Holistic foods nourish and balance the body, the mind and the spirit strengthen the immune system to prevent chronic illnesses. They also provide medicinal qualities that rejuvenate and heal the body.

Kerri-Ann Jennings is a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor for eating well magazine.

She highlights 4 holistic foods that have been scientifically found to provide pain relief and fight other ailments.

1. Ginger – No longer is ginger only valued for its stomach settling and cold relieving effects. It is now linked to relieving sore muscles and aching joints because of the inflammation-fighting compounds found inside. Also, ginger may reduce the aches of osteoarthritis.

2. Salmon – This oily fish contains omega 3’s which are famous for their ability to reduce inflammation. This can be effective with inflamed joints, troubled tummies aches (especially when dealing with stress) and the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Coffee – Research has proven that 200 milligrams of caffeine (about 16 ounces of brewed coffee), gives headache and migraine relief. A word of caution to habitual coffee drinkers as this method could backfire, causing headaches when caffeine is reduced.

4. Sage – Sipping on tea made from brewed sage leaves is a remedy that is recommended by herbalists as a holistic food for scratchy throats. Spraying a sore throat with a sage solution has been known to give effective pain relief.