Pain is an inevitable part of life. But you don’t have to suffer indefinitely. The relief you need is not always another pack of your go-to analgesic drugs.

It can be found in areas that are often overlooked: foods, plants, and vegetables that may just be sitting gently on your kitchen shelf.

Some of them can also be easily bought at open markets or chain stores around your home.

While these natural painkillers are readily available, it is important to note that they should not be used as a substitute for medical prescriptions without consulting first with a healthcare provider.

That said, here are seven natural painkillers that work for common, everyday health issues.

ALSO READ: Natural remedies we grew up with – Do they actually work?

1. Cloves for toothache

If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, you’d know it’s not something you would wish for anyone, not even your worst enemy. It’s a nightmare — a horrible one.

But before you make that dentist’s appointment, cloves can give you the much-needed relief.

And here’s why: cloves contain a strong anaesthetic known as eugenol which also acts as an antiseptic to fight bacteria that may cause infections.

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Hence, they work well in getting rid of cavities and are mixed into oral products like toothpaste and mouthwash.

What’s more: dentists often mix clove oil with zinc oxide to produce a short-term filling for sensitive tooth nerves.

How to use cloves for toothache

There are two easy methods to stop severe toothache using cloves:

1. Simple remedy: Simply place a few whole cloves in your mouth. Then use your saliva to moisten and soften them and crush under your teeth until you release their pain-relieving oil. Now hold the crushed cloves against your aching tooth for about 30 minutes before spitting them out. Repeat the process once more.

2. Grounded cloves: Ground the cloves normally and add a quarter teaspoon of olive oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly before dipping a cotton swab and then apply it to the inflamed area in your mouth. Leave the cotton swab on the aching tooth for about 30 minutes and then spit it out. Rinse your mouth with some warm salty water.

The above simple remedies are bound to relieve you of any toothache. You are free to choose either of the two options that you are comfortable with.

ALSO READ: 10 Sexual Benefits of cloves for men and women

2. Ginger for migraines

Migraines are debilitating. They can affect your day, preventing you from functioning optimally.

If you’ve been reaching for a painkiller drug whenever an episode strikes, it’s time to try an alternative route: a ginger remedy.

Ginger contains chemical compounds like gingerols and shogaols which are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Various research studies have reported that ginger not only reduced mean pain scores but also increased the likelihood of a patient staying pain free for at least two hours after treatment by nearly 80 percent compared to a placebo.

It also reduced the risk of migraine-related nausea and vomiting by half without any reports of meaningful adverse side effects. 

This makes it a powerful natural painkiller, especially for people who may not be able to afford or have access to prescription migraine drugs.

How to use ginger for migraines

To use this spice as a migraine relief, you can either:

1. Stir half a teaspoon of ground ginger into a glass of water to create a “ginger juice” or;

2. Sip a hot tea made from a teaspoon of freshly ground ginger.

Researchers have agreed that the above recipes are proven methods used in migraine pain treatment.

ALSO READ: 8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

3. Turmeric for sinus

Turmeric is a natural spice with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiotic qualities, which makes it a potent solution for treating sinus infections or sinusitis.

Sinus infections typically cause inflammation in the nasal passage, causing discomfort, headaches and sometimes, breathing problems.

This is where turmeric comes in to save the day as a natural anti-inflammatory. It helps to clear the airways, enabling easier breathing and providing much-needed relief.

How to use turmeric for sinus

You’ll need:

• Turmeric root – 2 x 2” pieces

• 1 Lemon

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• 1 small pinch of cayenne pepper and water

• 1 banana (optional)

Blend these ingredients together to make a smoothie and drink for three days.

You can also go for turmeric supplements in easy-to-swallow capsules as a simpler alternative.

ALSO READ: 5 amazing health benefits of turmeric

4. Parsley for bloating

Parsley is an effective natural anti-bloating agent. It acts as a diuretic, causing you to urinate and flush out excess water or salt from your system. It also reduces gas.

How to use parsley for bloating

You can:

• Add fresh parsley leaves to a soup of your choice, preferably a low sodium one.

• Juice parsley leaves and drink.

• Or chew on raw parsley for a quick relief.

This herb is known as a miracle drug-food in some quarters and it is also rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

ALSO READ: 10 ways to manage period bloating

5. Apple cider vinegar for leg cramps

Leg cramps usually occur because of dehydration an an imbalance of electrolytes in your body.

While it can be a frustrating experience (sometimes even affecting your sleep), taking apple cider vinegar helps to calm down overactive muscle tissue and regulate nerve cells.

As a rich source of acetic acid which is a natural acid that lowers the risk of muscle spasms, apple cider vinegar works to maintain normal muscle function.

ALSO READ: 5 ways to ease the pain from a muscle pull

Oba Esigie, the King of the Benin Kingdom from 1504 to 1550, made history as the first recorded Nigerian to speak a foreign language. He was said to have mastered Portuguese at a time when few Africans had direct access to European languages or education.

Who Was Oba Esigie?

He was the 16th Oba who ruled the medieval Benin Kingdom, now Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Esigie, originally known as Osawe, was the son of Oba Ozolua and his second wife, Queen Idia. He reigned in the late 15th century, and when he passed on to join his ancestors, the Kingdom was left with two contenders to the throne.

ALSO READ: Meet the 1st and only colonial female king in Nigeria – She’s Igbo

Arhuaran, the first son of the first wife and Esigie, the son of Idia, who was the second wife. According to tradition, the first son should be the Oba, but since birth, Idia nurtured Esigie to be next in line to the throne, even though in that era, it was almost impossible.

Arhuaran was a bright and logical child, and at a young age, he was sent to Portugal to receive training and learn more about the ways of the white men, while Esigie stayed at home holding tight to wisdom and learnings from his mother. When Arhuaran came back from Portugal, people in the palace could barely recognise him, meanwhile, Esigie had grown to be a master of his father’s court.

His speciality in magic, portions and also his relationship with the royal guards and the Oba’s army had made him a familiar face to the throne. With the help of Idia, who mobilised an army around Esigie, he defeated Arhuaran, and became the 16th Oba of Benin. Arhuaran would go on to rule Udo, about 20 miles away from Benin.

His Reign

Oba Esigie reigned over the Kingdom of Benin, but the contact between the Kingdom of Benin and the Portuguese began before Esigie’s reign. In 1486, during the reign of Oba Ozolua (Esigie’s predecessor and father), Portuguese missionaries and traders had already established connections with Benin. However, it was under Esigie that these relations blossomed into formal diplomatic ties, educational initiatives, and sustained trade.

The kingdom of Benin was one of Africa’s wealthiest and most organised civilisations. It was famous for its brilliant artistry, especially in brass, ivory, and wood carving. European visitors were often stunned by the sophistication of Benin’s city structure and the quality of its crafts, to the extent that some wrongly assumed Africans could not have produced such masterpieces.

Esigie not only welcomed Portuguese ambassadors and missionaries but also personally embraced their culture and language. According to missionary accounts like that of Duarte Pires in 1516, Oba Esigie could speak and read Portuguese fluently. He even had a deep interest in astrology and astronomy, areas of study brought by the Europeans.

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ALSO READ: Meet one of the longest serving kings in Nigeria who has ruled for over 6 decades

The European connection with the kingdom became stronger during his reign, as Portuguese missionary activities were encouraged in the kingdom. Oba Esigie founded a school in Benin City, Edo, dedicated to teaching the reading and writing of Portuguese. This move was revolutionary, setting the foundation for literacy and international diplomacy within the kingdom. He also created a school following astrology (Iwoki).

During Esigie’s reign, the Portuguese described Benin City as a thriving metropolis surrounded by a nine-mile-long defensive wall. As several historians have pointed out, this description reveals that Benin was a wealthy trading centre, but its great wall suggests that it had many enemies and was plagued by unrest and instability.

Oba Esigie’s Other Achievements

Oba Esigie’s legacy goes far beyond his multilingualism. His reign saw significant achievements:

• Diplomatic Leadership: In 1540, he sent an ambassador to Portugal, a major diplomatic milestone that reinforced Benin’s independence while maintaining a strong trading relationship with Europe.

• Trade Expansion: He expanded trade with Europeans, particularly in goods and, sadly, in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, which was a growing economic force in West Africa at the time.

• Military Success: Esigie successfully fought and defeated his brother Arhuanran, a towering figure and ruler of Udo town, during the Benin-Udo war. This victory solidified his control over the kingdom.

• Cultural Innovation: He instituted the title of Iyoba (Queen Mother) for the first time in Benin’s history, honouring his mother, Idia, who played a pivotal role in his military and political strategies. He also built a palace for her, known as Eguae-Iyoba in Uselu.

Oba Esigie also implemented several administrative reforms, including the creation of a centralised government and a new system of taxation. He also reformed the Benin army, introducing new military tactics and weapons, such as firearms, which were acquired through trade with European nations.

Oba Esigie’s ability to navigate between cultures without losing his kingdom’s sovereignty is a lesson in leadership, adaptability, and vision. By learning Portuguese and encouraging education, he opened the doors of Benin to the world, and today, he remains a symbol of Nigeria’s rich, multifaceted history and a reminder that African civilisations have long been centres of innovation, diplomacy, and learning.

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In a significant stride towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, KingMakers, in partnership with the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, officially commissioned the KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex—a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project designed to benefit over 200,000 residents within and beyond the Ifako Ijaiye community.

The KingMakers Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex is a thoughtfully designed facility featuring a 150-capacity sports arena for grassroots tournaments, a standard football pitch with lighting for evening use, a green relaxation area, modern male and female restrooms, two administrative office spaces, a generator house for uninterrupted operations, ample parking space, and robust water infrastructure—including two large water tanks, a water treatment system, and a security house—all built with sustainability and long-term community benefit in mind.

In his remarks during the commissioning, Gossy Ukanwoke, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of KingMakers (BetKing), stated:

This project embodies our core belief that sports is more than just competition—it is a vehicle for social transformation, unity, and empowerment. At KingMakers, we are intentional about investing in initiatives that have long-term impact, and the Ifako Ijaiye Sports Complex is one such example of our commitment to supporting the communities we operate in. We are proud to work alongside visionary partners like the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government to deliver infrastructure that inspires young people, promotes physical wellness, and provides a pathway to excellence.

In addition to the new facility, KingMakers has been an active contributor to Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. The company recently concluded the BetKing Wheelchair Basketball Championship in Abeokuta. BetKing is also the title sponsor of Ikorodu City Football Club, and an active donor to the Kids Sports Charity Initiative, which equips young athletes with gear, training, and mentorship.

See short VIDEO from the launch…

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