A recent study in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine suggests that some psychiatric medications could serve as alternatives to strong opioids for pain relief in emergency departments. The research, led by Akash Shanmugam, a medical student at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), examined non-opioid medications available at San Francisco General Hospital and reviewed the existing medical literature. The goal was to create a focused list of medications for specific pain conditions.
Opioids can relieve pain, but their misuse has caused the US opioid crisis since the 1990s. Prescribing them too freely without considering their addictive nature has been a big problem. It is important to reduce opioid use, but we must also ensure that pain is not undertreated. This is where alternative medications can help, as they might have long-term benefits for patients’ health.
How do people respond differently to pain medications?
The study shows that people respond differently to pain medications, often because of their genes. For example, the enzymes that help break down opioids can work at different levels in different individuals. This highlights the need for a range of pain-relief options, as the most effective medication can vary from person to person.
The study showed that common pain relievers like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help with different types of pain. However, some other medications work better for specific conditions. For example, ketamine may help with chest pain, while an antidepressant called a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is promising for back pain. Several antipsychotic drugs also showed potential in treating headaches and abdominal pain.
Psychotropic medications and pain relief
Psychotropic medications can help with pain relief and mental health issues. Gabapentin was originally approved for epilepsy but is now commonly used to treat nerve pain. The authors of the study think these medications work for pain by affecting the brain circuits involved in sensing and experiencing pain.
Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate regulate our mood and influence how we experience pain. Gabapentin works by changing the release of these chemicals by impacting calcium channels. On the other hand, antidepressants and antipsychotics directly manage neurotransmitters. These medications help balance the nervous system by changing how neurotransmitters communicate in the brain.
Mood-enhancing drugs can help people manage pain. Chronic pain often comes with issues like poor sleep, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Medications that improve sleep and reduce anxiety can help patients better handle their pain, both physically and mentally. However, when prescribing these medications, doctors must make sure patients understand that this does not mean their pain is not real or just in their head.
Tavishi Dogra
Tavishi Dogra is a health journalist with over 8 years of experience in the field. She has built a reputation as a trusted voice, adept at simplifying complex medical information for a broad audience. Her work with prominent media outlets, including RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, and Zee, has honed her skills in effectively communicating health topics to diverse groups. Tavishi's extensive research and expertise in AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) make her a valuable source of expert advice and the latest updates on leading a healthier lifestyle. Follow her on HealthShots for more insights!
Popularly known as drumstick (or moringa), munga is widely recognized across India as a nutritious vegetable. Ayurveda considers both its pods and leaves a powerhouse of medicinal benefits. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, moringa balances vital body doshas, combats inflammation, and supports bone health. State governments like Chhattisgarh are even launching mass plantation drives to harness its superfood benefits against malnutrition.
Dr Aastha Mishra, Ayurveda Medical Officer at Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, highlights moringa as a rich natural source of essential vitamins, iron, folate, calcium, and magnesium that support overall daily bodily wellness.
Packed with dietary iron and folate, moringa makes a valuable dietary addition for individuals managing anemia. While medical treatment remains vital for severe deficiencies, incorporating drumsticks into meals naturally supports healthy red blood cell production.
Moringa contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, minerals crucial for maintaining strong bones and joints. Ayurvedic practitioners frequently recommend drumstick pods and leaves to aid bone health and manage conditions like osteoporosis effectively.
In Ayurvedic terminology, moringa possesses shoolhar (pain-relieving) and shothhar (anti-swelling) properties. Regular consumption helps reduce joint discomfort and internal inflammation, offering natural relief for people suffering from chronic stiffness and body pain.
According to Ayurveda, moringa has deepan-pachan qualities that stimulate digestive fire and improve nutrient absorption. Adding drumsticks to your daily diet supports smooth digestion, reduces bloating, and maintains optimal digestive tract health.
Moringa features a pungently bitter taste (katu-tikta) and a warming potency (ushna virya). These natural characteristics make it particularly effective at balancing vata and kapha doshas, clearing excess respiratory phlegm, and improving metabolic circulation.
Abundant in potent antioxidants, moringa plays a vital role in neutralizing harmful free radicals caused by oxidative stress. This antioxidant capacity strengthens cellular health, boosts immune response, and protects tissues from premature degradation.
To combat malnutrition and anaemia, Chhattisgarh launched the 'Har Ghar Munga' campaign, distributing free saplings to 7.88 lakh families across 52,553 Anganwadi centres. In Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai led a massive single-day drive planting 50,000 saplings.
Starting your morning with healthy habits sets the tone for an energetic, stress-free, and productive day. Eliminating common morning mistakes from your lifestyle can boost your mental clarity, support digestive health, and enhance overall physical well-being.
Avoid Jerking Out of Bed: Jumping out of bed instantly taxes your muscles and cardiovascular system. Instead, take deep breaths, sit at the edge of your bed for two minutes, and drink water before standing up. This prepares your mind and body gradually.
Stop Hitting the Alarm Snooze Button: Repeatedly snoozing your alarm interrupts fragmented sleep cycles, leaving you mentally fatigued. Ditch the snooze function entirely and set your alarm for the exact time you intend to wake up to protect your mental health and brain function.
Prioritize Morning Stretching and Movement: Reactivate your body after hours of rest with light stretching, outdoor deep breathing, or meditation. Skipping movement limits flexibility and blood flow, whereas a short routine keeps you feeling refreshed, agile, and energized throughout the entire workday.
Delay Checking Your Smartphone: Checking notifications or social media immediately upon waking induces premature stress and distracts your focus. Replace morning screen time with a clear daily plan to mental prepare yourself for upcoming tasks and maintain a calm, positive mindset.
Ditch Bed Tea on an Empty Stomach: Consuming tea or coffee on an empty stomach disrupts metabolism and worsens acidity. Swap early caffeine for warm water mixed with lemon and honey or green tea, and enjoy your coffee or tea strictly after completing a nutritious breakfast.
Never Skip Your Morning Breakfast: Skipping breakfast increases your risk of developing metabolic issues like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and weakened immunity. Eating a wholesome morning meal fuels your brain, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and provides sustained energy for your daily activities.
Walk into any skincare aisle today, and you'll find shelves lined with products promising brighter, clearer and younger-looking skin. We have never had more choices or more information at your fingertips than today. From understanding active ingredients to building personalised routines, skincare has become far more science-led than it was a decade ago. Shaily Mehrotra, CEO & Co-Founder, Fixderma & FCL, explains that despite growing awareness, concerns such as acne, pigmentation, dullness and premature ageing continue to affect millions.
Healthy skin doesn't exist in isolation.
As the body's largest organ, it reflects what's happening beneath the surface. The quality of our sleep, the food we eat, how we manage stress, our hydration levels and the time we spend in the sun all influence how effectively the skin repairs itself, maintains its protective barrier and withstands daily environmental stressors.
Sleep: Where Skin Recovery Truly Begins
In today's always-on culture, sleep is often the first thing people compromise on. Ironically, it is also when the skin performs some of its most important work. During deep sleep, collagen production increases, skin cells regenerate and the skin barrier repairs itself from the cumulative effects of pollution, UV exposure and oxidative stress. Inadequate sleep, however, elevates cortisol levels, which can trigger inflammation, slow recovery and contribute to breakouts as well as premature signs of ageing. Consistently getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to support healthier skin
Nutrition: Your Skin Reflects What's on Your Plate
Skincare products can only work with the skin you nourish. Every skin cell relies on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins and healthy fats to regenerate and function efficiently. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids provide the nutrients needed to support collagen production and strengthen the skin barrier. On the other hand, frequent consumption of highly processed foods and excess sugar may promote inflammation and collagen breakdown, gradually affecting the skin's firmness, texture and overall appearance. Healthy eating is therefore not just a wellness goal, it is an essential part of skin health.
Stress: The Invisible Factor Behind Many Skin Concerns
Stress may not always be visible, but its effects on the skin often are. Persistent stress increases cortisol production, stimulating excess oil secretion and amplifying inflammation. The result can be acne flare-ups, increased skin sensitivity, delayed healing or worsening of inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. While stress cannot always be avoided, managing it through regular exercise, mindfulness, adequate rest or simply taking time to disconnect can positively influence both overall well-being and the skin's natural ability to recover.
Hydration: More Than Just Drinking Water
Hydration is one of skincare's most misunderstood concepts. While drinking enough water is important, healthy skin also depends on its ability to retain moisture. A compromised skin barrier allows water to escape more easily, leaving the skin dry, tight and more vulnerable to external irritants. Supporting hydration requires both internal and external care, adequate fluid intake, water-rich foods, and moisturisers formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin that help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Exercise: An Often-Overlooked Skin Booster
Regular physical activity benefits far more than overall fitness, it also supports healthier skin. Exercise improves blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach skin cells more efficiently while helping carry away metabolic waste. This enhanced circulation supports collagen production, promotes a natural glow and aids the skin's repair processes. Physical activity also helps regulate stress hormones, which can reduce stress-related breakouts and inflammation. While sweating itself doesn't "detox" the skin, it is important to cleanse the face after exercise to remove sweat, oil and impurities that may clog pores if left on the skin. Whether it's a brisk walk, strength training, yoga or cycling, staying active consistently contributes to healthier skin from within.
Healthy Skin Is Built Through Everyday Choices
The skincare conversation is evolving beyond quick fixes. People are seeking science-backed solutions while recognising that healthy skin is closely linked to overall well-being. That shift matters because skincare is most effective when viewed as part of a broader lifestyle rather than an isolated routine. The products we choose certainly play an important role, but they deliver their greatest value when supported by quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, effective stress management and proper hydration.
Fenugreek seeds, commonly known as methi, are widely used in Indian kitchens not just for flavour but also for their health benefits. They are known to support digestion, help control blood sugar levels, aid in weight management, and reduce gas and bloating.
Despite its benefits, fenugreek has a natural heating effect on the body. While this property works well in colder months, it may not suit your body during the intense summer season.
During the summer, the body already experiences excess heat. Consuming too much fenugreek at this time can increase internal heat further, leading to issues like acidity, a burning sensation in the stomach, constipation, and general discomfort.
Fenugreek is often used to manage blood sugar levels, but in summer, it needs extra caution. Taking it on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to weakness, dizziness, or even a sudden drop in blood sugar levels in some individuals.
To enjoy its benefits without side effects, fenugreek should be consumed wisely in summer. Soaking the seeds overnight and drinking the water in the morning can help reduce its heating nature. Another effective way is to mix fenugreek powder with curd or buttermilk, which adds a cooling balance.
It is best to avoid consuming fenugreek with hot water during summer and not to take it on an empty stomach. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with low blood pressure should consult a doctor before including it in their diet.
Fenugreek is beneficial, but only when consumed in moderation and in the right way during summer.
Poha With Lemon: Light, flavourful and easy to digest, poha remains one of India’s most popular breakfast choices for healthy weight management. Made with flattened rice, onions, curry leaves and peanuts, it offers a balanced mix of fibre, carbohydrates and protein while keeping calories in check.
Idli Dahi Bowl: Soft idlis paired with fresh curd create a protein-rich breakfast that feels comforting and satisfying. You can top the bowl with grated carrots, cucumber, roasted seeds or a mild tempering for added texture. The combination of fermented idli and probiotic-rich curd may also support digestion while keeping the meal light.
Egg Masala Toast: For those looking for a high-protein breakfast in under 20 minutes, egg masala toast is a quick and flavourful choice. Eggs cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillies and simple Indian spices served over whole wheat toast can help keep hunger levels under control through the morning.
Banana Cheela: Banana cheela offers a naturally sweet breakfast option without relying on processed sugar. Prepared using mashed banana and flour or oats, this quick pancake-style dish works well for people craving something comforting yet portion-friendly. Adding nuts or seeds can further increase the nutritional value.
Sprouts Veg Bowl: A sprouts vegetable bowl is one of the quickest nutrient-packed breakfasts for weight-conscious eaters. Mixed sprouts combined with cucumber, tomatoes, onions and a dash of lemon create a fibre-rich meal that feels fresh and energising. It is also an easy make-ahead option for hectic weekdays.
Mango and Honey Glow Pack: Mix ripe mango pulp with a teaspoon of honey to create a smooth paste. Apply evenly on clean skin and leave for fifteen minutes. This pack deeply hydrates, softens texture, and gives a natural glow, making it perfect for dry and dull summer skin. (Image: AI Generated)
Mango and Yogurt Brightening Pack: Blend mango pulp with fresh yogurt to form a creamy mixture. Apply it to your face and let it sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing. This pack helps gently exfoliate, remove tan, and brighten complexion while keeping skin cool and refreshed during hot weather. (Image: AI Generated)
Mango and Turmeric Radiance Pack: Combine mango pulp with a pinch of turmeric and a little milk. Apply a thin layer and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes. This pack helps enhance radiance, reduce blemishes, and promote an even skin tone with regular use. (Image: AI Generated)
Mango and Oatmeal Exfoliating Pack: Mix mango pulp with finely ground oatmeal to create a mildly gritty paste. Gently massage onto your skin in circular motions and leave for ten minutes. This pack exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. (Image: AI Generated)
Mango and Aloe Vera Soothing Pack: Blend mango pulp with fresh Aloe Vera gel to create a cooling mixture. Apply evenly and leave for fifteen minutes. This pack soothes sun-exposed skin, reduces redness, and provides hydration, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated summer skin. (Image: AI Generated)
Mango and Gram Flour Detox Pack: Mix mango pulp with gram flour and a little rose water to form a thick paste. Apply it evenly and let it dry slightly before washing off. This pack helps control excess oil, cleanse pores, and give your skin a fresh, matte glow. (Image: AI Generated)
