Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen (and alternatives to consider)
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a type of medication called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps reduce pain, fever, and inflammation (swelling) in the body. It works by blocking prostaglandins, which are compounds that contribute to pain, inflammation, and fever, so it’s often used for things like injuries, sore muscles, headaches, or anything involving swelling.
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen helps reduce pain and fever, but it does not significantly reduce inflammation. It works primarily in the brain to lower pain signals and regulate temperature, which is why it’s commonly used for headaches, general discomfort, or when someone has a sensitive stomach.
Ibuprofen = pain + fever + inflammation
Acetaminophen = pain + fever only
Motrin = Ibuprofen
Tylenol = Aceteminophen
Considerations Before Grabbing Paids Meds
Some people choose to limit ibuprofen because, as an NSAID, it can be harder on the stomach and may affect the kidneys, especially with frequent use, higher doses, or in those who are already dehydrated or have kidney concerns. It can also increase the risk of irritation or bleeding in the digestive tract, which is why some prefer to use it more sparingly.
Acetaminophen is often limited by some people because it is processed through the liver, uses up glutathione as it’s broken down (an antioxidant very important in immune function), and can potentially prolong an illness. In higher doses or with frequent use, this can place extra stress on the liver.
*Ibuprofen does lower glutathione, but not to the extent that acetaminophen does.
If you need to choose between the two (and natural options aren’t an option), it depends on age and the situation. For babies over 6 months, ibuprofen is often preferred, especially for inflammation and because it doesn’t use up glutathione to the same extent as acetaminophen. I prefer to keep dye free Motrin and Genexa's acetaminophen on hand, just in case.
Top uses for acetaminophen and ibuprofen
headaches
muscle aches/back aches
earache
menstrual cramps
dental pain/teething
arthritis/joint pain
reduce fever
The beautiful thing is, we can support all these without meds!
Headaches
There are numerous root causes of headaches from dehydration, to hormones, to diet, to allergies, to stress, etc. Knowing the cause is helpful in order to treat the root cause. But some natural comfort measures include...
Diluted peppermint oil on back of neck, forehead, temples, behind ears.
Homeopathy: works best when you base the treatment off your unique, specific symptoms. Search your symptoms + “best homeopathy treatment” and choose the one that matches most closely.
Soak feet in warm water and place a cool pack on neck. This works by helping shift circulation and calm the nervous system.
Balanced meal mix of carbs + proteins
Pressure + warmth (heating pad on my eyes helps a lot)
Hydration + electrolytes/minerals
Red light therapy supports circulation, calms inflammation, relaxes tense muscles, and I find has a warming presence that helps with a lot of pain and discomfort.
RLT devices use red or near-infrared light that penetrates the skin and is absorbed by your cells, which helps them produce more energy (ATP). This improves blood flow and reduces oxidative stress.
MUSCLE / BACK ACHES
Chiro
Massage
Light stretching or gentle movement
Warm or cool compress (depending)
Hydration with electrolytes and minerals
Contrast therapy
Arthritis / Joint Pain
Herbal considerations:
Turmeric: contains curcumin, which helps calm inflammatory pathways that contribute to joint pain and stiffness.
Ginger root: supports circulation and has natural anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Arnica flower: traditionally used for sore, bruised, or overworked joints, especially when pain is worse with touch or movement.
Devil’s claw & cat’s claw: known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, often used for more persistent joint discomfort.
Bromelain: an enzyme from pineapple that may help reduce inflammation and swelling, particularly after injury or strain.
CBD oil: interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation.
Homeopathy considerations:
Rhus tox: chronic arthritis, worse at rest or in morning, improves with gentle movement
Bryonia: worse from slightest movement, improved by rest and pressure
Arnica: bruised soreness, swelling and pain worse from touch
Ruta: pain in ligaments and tendons
Ledum palustre: pain starts in lower joints and travels upwards, may feel better with cold
Apis mellifica: swollen joints that are red and stinging, often better with cold
Calcarea carbonic: chronic, deep seated arthritis, sensitive to cold and dampness, knees may be primarily affected
Consistent, gentle stretching can also do WONDERS. And Red Light Therapy.
Ear Aches
Steamed Onion Compress
Onions have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help provide relief from earaches. They also are effective at drawing out pain, infections, swelling, and inflammation.
You can make a warm compress with half a steamed onion
steam onion until soft (10-15 minutes) or
bake at 450F for 15 minutes or until soft
then cut in half, wrap in a thin cloth or place in a sock, and hold it to the ear until it’s cold. You can also place it in a cup and hold that to the ear.
If you don’t have access to an onion, any warm compress will provide some relief - a heating pad, warm wash cloth, salt sock etc.
Salt Sock
Fill a clean all-white cotton sock with 1 - 1.5 cups coarse sea salt (no colored socks, no table salt)
Tie a tight knot at the end
Heat in a skillet on medium-low for 4–6 minutes, flipping/shaking every minute
(warm, not too hot)
Place over the affected ear and behind the jaw
Rest and let the warmth soothe
Reuse as needed
*Always test temperature before placing on skin, especially for babies.
Get a chiro adjustment, red light over ear
Homeopathy considerations: belladonna, hep sulph, mers sol, pulsatilla, aconite, kali mur, mag phos
Check out my ear infection guide
Tooth Pain / Teething
Clove oil has been traditionally used for teething and toothaches because it contains eugenol, a compound with mild numbing and anti-inflammatory effects that may temporarily soothe discomfort. Studies have shown it to work as well as benzocaine. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help limit oral bacteria.
Because clove oil is very potent and can irritate sensitive tissues, if you are using pure EO it should only be used in extremely diluted (think 1 drop to 1 TBSP carrier oil), properly formulated products, and with extra caution for infants.
Peppermint tea bags: A cooled (or slightly warm) tea bag placed on the area may help soothe and mildly numb.
Chamomile tea bags: are also great for tooth pain because it has natural calming, anti-inflammatory, and mild analgesic properties.
Red light therapy
View my full teething guide
Fevers
Hydration
Rest
Peppermint oil
Wet sock trick
Magnesium chloride bath
Cool compress
Potatoes in socks
Skin to skin
Breastmilk
Fresh, cool air
Magnesium lotion
Castor oil
Herbs
Lymphatic massage
Homeopathy: aconite, belladonna, rhus tox, ferrum phos, gelsemium
Grab $10 off my 54- page fever guide
Menstrual Cramps
Earthly Ease the Ache is a great option
Rowe Casa Period Relief (codeALEX20)
Hydration with electrolytes/minerals
Magnesium
Ginger tea
Omega 3’s
Warmth
Gentle movement (yoga is great!)
**If pain is severe or periods are abnormally heavy this could be a sign of estrogen dominance.
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