In today’s world, pain is more than just a physical sensation - it affects your ability to work, sleep, move, and enjoy life. For many, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Neurofen), aspirin, and diclofenac (Voltaren) have long been the default choice for relieving pain, inflammation, and fever. But growing research and countless lived experiences, show that these medications come with a heavy cost to long-term health.

At Zea Relief, we’re redefining pain relief by offering natural, evidence-based alternatives that are just as effective as NSAIDs - without the dangerous side effects. Our flagship Kunzea Pain Relief Cream, along with other products in our therapeutic range, harnesses the healing power of native Australian botanicals to provide targeted, long-lasting relief for joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how NSAIDs work in the body, the potential risks of both oral and topical forms, and how Zea Relief stands apart by delivering the same results — with the added benefit of not having to worry about unwanted side effects.

Understanding NSAIDs: How They Work

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce pain by blocking two key enzymes in the body: COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that trigger pain, inflammation, and fever.

There are two main types of NSAIDs:

• Non-selective NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) block both COX-1 and COX-2.
  

• Selective NSAIDs (like celecoxib) specifically block COX-2 only.

What Do COX Enzymes Do?

• COX-1 helps protect the stomach lining, supports kidney function, and aids blood clotting.
  

• COX-2 is produced at sites of injury or infection and promotes inflammation and pain.

By reducing prostaglandin production, NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation. However, because most NSAIDs also block COX-1, they can disrupt stomach protection, increase the risk of ulcers, and cause other serious side effects. 

That’s why COX-2 selective NSAIDs were developed, to offer anti-inflammatory benefits without damaging the stomach. But even these have their own risks, especially related to the heart and circulation.

The Hidden Dangers of NSAIDs

While NSAIDs may offer temporary relief, their long-term use has been linked to a range of health risks:

• Stomach ulcers

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Bronchospasm 

• High blood pressure

• Kidney damage

• Heart failure

• Heart attacks 

• Cardiovascular disease

Topical NSAIDS

Topical NSAIDs such as Voltaren (diclofenac gel), are often marketed as a safer alternative to oral pain relievers. And while they may seem gentler because they’re applied directly to the skin, they’re not without risks.

These products work by delivering the active drug through the skin to the affected area, reducing inflammation and pain in joints or muscles. They're commonly recommended for conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or soft tissue injuries, especially in older adults.

But here’s what many people don’t realise: topical NSAIDs still carry potential side effects and in some cases, they can mimic the risks of oral NSAIDs.

Common Side Effects of Topical NSAIDs Include:

• Skin reactions such as rash, redness, dryness, itching, irritation, or dermatitis
  

• Swelling and ulcers at the site of application
  

• Paresthesia (a tingling or numbing sensation)
  

• Urticaria (hives) and other allergic responses
  

• Photosensitivity, where the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn or irritation

Systemic Absorption: A Hidden Concern

Even though it is applied externally, a portion of the active drug can still enter the bloodstream, especially with long-term use or over large surface areas. This means that gastrointestinal problems, kidney stress, or interactions with other medications that are typically associated with oral NSAIDs, can still occur, although less commonly.

For people with sensitive skin, pre-existing conditions, or those already on multiple medications, topical NSAIDs are not always as “mild” as they seem.

Zea Relief: Nature’s Solution to Pain Relief

At Zea Relief, we believe there’s a better way - a safer, plant-based approach that supports the body’s healing processes without harmful side effects. Our award-winning Kunzea Pain Relief Cream and other therapeutic products are developed with native Australian ingredients like Kunzea ambigua, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Backed by Science

Research shows that Kunzea ambigua:

• Penetrates deep into the skin

• Reduces inflammation

• Soothes muscle and joint pain

• Helps combat bacterial and fungal infections 

No Hidden Harms

Unlike NSAIDs, Zea Relief products:

• Don’t interfere with gastrointestinal or cardiovascular health

• Are free from synthetic chemicals and harmful preservatives

• Have no known drug interactions or systemic toxicity

• Are safe for use across all age groups, including the elderly and children 

When Nature Outperforms Pharmaceuticals

In numerous studies, topical NSAIDs have been shown to outperform oral NSAIDs for certain conditions, like knee osteoarthritis, offering targeted relief with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. But even topical NSAIDs aren’t without risk — they can still be absorbed into the bloodstream and may contribute to long-term systemic issues, especially with chronic use.

At Zea Relief, we believe there’s a better way. Our natural, Australian-made products are designed to deliver the same powerful outcomes — pain reduction, improved mobility, and reduced inflammation — without placing unnecessary stress on your body. We use ingredients backed by science and centuries of traditional use, so you can feel confident about what you’re putting on your skin.

We don’t believe you should have to choose between effective relief and your long-term health. With Zea Relief, you can have both — naturally.

The Safer Choice for Everyday Pain Relief

Pain shouldn’t be a lifelong sentence — or a choice between short-term relief and long-term health. That’s why Zea Relief offers a natural, science-backed alternative that works with your body, not against it.

Our bestselling Kunzea Pain Relief Cream is specially formulated to target pain and inflammation at the source. With its unique blend of Kunzea oil and other soothing botanicals, it helps relieve everything from muscle aches and joint stiffness to chronic conditions like arthritis and bursitis — all without the harsh side effects associated with traditional pharmaceuticals.

Gentle enough for daily use and powerful enough to make a real difference, Kunzea Pain Relief Cream is a trusted, natural solution for everything from everyday aches to chronic discomfort. It helps you feel better, move more freely, and live well — every day. Don’t just take our word for it — check out our 13,000+ 5-star customer reviews and see why so many people are making the switch to Zea Relief.

Ready to make the switch from synthetic to natural pain relief?

Now that you understand how NSAIDs work, the risks they carry, and the natural, safer alternatives available, it’s time to make the switch to  Zea Relief. Explore our full range of therapeutic products and discover how Zea Relief can help you live more freely, more actively, and more naturally — every day.

References

1. Bobek, D., Stipetic, B. A., Franic, M., Lucijanic, M., Lucijanic, J., Gracanin, G. A., Mijacika, L., & Peric, P. (2022). Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with advanced active rheumatoid arthritis. Acta Clinica Croatica, 61(4), 588-598.

2. Davis, A., & Robson, J. (2016). The dangers of NSAIDs: look both ways. The British journal of general practice: the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 66(645), 172-173. http://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp16X684433 

3. Derry, S., Moore, R. A., Gaskell, H., McIntyre, M., & Wiffen, P. J. (2015). Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 6, CD007402. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007402.pub3 

4. Ghlichloo, I., & Gerriets, V. (2023). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/ 

5. Makris, U, E., Kohler, M. J., & Fraenkel, L. (2010). Adverse effects of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in older adults with osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review. 

6. Treede, R. D. (2018). The International Association for the study of pain definition of pain: as valid in 2018 as in 1979, but in need of regularly updated footnotes. Pain Reports, 3(2), e643. http://doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000000643