I use only herbal, a pain control herb that has been used for centuries is "white willow bark". It can be purchased at herbal retailers or you can order and plant the trees and grow your own. It does grow here, I have found it near lakes and marsh lands.
General dosing guidelines for willow bark are as follows:
•Dried herb (used to make tea): boil 1 - 2 tsp of dried bark in 8 oz of water and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes; let steep for ½ hour; drink 3 - 4 cups daily.
•Powdered herb (available in capsules) or liquid: 60 - 240 mg of standardized salicin per day; talk to your doctor before taking a higher dose.
•Tincture (1:5, 30% alcohol): 4 - 6 mL three times per day.
Tinctures take six weeks to make but are the most effective method to extract herbal healing properties. Vinegar can also be used but the tinctures are...well vinegary.
For identification purposes...pic 1 is what to look for in the spring and pic 2 is when the leaves are mature. I am sure we have all seen them.