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Topical vs. Oral Pain Relief: Why Topical Is the Superior and Safe Alternative

Hasnaa Hyder | 02 April

Topical pain relief is gaining significant popularity, with its market projected to grow by $10 billion from now until 2032. This rapid growth highlights how many people worldwide are choosing topical solutions for pain relief. 

But why is topical pain relief becoming the go-to option?

Continue reading as we explore the reasons why topical treatments are often superior to oral pain relief, the risks associated with oral medications, and why Zea’s natural, topical pain relief products stand out.

Key Benefits of Topical Pain Relief

Topical pain relief is experiencing a surge in demand as more people seek safe, effective, and targeted solutions. Research shows that it is not only effective but also safe and convenient. Unlike oral pain relief, which affects your entire body, topical treatments are applied directly to the area in need, delivering relief where it is most needed.

Lets break down the benefits of topical pain relief and how it offers a safer, more targeted alternative to oral medications.

1. Targeted Relief for Painful Areas

One of the biggest advantages of topical pain relief is that it’s applied directly to the area of discomfort. This direct application ensures that it works exactly where you need it most, offering quick and targeted results.

2. Avoids Digestive System Side Effects

Since topical pain relief is applied externally to the skin, it bypasses the digestive system altogether. This means you don’t have to worry about stomach ulcers, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or the other potential side effects that come with oral pain relievers. You can apply topical pain relief products as often as needed, without worrying about long-term internal damage.

3. Ideal for Those Who Can’t Take Oral Medications

For people with digestive issues or those who are unable to take oral medications, topical pain relief is the perfect solution. It allows individuals to experience relief without the risk of gastrointestinal issues or internal complications. 

The Risks of Oral Pain Relief

Oral pain relief is one of the most commonly used methods of managing pain, but it comes with several risks. While oral medications can provide instant relief due to their potent ingredients, they also carry potential dangers.

Do you know exactly what you’re putting into your body? 

One of the major drawbacks of oral pain relief is how it passes through your gastrointestinal system, potentially affecting your internal organs. While you may experience relief, the side effects can slowly harm your body over time. The longer you take these medications and the higher the dosage, the greater the risk of long-term damage.

In addition, many painkillers—especially opioids—carry the risk of addiction. Opioids work by altering the brain’s perception of pain, blocking pain signals, and providing a sense of euphoria. This can lead to dependency, leaving you constantly wanting more, causing you to take higher doses, which in turn increases the risk of organ damage and addiction.

Common side effects of oral pain relievers include:

  • Stomach ulcers

  • Heart problems

  • Kidney and liver damage

  • Nausea

  • Blood clotting issues

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

  • Hypersensitivity reactions

Given these risks, it's worth asking yourself: why put your body through such complications when there are safer alternatives available?

Why Zea’s Natural Topical Pain Relief Products Stand Out

We offer 100% natural topical pain relief solutions, formulated with Australian ingredients to ensure both effectiveness and safety. What makes Zea’s products special is our star ingredient, Kunzea ambigua, a native plant from Tasmania known for its natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antioxidant properties.

Don’t believe it? Check out our 13,000+ 5-star reviews!

Kunzea Pain Relief Cream

Discover our most loved product, the Kunzea Pain Relief Cream. The unique anti-inflammatory that contains 100% natural active ingredients - Kunzea ambigua, Rosemary, Lavender and Vitamin E. It is specially designed to target muscle and joint pain, with fast-absorbing properties that allow it to quickly penetrate the skin and deliver immediate relief, while reducing and soothing inflammation right at the source of discomfort.

Concentrated Massage Oil 

For those experiencing deeper nerve or tissue pain, our Concentrated Massage Oil is the strongest option we offer. Formulated with Australian natives like Kunzea, Sandalwood, Nerolina, and Lemon Myrtle, this oil provides powerful, natural healing and soothing properties that work together to provide effective pain relief.

Get the best of both worlds

Want them both? Try the Concentrated Combo! Apply our Kunzea Pain Relief Cream on top of the Concentrated Massage Oil once the oil has absorbed into the skin. Together, these products create a powerful pain relief duo designed to provide ultimate comfort.

When it comes to pain relief, choosing a solution that is both effective and safe is crucial. Topical treatments like Zea's natural products offer a targeted, non-invasive way to relieve pain without the side effects commonly associated with oral medications. Whether you’re dealing with muscle, joint, or deeper tissue pain, our Kunzea-based range provide fast-acting, long-lasting relief. 

If you haven’t tried our natural pain relief products, get your hands on them now for safe, effective, and long-lasting relief! 

Make the switch to Zea today and experience the difference.

References

  1. Adams, J. D., & Wang, X. (2015). Control of pain with topical plant medicines. Asian Pacific Journal Of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(4), 268-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(15)30342-7 

  2. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, March 22). Analgesics. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21483-analgesics 

  3. Nudo, S., Jimenez-Garcia, J. A., & Dover, G. (2023). Efficacy of topical versus oral analgesic medication compared to a placebo in injured athletes: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 33(10), 1884-1900. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14418 

  4. SkyQuest. (2025, February). Topical pain relief market. https://www.skyquestt.com/report/topical-pain-relief-market#:~:text=Global%20Topical%20Pain%20Relief%20Market,period%20(2025%2D2032).