Headaches. Period cramps. A stiff back. When pesky aches and pains conspire to ruin your day, it's all too easy to pop a couple of tablets to make them go away. But if you rely on over-the-counter painkillers too often, you could be putting yourself at risk of serious health conditions such as liver failure, stomach damage and respiratory problems.

So before you pop another pill, why not try one of these 10 tried-and-tested natural cures instead?

By Jane Murphy

What is it? A roll-on aromatherapy remedy, applied to the temples.

How does it work? The soothing blend of organic essential oils helps cool and relieve tension headaches. The magic ingredients include cooling white mint oil, restorative lavender oil and reviving lemon oil.

Where can I get it? £4.95 from www.tisserand.com.

What is it? A soothing gel pad, applied to the forehead or back of the neck.

How does it work? The stick-on pad gives instant relief from tension headache and migraine, thanks to its instant cooling effect. It doesn't require refrigeration, lasts for hours and won't shift about once it's in place.

Where can I get it? £2.49 for four from Boots.

What is it? A comforting herbal tea blend to ease general aches and pains.

How does it work? The tea contains a mix of calming and reviving herbs and plant extracts - including camomile, lemon zest and ginger - to help relieve muscular aches and tension. It's particularly effective during your period - but can be drunk throughout the month to relax mind and body.

Where can I get it? £9.60 for 110g from shop.napiers.net.

What is it? A warming patch, applied directly to the back.

How does it work? The patch heats up in five minutes then delivers warming pain relief at a constant, controlled temperature for up to eight hours. Its special hinged design means it can be placed comfortably on the lower back without restricting your movement. Genius!

Where can I get it? £4.29 for two from Boots and major supermarkets nationwide.

What is it? An eye mask that uses ‘photic stimulation‘ - or light pulses - to relieve migraine and headaches.

How does it work? Shining gently pulsating light into closed eyes helps light re-establish normal brain function and relieve pain during a migraine, according to researchers at London‘s Hammersmith Hospital. You simply select one of the five programmes, depending on the type and severity of your headache, and wear the mask for around 15 minutes.

Where can I get it? £44.95 from www.anhealth.co.uk.

What is it? Oil obtained from the saddle of free-range Australian emus (yes, really), applied topically to soothe aching muscles and joints.

How does it work? According to researchers from Down Under, emu oil's natural anti-inflammatory properties rival those of prescribed and over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen. It also encourages skin cell regeneration and wound-healing.

Where can I get it? £18.95 from www.shopforhealth.co.uk.

What is it? A rejuvenating spray, used to treat aching muscles, headaches and gum disease.

How does it work? Essential magnesium is delivered in its most absorbable form through the skin. It then acts as a muscle relaxant and aids calcium absorption, which eases painful joints over time. It can also be rubbed into the temples and sprayed directly on to sore gums.

Where can I get it? £14.50 from www.betteryou.uk.com.

What is it? A silver bangle, which uses magnetic therapy to ease general aches and pains.

How does it work? It's thought that magnetic therapy works by unblocking the body's energy flow and boosting circulation, which in turn produces higher levels of anti-inflammatory white blood cells. Check out the website below for magnetic headbands and water wands, too.

Where can I get it? £14.95 from www.magnetictherapy.co.uk.

What is it? A clip-on machine, worn beneath your clothes.

How does it work? The Ova relieves painful periods by sending a tiny electric current into the skin through electrode pads placed close to the source of pain. This stimulates the sensory nerves to release chemicals which stop the pain signals from reaching the brain.

Where can I get it? £21.30 from www.tenscare.co.uk.

What is it?  A blend of aromatherapy oils, used as a massage or bath oil.

How does it work? The super-soothing blend contains lemongrass to ease muscular pain, lime for its anti-rheumatic and restorative properties, comfrey to encourage the progression of bruises, cypress to boost circulation and rosemary to help the muscles relax.

Where can I get it? £8.50 from shop.napiers.net.