Joint Pain Relief: 13 Natural Ingredients to Help Relieve the Aches and Pains

We all suffer from aches and pains. Sometimes they’re the result of going full-speed and suffering a sprain or bruise. Sometimes they’re the result of our gradual slowdown with age, like the onset of arthritis. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help, but many of us worry about the potential short- and long-term side effects of these medicines. Supplementing their use then with natural ingredients is an attractive option. 

Look for These 13 Ingredients

There are many natural ingredients used for joint pain relief. These are some of the most popular.

Turmeric
Turmeric adds flavor and color to many savory dishes. A review of studies showed that an ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

• You can find turmeric as a powdered spice, in tea bags, and supplement capsules.
• A clinically-tested derivative of turmeric, Turmacin, is available in supplements like the Radical Relief Anti-Inflammatory Pill from ASYSTEMS. Turmacin is water-soluble, unlike fat-soluble curcumin, making for a more efficient, more bioavailable turmeric derivative that still delivers amazing anti-inflammatory benefits!

Menthol
The heating and cooling effect of menthol has been known to ease pain for thousands of years. Whether your joint pain is from injuries, musculoskeletal pain, or nerve pain, gels and balms with menthol are often helpful for relief. 

• Menthol should only be used on the skin. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas, such as the genitals or around the eyes and mouth. 
• Some people are sensitive to menthol. Try a small amount on a small area of skin if you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your skin. 

CBD
Many Americans use CBD for pain relief according to the Harvard Health Blog. From helping with the occasional ache and pain to alleviating soreness from an injury, CBD is becoming increasingly promising in the field of pain management. 

• CBD is found in a variety of different products and is often taken orally in oil form. Consider using CBD in gel form, combined with other analgesic agents for an effective combination treatment. ASYSTEM’s Radical Relief Gel Roll-On is an excellent example!
• Use a trusted source when procuring CBD oil or using preparations with CBD to ensure it’s a high-quality blend free of contaminants. 

Methyl Salicylate
Naturally produced by plants like wintergreen, methyl salicylate can provide external relief of many minor body aches and pains. It’s one of the most common over-the-counter external analgesics and is the active ingredient in several popular commercial pain creams.

• Only use methyl salicylate externally. Keep away from sensitive skin and around your eyes or mouth. 
• If you’re using methyl salicylate on a sprain or other injury, don’t apply if wrapping the skin tightly or using a heating pad.

Arnica Montana
Arnica is a traditional homeopathic medicine for bruises, sprains, and pain. Practitioners believe it has anti-inflammatory and immune system boosting properties that promote healing. 

• Arnica montana oral supplements are available, but it’s most commonly used topically, often in a gel form or as an essential oil. 
• Taking arnica orally has been associated with increased high blood pressure and heart damage, so proceed with caution with oral arnica if you’re already at risk for these. 

Aloe Vera
You may be familiar with aloe vera from its use in skincare products. It’s a common natural ingredient in alternative medicine and is often recommended for joint pain, particularly as a topical cream. 

• We know that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, and that it can guard against the gastro-intestinal irritation sometimes caused by NSAID medications. 
• There are many ways to use aloe vera, including gels, creams, powders, and pills. 

Boswellia (Frankincense)
Frankincense comes from the gum of Boswellia trees. The trees are indigenous to India, and this aromatic herb has a long history of use in perfumes and incense. Traditional medicine practitioners claim that the anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia might provide temporary relief from joint pain.

• Boswellia can be purchased as a supplement, cream, or essential oil.
• Be aware that high doses of this herb can affect the liver. Use under the direction of your healthcare provider.
  
  

Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is an herb that comes from the root and bark of a vine native to the tropics of Central and South America. It’s a traditional treatment for inflammation and is also known for boosting immunity. The Arthritis Foundation claims that this herb inhibits TNF (tumor necrosis factor), a protein involved in inflammation. 

• Cat’s claw may have interactions with blood thinners and immune system-suppressing medications. Consult with your physician if you take these medications before using cat’s claw. 

Eucalyptus
People prize eucalyptus for many uses. It’s popular in aromatherapy and topical preparations used for a variety of treatments, including temporarily alleviating joint pain. Eucalyptus contains tannins, a substance that is used by some to alleviate mild swelling and pain.

• You can shop for topical creams containing eucalyptus, or use eucalyptus essential oil. When using essential oil, be sure to mix it with a carrier oil and test it on a small area of skin to make sure it doesn’t cause skin irritation. 
• Heating pads or hot compresses are sometimes used in conjunction with eucalyptus for joint pain relief. 

Ginger
You can enjoy ginger in your favorite recipes, or sample it’s sharp flavor in drinks and snacks. But others prize ginger for possible benefits in joint pain relief. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine, not only for pain relief but for the occasional upset stomach as well.

• There are many ways to consume ginger, including brewing it as a tea, adding powdered ginger to baked goods, and grating fresh ginger into a stir fry, air fry, salad, or other dishes.

Green Tea
A popular beverage that’s chock-full of antioxidants, green tea is a safe and healthy beverage that some claim may provide some benefit in mild joint pain relief. 

• There are a lot of ways to use green tea, aside from drinking it. You can sprinkle matcha powder on food, blend it into smoothies, or take it as a supplement. 

Thunder God Vine
Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditional medicine practitioners often use thunder god vine to help with inflammation, which can be a prominent issue in joint pain. Thunder God Vine should be used with caution since it can interact with some medications. 

• Consult with your healthcare provider before using thunder go vine. 

Willow Bark
Using willow bark to treat pain goes back to antiquity, and for good reason. It turns out that the active ingredient in willow bark is the precursor to aspirin, still one of the most effective pain medications available. Reviews of studies suggest that it may be useful in temporarily alleviating musculoskeletal pain.

• Be aware of some common side effects of willow bark, like stomach upset and high blood pressure. Consult with your doctor before using willow bark if you have a stomach ulcer or are taking blood thinners.

Pain Relief the Natural Way

Natural ingredients can play a significant role in helping you with joint pain relief. But consider holistically treating your joint pain as well. Incorporate regular exercise like yoga into your routine to give your joints a gentle workout, use hot and cold therapies on affected areas, and eat a diet rich in naturally anti-inflammatory foods. Your body will thank you for the self-care!

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Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/herbs-arthritis-pain

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jmf.2016.3705

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-cbd-help-with-arthritis-pain-2020041019418

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20679979/

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/supplement-and-herb-guide-for-arthritis-symptoms

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20679979/

http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/health-benefits-of-ginger/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19140170/