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Any joint discomfort, pain, or soreness is called joint pain. Joint discomfort is a frequent complaint. Usually, it doesn't necessitate a trip to the hospital. Occasionally, a disease or accident can bring on joint pain. Joint pain is frequently attributed to arthritis, but other circumstances or elements could also bring it on.
The leading causes of joint pain are the different types of arthritis, mainly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes of joint pain include gout, lupus, cancer, osteoporosis, rickets, tendonitis, bursitis, cancer, joint infection, etc. However, you can treat most joint pains at home thanks to the various ayurvedic remedies for joint pain that are available to you. These remedies are easy to make at home and offer a cost-effective joint pain solution.
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Did You Know
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List of Best Herbs to Cure Joint Pain
Herbs and dietary supplements are natural remedies for joint pains that are risk-free, efficient therapy solutions with few adverse side effects. The only issue with natural joint pain relief remedies is that the sector is still new in the industry and has not undergone much research. But then again, Ayurvedic science has used herbal mixtures for ages and is known to have effective results for joint pains. According to Ayurveda, the best herbs for joint lubrication
are:
- Turmeric
- Frankincense
- Eucalyptus
- Ginger
- Willow bark
- Cinnamon
- Aloe vera
- Boswellia
- Ashwagandha
- Guduchi
- Thunder God Vine
- Masha
- Alsi
Turmeric
One of the best ayurvedic treatment for joint pain is turmeric, which has a plant chemical called curcumin, in the orange pulp inside the stem. According to various recent studies, curcumin is proven to lessen rheumatoid arthritis-related chronic inflammation, which is a result of curcumin that enhances anti-inflammatory cells and decreases pro-inflammatory cells.
However, you must not absorb significant amounts of curcumin, which may restrict its usage as a treatment or joint discomfort. Adding a pinch of turmeric while preparing your food may do the work. Moreover, black pepper has a piperine substance that enhances curcumin absorption and reduces inflammation.
Ways to use: You can use turmeric in several ways to relieve joint pain. Drink golden milk by adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm milk with a pinch of black pepper to enhance absorption. You can also apply a paste with turmeric and water directly to painful joints. Turmeric capsules are another option and can be taken daily as a healthcare provider recommends.
Frankincense
Boswellia serrate, known as frankincense, is one of the Indian herb for joint pain. Several practitioners of complementary and conventional medicine recommend it for joint pain because it has anti-inflammatory qualities. It is made from the gum of the native Indian Boswellia plants.
Boswellic acid appears to offer anti-inflammatory benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. According to several studies, frankincense helps reduce osteoarthritis pain, joint function issues, and stiffness. You must consume frankincense at a safe dosage of 1 gram daily, as higher dosages can harm your liver. Topical creams and tablets are available online.
Ways to use: Frankincense is beneficial for joint health and can be used as an oil or supplement. Apply diluted frankincense essential oil directly to sore joints, or take Boswellia capsules or tablets to reduce inflammation and pain. You can also make a simple tea by boiling frankincense resin in water, which can help improve joint mobility.
Eucalyptus
Another Indian herb for joint pain relief is the oil from eucalyptus leaves, which contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, which is great for joint pain. Additionally, the flavonoids found in eucalyptus leaves have antioxidant qualities and can help prevent oxidative stress. Eucalyptus helps lessen Interleukin-6 levels, which further aids in easing inflammation-related symptoms, including joint discomfort.
ZanduCare is a popular store where you can get GMP-certified Ayurvedic products infused with eucalyptus to relieve joint pains. You can also use eucalyptus as an essential oil. However, you must be careful if you have allergy issues, as eucalyptus can sometimes induce allergic reactions. Do not take essential oils orally.
Ways to use: Eucalyptus is effective in soothing joint pain when used in oil form. Mix eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to affected areas. Inhaling steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or adding it to your bath can also help reduce inflammation and relax the body.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the perfect joint pain home remedies Ayurveda. Although ginger is frequently used in cooking, it can also offer health advantages. Various studies have revealed that the substance that gives ginger its intense taste also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Some experts say ginger may eventually replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ginger is great for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and pain in joints and muscles. Ginger's active components may serve as the foundation of medication for rheumatoid arthritis. It not only helps in symptom management but also prevents bone damage.
You can smash ginger in your tea or add fresh or powdered ginger to various food items to consume ginger at home. You can also dress your dishes or salads in ginger. However, it would help if you consulted with your doctor before increasing your ginger intake as it can conflict with some medicines like the blood thinner warfarin.
Ways to use: Ginger can be used as a tea by brewing fresh slices in hot water, which helps reduce inflammation. For direct application, make a compress by grating fresh ginger and wrapping it in a cloth, then place it on sore joints. Massaging with ginger essential oil mixed with a carrier oil can also improve blood flow and ease pain.
Willow bark
Another Indian golden herb for pain relief, Willow bark, is an age-old solution for joint inflammation and discomfort. You can consume it in the form of tea or capsules. Several studies have shown that Willow Bark's pain relief features could reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis-related joint discomfort. ( However, confirming Willow bark intake with your doctor is best since it may induce side effects. You can find several products based on Willow bark at Zanducare.
Ways to use: Use willow bark by making tea; boil the bark in water, strain, and drink for natural pain relief. Willow bark is also available in capsules that help reduce inflammation when taken regularly. For direct relief, creams containing willow bark extract can be applied to painful joints.
Cinnamon
The Arthritis Foundation highlights positive studies demonstrating that cinnamon contains cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde, which have antioxidant qualities that help reduce cell damage. Cinnamon also contains eugenol, an anti-inflammatory compound similar to cloves. Using cinnamon as a spice won't provide a therapeutic dosage, so you should opt for cinnamon joint pain supplements.
Ways to use: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be consumed as a tea by boiling cinnamon sticks in water. You can also create a paste with cinnamon powder and honey to apply to sore areas. Adding cinnamon to your daily diet in foods like cereals and smoothies helps maintain joint health.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is another joint pain home remedy Indian. Aloe vera has several medicinal properties, such as anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatoid effects. Similar to NSAIDs, aloe vera's chemical composition has anti-inflammatory effects.
Aloe vera helps eliminate free radicals from your body and limits the formation of inflammatory enzymes, reducing inflammation. Moreover, aloe vera contains a viscous gel that you can apply topically or directly on your skin. You can consume plenty of Aloe Vera supplements to relieve your joint pain.
There are many other natural ways you can reduce your joint pain. These methods include maintaining a healthy weight, following a diet with anti-inflammatory food, regular exercises and yoga, regular heat and cold treatment, acupuncture, and water aerobics. Along with the herbal remedies, if you follow these natural methods, you will surely find relief from your joint pain.
Ways to use: Aloe vera gel can be directly applied to joints to soothe inflammation. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly helps with internal inflammation, providing a gentle, natural remedy. Aloe vera is also available in supplement form, which can be taken to support overall joint health.
Boswellia
In Ayurveda, Boswellia has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for arthritis. Because of its primary ingredient, boswellic acid, Boswellia may help reduce arthritis pain and swelling. Tablets and topical creams containing Boswellia are available. Before beginning any such health supplementation, speak with your physician.
Ways to use: Boswellia, another name for frankincense, can be consumed as an extract supplement in tablet form. Topical creams or gels containing Boswellia are also beneficial for direct joint application. Making a simple tea with Boswellia resin can further support joint health.
Ashwagandha
Indian ginseng, or ashwagandha, is a powerful medicinal herb that offers numerous health advantages. To alleviate arthritis, combine equal parts of Sesame, Kapikachu seeds, and ashwagandha powder. Stir it well. This concoction can be taken with warm milk to help ease arthritic symptoms. Because of its revitalising qualities, it helps those who have arthritis feel less worn out and fatigued.
Ways to use: Ashwagandha tea, made by boiling the root powder in water, effectively reduces inflammation and stress. Capsules or tablets are widely available and can be taken to enhance joint health. Ashwagandha oil also massages joints and promotes pain relief and mobility.
Guduchi
Guduchi, also known as Indian Tinospora, has several health advantages for diabetes, fever, and gastrointestinal ailments. It is also a helpful treatment for arthritis. Guduchi juice can be consumed regularly to help reduce arthritic symptoms, and its anti-inflammatory properties aid in lowering joint swelling.
Ways to use: Guduchi can be consumed as fresh juice extracted from its leaves or as a powder mixed with warm water or milk. Capsules containing Guduchi extract are also popular for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular intake helps maintain joint health and reduces pain.
Thunder God Vine
When taken orally as an extract, thunder god vine, used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine, lowers inflammation caused by autoimmune illnesses such as RA. According to one review, treating RA symptoms using Thunder God Vine (also known as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) was more effective than using traditional medications like methotrexate (Trexall) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).
Ways to use: Thunder God Vine is a powerful herb best used under medical supervision. It’s available in supplement form, which should be taken as advised. Topical creams with Thunder God Vine extract can be applied to sore areas, and herbal teas made from the vine offer joint pain relief.
Masha
Black grams, or Masaha, provide numerous health advantages. Sesame oil and black gram powder can produce a fine paste. Applying the paste to the joints can reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation. It is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Ways to use: Black gram is used as a paste by grinding soaked seeds and applying it to painful joints. Masha soup is a nourishing option that strengthens joints from within, and black gram oil can be massaged into the skin to reduce pain and improve joint function.
Alsi
Linseed or Alsi seeds can be used as an arthritis reliever. Soak Alsi seeds in buttermilk before using them. Allow them to spend the night sleeping. The next day, use the soaked seeds to produce a paste. Cover the joints with this paste. Regular application of this paste can help reduce joint discomfort.
Ways to use: Flaxseed oil is excellent for joint health and can be consumed daily or used for massage. Ground flaxseed can be added to meals, smoothies, or yogurt to support anti-inflammatory benefits, and a warm flaxseed oil compress provides targeted pain relief for joints.
Clinical Studies of Herbs on Joint Pain:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcuma (Turmeric): Curcuma, commonly known as turmeric, is a root widely used as a spice and valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Studies show that Curcuma inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators like interleukin-1 (IL-1), TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide by reducing the activation of key signalling pathways, including NF-κB, Akt, and MAPK. It also blocks COX-2 enzymes, leading to reduced prostaglandin synthesis, which helps manage inflammation effectively.
2. Ashwagandha’s Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Effects: A clinical study on Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), an Ayurvedic herb, highlights its powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Ashwagandha extract reduced inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12 by blocking NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. It also inhibited collagen breakdown, which is crucial for joint health. In a study using an arthritis rat model, Ashwagandha treatment significantly reduced joint swelling, redness, and deformity. Its effectiveness is linked to its ability to decrease harmful inflammatory factors like ROS, TNF-α, and IL-6 while boosting protective IL-10 levels.
Why Does Joint Pain Happen According to Ayurveda?
As per Ayurveda, joint pain occurs due to aggravation of vata dosha, which governs movement and energy flow in the body. The dry, mobile, light and subtle qualities of vata influence the nervous system, circulation, waste elimination and connectivity between tissues like those making up joint capsules.
Firstly, factors that vitiate vata, like cold weather, light diet, excessive travel, anxiety etc create imbalance manifesting as joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness and restriction of movement over time. Nerve impingements caused by vata aggravation also play a part.
Additionally, reduced digestive strength hinders nutrient absorption, leading to a lack of joint lubrication. Built-up metabolic wastes trigger inflammation, blocking channels that nourish bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. These ultimately heighten vata-impacting joints.
Moreover, Vata imbalance also delays cell regeneration required to maintain joint components' structural integrity. New cells have to be continuously made to replace dying ones. Disruption of this rejuvenation causes tissues to degenerate faster.
Furthermore, Vata aids the movement of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals into skeletal structures. Excess vata pulls these minerals out of bones and deposits them in tissues that don’t belong. This spurs bony overgrowths, affecting joint mobility.
In essence, aggravated vata dosha disrupts the flow of nutrients, speeds up wear and tear, and enables unhealthy bone changes, contributing vitally to the development of joint aches, stiffness, and arthritis over time. Lifestyle measures that balance vata can help prevent and manage troubles.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Long-lasting Joint Health
Maintaining joint health is crucial for mobility and overall well-being, especially as we age. Ayurveda offers holistic approaches focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to keep joints healthy and pain-free. Here are seven Ayurvedic tips to ensure long-lasting joint health:
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods in Your Diet
One of the foundational principles in Ayurveda is eating the right foods to balance the body's doshas (vital energies). To maintain healthy joints, focus on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green leafy vegetables. These foods help reduce inflammation, which is often the root cause of joint pain. Include healthy fats like ghee, olive oil, and nuts, as they provide essential lubrication to the joints, making movements smoother.
Stay Hydrated with Warm Water and Herbal Teas
Drinking warm water and herbal teas helps flush out toxins (ama) from the body, which can accumulate in joints and cause stiffness or pain. Warm water improves digestion, which is key in Ayurveda for overall health, including joint function.
Herbal teas with ginger, turmeric, or ashwagandha can reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility. Regular hydration keeps the joints well-lubricated, reducing the chances of wear and tear.
Practice Regular Gentle Exercise and Yoga
Movement is essential for joint health, but choosing gentle exercises on the joints is important. Yoga poses like “Trikonasana” (Triangle Pose), “Bhujangasana” (Cobra Pose), and “Vrikshasana” (Tree Pose) enhance flexibility, strengthen muscles around the joints, and improve circulation. Daily walks, light stretches, and low-impact exercises help keep the joints active and prevent stiffness. Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing extra pressure on the joints.
Use Ayurvedic Oils for Regular Joint Massage
Massaging joints with warm Ayurvedic oils like Mahanarayan, sesame, or Bala oil can significantly relieve joint pain and stiffness. Massaging improves blood flow, nourishes the tissues around the joints, and helps the oils' healing properties be better absorbed. Regular self-massage, or Abhyanga, can reduce inflammation and promote flexibility. For maximum benefits, these massages are best performed in the morning before a shower.
Follow a Regular Detox Routine (Panchakarma)
Ayurveda emphasises the importance of detoxifying the body to remove toxins that accumulate and cause joint issues. A regular detox routine like Panchakarma helps cleanse the body from within, improving overall joint health. Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation therapy) or Basti (medicated enema) specifically target joint health, removing toxins and nourishing the joints. Consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended to find the right detox method.
Maintain a Balanced Weight
Excess body weight stresses the joints, especially the knees, hips, and lower back, increasing the risk of joint degeneration. An Ayurvedic diet rich in whole foods, balanced meals, and regular exercise helps maintain an ideal weight.
Avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and excess salt can also prevent inflammation and joint pain. Ayurveda also suggests mindful eating practices to help maintain healthy body weight and relieve joint pressure.
Manage Stress and Get Adequate Rest
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can worsen joint pain due to increased inflammation. Ayurveda emphasises managing stress through meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness. Techniques such as Shavasana (Corpse Pose) and Pranayama (breathing exercises) help calm the mind and reduce cortisol levels, which in turn can alleviate joint discomfort. Ensuring 7-8 hours of quality sleep allows the body to repair itself, keeping joints healthy and strong.
Best Foods for Joint Health
Here are the best foods for joint health:
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, which protect cartilage. They reduce inflammatory chemicals while boosting lubricating synovial fluid.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods like yogurt, cheese, and milk provide bone-strengthening calcium, vitamin D, and proteins. Getting sufficient calcium is crucial for delaying the onset of osteoporosis and related joint issues.
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits form building blocks for cartilage and synovial membranes. They also lower inflammation and boost collagen production, supporting connective tissues around joints for flexibility.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are loaded with magnesium, vitamin K, iron, and carotenoids, which maintain the health of synovial fluid, cartilage, and bones. Their antioxidants lower free radical damage.
Soy Products
Isoflavones in soy products like tofu, soy milk and beans mimic estrogen’s benefits by improving bone mineral density and calcium absorption. This protects joint integrity.
Nuts and Oil Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, and oils like flaxseed and olive contain healthy fats, vitamin E, and minerals that act as natural anti-inflammatories while strengthening bones around joints.
Pulses and Lentils
Protein-rich lentils, chickpeas, etc., contain manganese and fibre for managing weight, vitamin K for bone density, and iron for preventing anemia-induced fatigue/stiffness—all of which help joint problems.
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Conclusion
There are many herbal remedies for joint pain that you can opt for. The herbal remedies are effective for your joint pain, and you can also easily get them online or in retail stores. Zanducare is a famous store where you can get all sorts of herbal remedies, including pain relief gels, balms, capsules, and tablets for your joint pains.
FAQs
1. Which herb is best for joint pain?
Supplements containing herbs like valerian and evening primrose may help relieve sore joints. Evening primrose oil has a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids. It might lessen stiffness in the morning and pain and inflammation. The roots of the valerian plant are used to make the herbal supplement valerian.
2. Which plant is used to cure joint pain?
People utilise eucalyptus, a widely available medicine, for various ailments. Topical medications used to alleviate arthritis pain sometimes contain extracts from eucalyptus leaves. Tannins found in plant leaves may help lessen arthritis-related swelling and pain.
3. What is the golden herb for joint pain?
Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa), is widely employed in Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicinal systems.
4. What plant is a natural painkiller?
Turmeric, ginger, devil's claw, bromelain, white willow bark, and boswellia exhibit potential analgesic properties. Some, though, are inappropriate for young people. It is always advisable to discuss herbal therapies with your doctor as they may interfere with other prescriptions you use in certain situations.
5. What deficiency causes joint pain?
Although many people have low vitamin D levels without realising it, vitamin D deficiencies can impact one's physical and emotional well-being. One physical manifestation of a deficit could be joint pain from muscles, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which commonly affects the knees, thighs, and hips.
Also, do have a look at our: best knee pain patch.
6. What is the best natural supplement for joint pain?
Natural supplements for joint pain include fish oil, ginger, turmeric, and ashwagandha.
References
- According to various recent studies, curcumin is proven to lessen rheumatoid arthritis-related chronic inflammation, which is a result of curcumin that enhances anti-inflammatory cells and decreases pro-inflammatory cells. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
- Eucalyptus helps lessen Interleukin-6 levels, which further aids in easing inflammation-related symptoms, including joint discomfort. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
- Ginger is great for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and pain in joints and muscles. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- Several studies have shown that Willow Bark's pain relief features could reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis-related joint discomfort. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- Aloe vera is another home remedy for joint pain. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
