We all know that staying active is an important part of maintaining good health, but what happens when joint pain and stiffness prevent us from doing so? Several factors contribute to deteriorating joints, such as injuries, overuse, chronic conditions, and old age. Whatever the reason they may be bothering you, there are many natural ways to find relief. Read on to learn about the many herbs, formulas, and other supplements to soothe and restore aching joints.

Herbs for Joint Health

Turmeric

In recent years, turmeric has caught the attention of scientists all over the world for its amazing ability to reduce inflammation. The active compound in turmeric, called curcumin, has been found to limit the production of inflammatory cytokines and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), both of which contribute to pain and swelling. With inflammation being one of the most common causes of joint pain, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, turmeric's ability to soothe redness and swelling can provide substantial relief. In fact, some studies suggest that turmeric can provide pain relief comparable to some over-the-counter medications.

In addition to its ability to reduce inflammation, curcumin can contribute to long-term joint health due to its antioxidant properties. Limiting oxidative stress of the joints can help prevent joint issues from developing or worsening. 

Turmeric can be taken in a variety of ways, including as a tea, as a powder, as an extract, or in capsules. Many people love the taste of turmeric and enjoy using it in culinary recipes or beverages, such as golden milk.

Arnica

Arnica is another herb well-known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Like turmeric, the flower contains compounds that inhibit inflammation-causing cytokines, leading to decreased swelling and discomfort. In addition, arnica is a natural analgesic, meaning it has the ability to block pain signals to the brain, and it is even thought to help increase blood flow to the area and reduce bruising.

Arnica is most often used externally as part of an ointment, cream, or gel. These topical applications can be made using whole arnica flowers, their oil, or an extract. It is also a popular oral homeopathic (while safe as a homeopathic, do not take arnica internally otherwise in order to avoid unpleasant side effects).

Boswellia (Frankincense)

Frankincense (also known simply as 'boswellia') is the resin extracted from the boswellia tree. While it is most well-known for its pleasant scent, it has also been valued for thousands of years for its health benefits. Frankincense contains compounds called boswellic acids, which work to prevent the production of inflammatory enzymes. With its powerful ability to reduce swelling, boswellia can lead to a decrease in pain and improved mobility of inflamed joints.

Boswellia is usually taken orally, often along with other remedies such as turmeric. It can be taken as an extract or powder, and pieces of boswellia resin can even be chewed like gum. Alternatively, frankincense can be used externally as an essential oil.

Ginger

Ginger root has been used to reduce swelling and pain for several thousand years. Active compounds in the root inhibit inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and COX-2, and the root acts as a natural analgesic.

Ginger is also known to help improve circulation, which can speed up healing and reduce stiffness of the joints. Its ability to neutralize free radicals through its antioxidant content can help to prevent the breakdown of cartilage, preventing conditions like arthritis from worsening.

Like turmeric, some studies have found ginger to be comparable to over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDS, when it comes to pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition to being used as a culinary ingredient, ginger can be taken as a tea, an extract, or in capsules.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw helps reduce pain and inflammation in a similar way to many of the herbs on this list. It's active compounds, called iridoid glycosides, help to inhibit cytokines and enzymes that cause inflammation. Some studies have suggested that devil's claw is able to slow the progression of joint degeneration over time, making it a great supplement for long-term relief. Due to its ability to regulate pain signals to the brain, is also thought to be particularly useful in alleviating chronic joint pain.

Devil's claw is often taken orally in capsules or as an extract.

White Willow Bark

Another natural anti-inflammatory, willow bark has shown promise as a solution for swollen joints. Compounds in the bark have the ability to inhibit pain and swelling, helping to improve joint comfort and mobility.

This herb's ability to reduce oxidative stress helps to prevent deterioration and maintain health in the joints, and as a bonus, willow bark is also considered a natural analgesic.

Willow bark can be made into a tea or taken as an extract or in capsules.

Gotu Kola

This herb has a long history among practitioners of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, used to improve blood circulation, heal skin, support cognitive function, and relieve joint pain. Gotu kola works through the use of natural anti-inflammatory compounds. It also shows remarkable ability to promote tissue repair,and is thought to be especially great for the joints due to its ability to encourage regrowth of connective tissues, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Due to gotu kola's ability to promote blood flow, it also speeds up the healing process, making it a great option for joint pain due to injury or overuse. In addition, its antioxidant content works to prevent future damage to the area.

Gotu kola is commonly taken as a tea, an extract, or in capsules.

Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal, a flowering plant native to North America, has been used medicinally for centuries, and has a long history of being used for pain relief. Modern research has revealed that Solomon's seal is rich in flavonoids with a strong an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. In addition, this herb encourages production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and can help reduce friction and ease pain during movement. Solomon's seal also encourages tissue repair, allowing your body to strengthen and rebuild its connective tissues and reduce strain on the joint.

Traditionally, it is believed that Solomon's seal can help your body to "balance" or realign tendons and ligaments, reducing discomfort and stress, and that it can calm the nervous system, alleviating nerve-related pain.

Mullein

Due to its richness in anti-inflammatory flavonoids, mullein is a great option to turn to when facing swollen, achy joints. It is also known for its natural pain-relieving properties and ability to calm sore muscles and nerves.

Mullein stimulates blood flow, leading to faster repair of damaged areas in the body, and has been used to promote healing as far back as ancient Greek times.

Mullein can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.

Formulas for Joint Health

Dr. Christopher's Joint Formula

Dr. Christopher's Joint Formula provides your body with the nutrients needed to strengthen joints. Including herbs rich in natural calcium and , such as nettle leaf, burdock root, black walnut leaf, wild lettuce, and sarsaparilla, this formula contains everything your joints need to stay healthy. This formula comes in capsules or in bulk powder.

Dr. Christopher's Complete Tissue & Bone Formula

One of Dr. Christopher's most popular formulas, Complete Tissue & Bone (also known as Bone, Flesh, & Cartilage) contains ingredients that strengthen and maintain bones, skin, tissue, hair, nails, teeth & gums, including the connective tissues that support our joints. This formula is offered as an ointment, a massage oil, bulk powder, bulk tea, and in capsules.

Dr. Christopher's Cayenne Heat Ointment

Formulated to soothe and support sore joints and muscles, Dr. Christopher's Cayenne Heat Ointment is a long-time favorite among our customers. Cayenne, wintergreen, and menthol work together to provide relief for inflamed, painful tissues.

Dr. Christopher's Herbal Calcium

This formula contains a synergistic blend of herbs high in calcium, such as shavegrass, nettle leaf, oatstraw, and lobelia. Calcium supports Bone and cartilage health, preventing certain types of arthritis from developing or worsening. Herbal Calcium comes as capsules, extract, or bulk tea or powder.

Herb Pharm® Joint Flexibility

This formula by Herb Pharm provides a mix of soothing herbs and nutrients to support overall joint and musculoskeletal health. Devil's claw, angelica, nettle, burdock, and sarsaparilla work to reduce inflammation while also providing the body with nutrients to strengthen connective tissues.

Winnie Schwinn's InflammaGold

This powerful anti-inflammatory formula, containing all the benefits of turmeric, ginger, boswellia, bromelain, yucca, and cayenne, is available on a consultation basis. To inquire about ordering InflammaGold, feel free to reach out to our herbalist for a free 15-minute consultation by calling 801-489-4500 between the hours of 11am-1pm Mountain Time, Monday-Thursday.

Winnie Schwinn's Warming Ginger Rub

Made from arnica, ginger, and MSM, this beeswax-based ointment is excellent for relieving joint and muscle pain, and can even be rubbed on the belly to help reduce stomach aches.

Other Supplements for Joint Health

Bromelain

Bromelain, a mixture of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant, is known for its ability to inhibit inflammation-causing compounds and promote healing in the joints. Its mild analgesic properties provide fast pain relief, while its ability to slow the degradation of cartilage makes it a great supplement for prevention and joint maintenance.

Tart Cherry

Like many of the supplements listed here, tart cherries help to inhibit the production of molecules that cause inflammation, leading to reduced pain and improved mobility in the joints. They are also extremely high in antioxidants, making them a great choice for reducing oxidative stress in the body and preventing the deterioration of connective tissues.

For those with arthritic conditions caused by uric acid buildup, such as gout, tart cherry can be especially effective due to its ability to lower uric acid levels. Recent studies found that patients who ingested tart cherry juice regularly experienced less gout flare-ups than those who did not.

Tart cherry is often supplemented as a juice or a juice concentrate, but can also be found in powder or tablet form.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane, commonly called MSM, is a naturally occurring form of sulfur found in plants, animals, and humans. MSM works as an anti-inflammatory due to its ability to reduce the production of cytokines and other inflammatory compounds. In addition, MSM can block pain signals from nerves, leading to fast relief from discomfort, and it is linked to improved production of collagen, which promotes healthy cartilage and tendons. This supplement is particularly popular among athletes due to its ability to relax and relieve sore muscles and joints as well as promote healing of injuries.

• MSM Powder
• MSM Capsules
• MSM Flakes

Collagen

Collagen is one of the major components of cartilage, and collagen supplements can help your body repair the cartilage between your joints, leading to pain relief over time, especially in conditions such as osteoarthritis. Collagen is also an important part of tendons and ligaments, helping to keep them flexible and strong, and can help the body to produce synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and reduces friction-related pain.

Vitamin D

Increasing our vitamin D levels through diet or supplementation can do a lot for our joint health. Surprisingly, research has found that vitamin D deficiency is common among those suffering from joint pain and conditions like arthritis, and that may be because of vitamin D's role in the absorption of calcium. Proper levels of calcium are essential for maintaining good bone health, and by keeping our bones strong, we are providing important structural support for our joints. Vitamin D also supports muscle health, providing additional support.

Vitamin D has also been found to play a role in protecting cartilage, providing protection against diseases like osteoarthritis, and even has mild anti-inflammatory properties.

• Vegan Vitamin D3 Liquid
• Vitamin D 2000IU
• Vitamin D 5000IU
• Pure Synergy D3 + K2 Complex
• Ionic Fizz Super D-K Calcium Plus

Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 plays a large role in regulating calcium levels in the body, leading to bone strength and joint support. K2 activates the proteins osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein (MGP), both of which help the body use calcium effectively.

Vitamin K2 also helps prevent the calcification of cartilage. As we age, more and more calcium accumulates in our cartilage, a common cause of joint stiffness and pain. K2 prevents this, helping to keep our joints flexible. It also supports the repair of tissues such as ligaments and tendons, and has a mild anti-inflammatory effect

• Pure Synergy D3 + K2 Complex
• Ionic Fizz Super D-K Calcium Plus

Magnesium

Magnesium is well-known for its ability to relax muscles, making it a favorite solution for cramps and sore muscles. Magnesium's natural pain relief and anti inflammatory effects, combined with its important role in bone health, make it an excellent supplement for joint health as well. By supporting cartilage health and prevent calcification, magnesium can help to our joints in optimal condition, and its calming effects on nerves can help relieve pain and discomfort.

Magnesium can be taken internally, and many people enjoy soaking in hot bath water mixed with magnesium flakes, epsom salt, or magnesium oil for an instant soothing effect on pained muscles and joints. It can also be applied topically as part of a lotion or a cream.

• Magnesium Glycinate Capsules
• Triple Magnesium Capsules
• Ionic Fizz Magnesium Plus
• Magnesium Flakes
• Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
• Magnesium Bath Oil Soak
• Magnesium Lotion
• Magnesium Cream

Conclusion

Our bodies' joints can be delicate, and it is important to put effort into maintaining their health, especially as we age or engage in activities hard on our joints. Conditions such as osteoarthritis are common, but there is a lot we can do to naturally prevent these conditions or reduce their effects. Ensuring our diets are adequately high in calcium, vitamin d, magnesium, vitamin k, and anti-inflammatory foods is a great place to start, and the supplements and formulas outlined above can help additionally to ease joint discomfort and promote connective tissue health. Next time you are experiencing a bout of joint pain, try reaching for a natural and nutritious solution--your body may thank you!