If you experience joint pain, here is how joint pain relief supplements may work for you to relieve some, most, or all of your pain.
It is not just pain either; these joint pain relief supplements may even reduce stiffness and inflammation.
Before adding supplements to your current therapy, speak to your doctor as there may be medication the doctor has you on that will be affected if you introduce supplements; even all-natural supplements.
Joint Pain Relief Supplements
Glucosamine One of the most studied supplements for osteoarthritis is a natural element of cartilage-a material that stops bones from rubbing against each other which causes pain and inflammation. It may also help stop the collapse of cartilage that can happen with arthritis. Studies show that glucosamine sulfate is the best choice of the two types of glucosamine to stop pain and cartilage breakdown.
Chondroitin Studies have shown that people with osteoarthritis have reduced pain and stiffness when taking chondroitin. In fact, 53% of those people with knee pain and stiffness see a 20% reduction in joint pain of the knee. Chondroitin can reduce the loss of cartilage from osteoarthritis.
Turmeric Tumeric is a popular supplement for the reduction of joint pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis due to a chemical called curcumin. More studies need to be done, but the ones that have been done show that it reduces more pain than a placebo.
Boswellia More studies need to be done, but it does seem to improve pain from osteoarthritis due to a chemical extraction called boswellia acid that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Fish oil Contains omega 3s that have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that it reduces pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but not osteoarthritis.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Studies show that people with osteoarthritis experience less pain and improved function.
Green tea has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint pain.
Ginger extract A few studies have shown that ginger extract can help with pain and morning stiffness.
Essential oils There are a number of essential oils that can reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Below is a list of those oils that contain analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nutmeg
- Orange
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Chamomile
- Clary sage
- Ginger
- Frankincense (from Boswellia)
- Yarrow
- Wintergreen
- Vetiver
- Helichrysum
- Clove
- Copaiba
- Thyme
- Cayenne Pepper
- Lemongrass
- Birch
- Evening primrose for RA
- Basil for RA
Essential oil joint pain relief
Above, we listed over 20 essential oils for the relief of joint pain; now let’s look at these oils and how they relieve pain.
Nutmeg essential oil such as MegRelief can help reduce pain and inflammation. Where does nutmeg come from? Nutmeg comes from the tropical evergreen tree that is indigenous to the Indonesian Spice Islands. Nutmeg can be used as a spice cooked into foods and added to drinks. The next time you make French toast, make French toast with nutmeg, try some nutmeg tea or sprinkle a little nutmeg in coffee; you can also make nutmeg cookies.
The benefits of nutmeg are as follows: it is an analgesic, aids digestion, can help with insomnia, aids brain health and treating depression, helps with concentration and can lower blood pressure.
Turmeric essential oil can help reduce pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that many benefits of curcumin from turmeric include helping depression and Alzheimer’s. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Not only is it an antioxidant, but it increases the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. Turmeric is a spice used in Indian food such as curry or stews and can also be added to sautéed vegetables, rice dishes, tea, and smoothies.
Ginger Essential oil has been shown in clinical studies to reduce pain. It may also reduce morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger is related to turmeric and has medicinal properties due to the gingerol it contains, but it can also be used as a spice in foods and drinks. The medicinal uses of ginger include the following: aids digestion, reduces nausea and helps fight the flu and common cold. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and aids with stiffness and pain. Ginger can reduce blood sugars and risk of heart disease. It can lower cholesterol levels and aid in protecting against Alzheimer’s. Try a cup of ginger tea the next time you have indigestion, add ginger to stir fry chicken, or put a bit into baked products such as pie, cake, or even cookies.
Peppermint essential oil has medicinal properties. Studies show that peppermint can reduce tension headaches, sinus congestion, fight fatigue, and help with an upset stomach.
Basil Essential Oil has 1.8-cineole which fights inflammation. It also has linalool that helps reduce swelling and buildup of fluid. It supports the liver and helps detoxify the body. It also aids with diabetes management and depression, is an antioxidant and helps an upset stomach. As an herb, basil is used in many dishes such as Italian tomato sauces and other dishes. Next time you make chicken, use a little basil for added flavor.
Rosemary essential oil is just beginning to have scientific studies done, but it has been used in alternative medicine for years for its medicinal properties. These properties include the following: aids in brain function, relieves pain, increases circulation and reduces inflammation. As an herb, add it to pasta sauces, soups, casseroles, salads, or stews to enhance the flavor. More studies need to be done on rosemary to know exactly how effective it is in its medicinal properties.
Cayenne pepper essential oil Cayenne is a spice used in Mexican, Asian, Indian, and Southern dishes to name a few. Add a pinch to a pot of beans, enchilada sauce, fried chicken, or even mac n’ cheese for a sweet and spicy kick. It can also be added to dry rub for meats to smoke or grill. When used as an essential oil or for medicinal purposes, the capsaicin is where the benefits come from. The benefits include boosting metabolism, helping with digestive health, reducing joint and overall pain, and clearing congestion. It has both anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, helps detoxify, can improve immunity, and protects the heart. How do joint pain relief supplements work? Many supplements are made from natural sources such a Nutmeg, Turmeric, or Ginger and contain analgesic properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties which reduce pain and stiffness. Like nutmeg essential oil, they also contain other medicinal properties to help with other issues such as reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood sugar levels for diabetics, and lowering cholesterol. Some even help reduce the signs of aging, help detoxify the body, and fight depression and Alzheimer’s.
