(NaturalHealth365) Arthritis is more than a single disease and is an informal way to refer to joint diseases and pain. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and related medical problems.  In fact, over 50 million adults have arthritis and deal with symptoms like joint pain, reduced range of motion, stiffness, and swelling.

Although many medications are used to treat the different types of arthritis, for individuals looking for natural options, a variety of supplements and herbs exist. Many herbs have been proven effective at treating arthritis symptoms like joint pain, particularly when combined with exercise and a healthy (organic) diet.

And, while it’s always best to review your supplement routine with a trusted healthcare provider, many herbs can help to eliminate the misery that comes with joint pain and additional symptoms associated with arthritis.

It’s time to take turmeric and ginger seriously – when it comes to joint pain

Turmeric and ginger are perhaps two of the most widely studied herbs for reducing joint pain, and both are hailed for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is a root of a plant that’s related to ginger, and it’s the curcumin in it that offers the anti-inflammatory benefits.

Multiple studies have found that taking curcumin regularly works as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and without some of the side effects

Ginger, another anti-inflammatory that’s related to turmeric – has also been studied as a treatment for reducing inflammation and decreasing joint pain. Studies have investigated its use in people with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

This wonderful herb has properties that work in a similar way to celecoxib and ibuprofen and works to turn off specific inflammatory genes – making it an excellent pain reliever.  For example, studies have found that taking 500 – 1,000 mg of ginger extract can help to reduce disability and pain individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis, and it’s been found to offer excellent anti-inflammatory effects in people with rheumatoid arthritis, too.

Additional herbs and supplements for pain relief

While turmeric and ginger may be two of the most well-known herbal treatments for joint pain, a variety of additional herbs and supplements show promise as well, including:

• Willow Bark: A systematic published in the journal of Phytotherapy Research found that willow bark was effective at reducing joint pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
• Fish Oil: There’s significant evidence surrounding the use of fish oil for reducing inflammation and joint pain since omega-3s help block many of the sources of inflammation.
• Capsaicin: Found in chili peppers, capsaicin, when applied topically, can effectively reduce joint pain in individuals with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
• Rose Hips: From the seed pods of roses, rose hips are an excellent source of vitamin C and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-modifying properties that make them effective at relieving joint pain.
• Green-lipped Mussel: Green-lipped mussel, which is extracted from New Zealand mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, just like fish oil. They offer anti-inflammatory effects and have been found to reduce joint pain without the damage to the stomach that NSAIDs often cause.
• Bromelain: Found in pineapple, this group of enzymes has been shown to help reduce pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also was found to active infection-fighting immune cells.

It’s important to note that not every natural treatment works for every person, but these herbs do show significant promise backed up by plenty of research. It may take some trial and error to find the supplements that work best for you, but there is hope that natural treatment can help reduce inflammation and eliminate that miserable pain.

Sources for this article include:

Arthritis.org
ScienceDirect.com
NIH.gov