Joint Pain / Arthritis

Joint pain includes bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, and sprains.  Joint conditions can worsen when a person is overweight.

• For inflammation from an injury, apply ice as soon as possible, and rest, compress, and elevate, and try taking turmeric or ginger root to reduce inflammation.  With mild injuries, gently massage anti-inflammatory topical creams. Consult a Doctor with acute or ongoing pain.
• For osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease, consider a glucosamine supplement, and eating more omega-3s.  Good herbs include comfrey, arnica, peppermint, ginger, and turmeric.  Osteoarthritis is caused by general wear and tear over time, resulting in joint pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which one’s antibodies attack the joint tissue, causing joint pain, inflammation, and deterioration.

Joint Pain Recipes

Comfrey Joint Cream Recipe

Essential Oil Joint Ointment Recipe

Juniper Muscle Rub

Blog Articles

Noni Berries: Not so Delicious, but Quite Nutricious!

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

GENERAL

• A list of plants used for arthritis and pharmacologic studies is reviewed. From: Arya, V., Gupta, V. K., & Kaur, R. (2011). A review on plants having anti-arthritic potential. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 7(2), 131-136.
• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.

ACAI

• In a study of 14 patients with osteo-arthritis pain, eating acai berry pulp over 12 weeks had an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, thus reducing pain, and increasing range of motion. From: Jensen, G. S., Ager, D. M., Redman, K. A., Mitzner, M. A., Benson, K. F., & Schauss, A. G. (2011). Pain reduction and improvement in range of motion after daily consumption of an açai (euterpe oleracea mart.) pulp–fortified polyphenolic-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Journal of medicinal food, 14(7-8), 702-711.
• Flavonoids from acai showed anti-inflammatory activities. From: Kang, J., Xie, C., Li, Z., Nagarajan, S., Schauss, A. G., Wu, T., & Wu, X. (2011). Flavonoids from acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Food Chemistry, 128(1), 152-157.

ARNICA

• In a 21 day randomized double blind study of 204 patients with osteoarthritis, topical application of arnica was just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain in the hand.  From:  Widrig, R., Suter, A., Saller, R., & Melzer, J. (2007). Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomised, double-blind study. Rheumatology international, 27(6), 585.
• Based on a review of studies, arnica may be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.  From:  Iannitti, T., Morales-Medina, J. C., Bellavite, P., Rottigni, V., & Palmieri, B. (2016). Effectiveness and safety of Arnica montana in post-surgical setting, pain and inflammation. American journal of therapeutics, 23(1), e184-e197.

ASHWAGANDHA

• In a double blind study of 60 patients with knee joint pain, taking an ashwaganda supplement for 12 weeks was safe and effective.  From:  Ramakanth, G. S., Kumar, C. U., Kishan, P. V., Usharani, P., Fatima, N., Pingali, U., … & Divyya, S. (2016). Efficacy and tolerability of an aqueous extract of roots and leaves of Withania somnifera in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in patients with knee joint pain and discomfort. J Ayurveda Integr Med, 7, 151-7.
• W. somnifera root powder reduced inflammation, pain, and temperature in gouty arthritic paw without causing gastric damage. From:  Rasool, M., & Varalakshmi, P. (2006). Suppressive effect of Withania somnifera root powder on experimental gouty arthritis: an in vivo and in vitro study. Chemico-biological interactions, 164(3), 174-180.

AVOCADO

• In a study of 164 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, an avocado/soybean supplement taken over 6 months reduced symptoms.  From:  Maheu, E., Mazières, B., Valat, J. P., Loyau, G., Loët, X. L., Bourgeois, P., … & Rozenberg, S. (1998). Symptomatic efficacy of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter clinical trial with a six‐month treatment period and a two‐month followup demonstrating a persistent effect. Arthritis & Rheumatism: Official Journal of the American College of Rheumatology, 41(1), 81-91.

BASIL (HOLY)

• In a randomized parallel group of 200 adults with gouty arthritis and hyper-uricaemia, taking either a 12 week supplement (10 drops taken three times a day) of Ocimum sanctum or Ledum palustre reduced serum uric acid levels.  From:  Ahmad, M., Faraazi, A. A., & Aamir, M. N. (2013). The effect of ocimum sanctum and ledum palustre on serum uric acid level in patients suffering from gouty arthritis and hyperuricaemia. Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia, 27(3), 469-473.

BLACK COHOSH

• In this randomized two month study with 82 patients, an herbal medicine with black cohosh had a mild analgesic effect in treating arthritis.  From:  Mills, S. Y., Jacoby, R. K., Chacksfield, M., & Willoughby, M. (1996). Effect of a proprietary herbal medicine on the relief of chronic arthritic pain: a double-blind study. Rheumatology, 35(9), 874-878. 

BLACK PEPPER

• The piperine constituent isolated from black pepper demonstrated in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic actions. From: Bang, J. S., Choi, H. M., Sur, B. J., Lim, S. J., Kim, J. Y., Yang, H. I., … & Kim, K. S. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects of piperine in human interleukin 1β-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes and in rat arthritis models. Arthritis research & therapy, 11(2), R49.
• Patients with osteoarthritis who ingested 1500 mg a day of curcuminoids (from black pepper) for 6 weeks demonstrated a reduction in pain and improved function compaired to placebo.  From:  Panahi, Y., Rahimnia, A. R., Sharafi, M., Alishiri, G., Saburi, A., & Sahebkar, A. (2014). Curcuminoid treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Phytotherapy research, 28(11), 1625-1631.
• Benjakul, a blend of pepper species including black pepper, as well as ginger, was given at 300 mg orally for 28 days and was just as effective as diclofenac in relieving osteoarthritis.  From:  Rachawat, P., Pinsornsak, P., Kanokkangsadal, P., & Itharat, A. (2017). Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Benjakul Remedy Extract for Treating Primary Osteoarthritis of Knee Compared with Diclofenac: Double Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.

CHILI PEPPER

• This review of research discussed the following herbs for potentially treating osteoarthritis: turmeric, ginger, sesame, dog rose, rosemary, chili peppers, nettle, and some herbal blends.  Mahdavi, M., Taherian, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Taherian, R. (2018). Potential role of herbal medicine in alleviating pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, 3(1), 35-44.

CINNAMON

• This is a review of the use of cinnamon to treat arthritis. From: Miraghajani, M., & Ghiasvand, R. (2019). Cinnamon and Arthritic Care. In Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Arthritis and Related Inflammatory Diseases (pp. 253-260). Academic Press.
• In a study of 36 women with rheumatoid arthritis, the group who consumed 500 mg of cinnamon for 8 weeks showed reduced inflammatory biomarkers and swelling in their joints. From: Shishehbor, F., Rezaeyan Safar, M., Rajaei, E., & Haghighizadeh, M. H. (2018). Cinnamon consumption improves clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 37(8), 685-690.

COMFREY

• In a double blind study, a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus reduced pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.  From:  Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 10(3), 147-156.
• Symptoms of swelling, pain, and mobility of ankle distortions was improved with the topical application of a comfrey cream.  From:  Kučera, M., Barna, M., Horáček, O., Kováriková, J., & Kučera, A. (2004). Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: Results of a randomized controlled clinical double-blind study. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507.
• With ankle sprains, comfrey was safe and effective in reducing inflammation and pain.  From:  Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., … & Staiger, C. (2004). Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Rad. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Phytomedicine, 11(6), 470-477.

CUMIN, BLACK

• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.

DWARF ELDER

• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.

EUCALYPTUS

• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.
• In a double blind study, a topical cream containing comfrey, tannic acid, and eucalyptus reduced pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.  From:  Smith, D. B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2011). Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 10(3), 147-156.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE

• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.
• In a study of 84 patients with osteoarthrits, rubbing a chamomile herb oil on their knee three times a day for three weeks significantly reduced. From: Shoara, R., Hashempur, M. H., Ashraf, A., Salehi, A., Dehshahri, S., & Habibagahi, Z. (2015). Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L.(chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 21(3), 181-187.
• In a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover trial of 42 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, topical use of a pomonade that included arnebia and German chamomile helped relieve pain. From: Soltanian, A. R., Mehdibarzi, D., Faghihzadeh, S., Naseri, M., & Gerami, A. (2010). Mixture of Arnebia euchroma and Matricaria chamomilla (Marhame-Mafasel) for pain relief of osteoarthritis of the knee–a two-treatment, two-period crossover trial. Archives of medical science: AMS, 6(6), 950.

GINGER

• In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 59 elderly people with chronic knee pain, six massage sessions were given with oils of ginger and orange over a 3-week period vs just plain olive oil for the control group.  The aromatic group showed significant improvements in nee pain intensity, stiffness, and physical function.  From: Yip, Y. B., & Tam, A. C. Y. (2008). An experimental study on the effectiveness of massage with aromatic ginger and orange essential oil for moderate-to-severe knee pain among the elderly in Hong Kong. Complementary therapies in medicine, 16(3), 131-138.
• This was a 3 month double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with 120 knee osteoarthritis patients. The group who took 1000 mg of ginger powder daily showed reduced inflammation. From: Naderi, Z., Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Dehghan, A., Nadjarzadeh, A., & Huseini, H. F. (2016). Effect of ginger powder supplementation on nitric oxide and C-reactive protein in elderly knee osteoarthritis patients: A 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 6(3), 199-203.
• In a six-week double blind study, a ginger preparation including cinnamon, mastic (Saghez) and sesame oil was equally effective as a drug salicylate ointment in reducing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. From: Zahmatkash, M., & Vafaeenasab, M. R. (2011). Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 14(13), 715.
• In a study 2ith 44 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the group who used a ginger stew compress had better results that the group who received a hot water compress. From: Nofitasari, D., Purnomo, I., & Nugroho, S. T. (2019). The Difference Effectiveness Between Ginger Stew Compress And Warm Water Compress To Decrease Pain Scale In Rheumatoid Arthritis In Kenconorejo Village, Batang Regency. In International Nursing Conference on Chronic Diseases Management (pp. 168-172).
• In a random study with twenty people with chronic osteoarthritis, the group who received the ginger compress daily for 7 days had reduced symptoms. From: Therkleson, T. (2014). Topical ginger treatment with a compress or patch for osteoarthritis symptoms. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32(3), 173-182.
• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.
• Benjakul, a blend of pepper species including black pepper, as well as ginger, was given at 300 mg orally for 28 days and was just as effective as diclofenac in relieving osteoarthritis.  From:  Rachawat, P., Pinsornsak, P., Kanokkangsadal, P., & Itharat, A. (2017). Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Benjakul Remedy Extract for Treating Primary Osteoarthritis of Knee Compared with Diclofenac: Double Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.
• This review of research discussed the following herbs for potentially treating osteoarthritis: turmeric, ginger, sesame, dog rose, rosemary, chili peppers, nettle, and some herbal blends.  Mahdavi, M., Taherian, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Taherian, R. (2018). Potential role of herbal medicine in alleviating pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, 3(1), 35-44.
• Induced arthritic inflammation was reduced with the gingerol constituent of ginger essential oil in rats.  From: Funk, J. L., Frye, J. B., Oyarzo, J. N., Chen, J., Zhang, H., & Timmermann, B. N. (2016). Anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oils of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in experimental rheumatoid arthritis. PharmaNutrition, 4(3), 123-131.
• Arthritis patients experienced relief of pain and swelling with the use of ginger extract.  From:  Srivastava, K. C., & Mustafa, T. (1992). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Medical hypotheses, 39(4), 342-348.

HOPS

• A product with hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid reduced pain in arthritis subjects.  From:  Lukaczer, D., Darland, G., Tripp, M., Liska, D. A., Lerman, R. H., Schiltz, B., & Bland, J. S. (2005). A Pilot trial evaluating meta050, a proprietary combination of reduced iso‐alpha acids, rosemary extract and oleanolic acid in patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Phytotherapy Research, 19 (10), 864-869.
• A formula of from hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid reduced pain of osteoarthritis.  From:  Minich, D. M., Bland, J. S., Katke, J., Darland, G., Hall, A., Lerman, R. H., … & Tripp, M. (2007). Clinical safety and efficacy of NG440: a novel combination of rho iso-alpha acids from hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid for inflammatory conditions This article is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue (part 1 of 2) on the Safety and Efficacy of Natural Health Products. Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 85(9), 872-883.

JUNIPER

• Amentoflavones from Juniperus communis reduced arthritis in rats. From: Bais, S., Abrol, N., & Prashar, Y. (2017). Modulatory effect of standardised amentoflavone isolated from Juniperus communis L. agianst Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats (histopathological and X Ray anaysis). Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 86, 381-392.

LAVENDER

• In a randomized trial with 90 patients, an aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil reduced pain in knee osteoarthritis.  From:  Nasiri, A., Mahmodi, M. A., & Nobakht, Z. (2016). Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 25, 75-80.
• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.

MARJORAM

• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.

NETTLE

• This review of research discussed the following herbs for potentially treating osteoarthritis: turmeric, ginger, sesame, dog rose, rosemary, chili peppers, nettle, and some herbal blends.  Mahdavi, M., Taherian, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Taherian, R. (2018). Potential role of herbal medicine in alleviating pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, 3(1), 35-44.

NONI

• In a 3 month study of adults with osteoarthritis, drinking noni daily improved symptoms.  A larger human study is warranted.  From:  Wang, M. Y., Lutfiyya, M. N., Weidenbacher-Hoper, V., Peng, L., Lipsky, M. S., & Anderson, G. (2011). Morinda citrifolia L.(noni) improves the Quality of Life in adults with Osteoarthritis. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 1(2), 75-90.
• In a study of 90 patients with neck pain, neck pain and flexibility significantly improved in the noni group compared to the placebo.  From:  Akinbo S.R.A., Noronha C.C., Okanlawon A.O., Denesi M.A. Comparative study of the effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) with selected physiotherapy modalities in the management of patients with cervical spondylosis. Niger. J. Health Biomed. Sci. 2006;5:6–11.

OLIVE OIL

• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.

ORANGE

• In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 59 elderly people with chronic knee pain, six massage sessions were given with oils of ginger and orange over a 3-week period vs just plain olive oil for the control group.  The aromatic group showed significant improvements in nee pain intensity, stiffness, and physical function.  From: Yip, Y. B., & Tam, A. C. Y. (2008). An experimental study on the effectiveness of massage with aromatic ginger and orange essential oil for moderate-to-severe knee pain among the elderly in Hong Kong. Complementary therapies in medicine, 16(3), 131-138.

PEPPERMINT / MENTHOL

• Topical application of menthol on humans affects nociceptors to reduce pain.  From;  Wasner, G., Schattschneider, J., Binder, A., & Baron, R. (2004). Topical menthol—a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors. Brain, 127(5), 1159-1171.
• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.
• Menthol improved the analgesic efficacy of tetracaine gel, likely in related to enhanced percutaneous permeation.  From:  Liu, Y., Ye, X., Feng, X., Zhou, G., Rong, Z., Fang, C., & Chen, H. (2005). Menthol facilitates the skin analgesic effect of tetracaine gel. International journal of pharmaceutics, 305(1), 31-36.

POMOGRANATE

• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.

ROSEMARY

• This review of research discussed the following herbs for potentially treating osteoarthritis: turmeric, ginger, sesame, dog rose, rosemary, chili peppers, nettle, and some herbal blends.  Mahdavi, M., Taherian, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Taherian, R. (2018). Potential role of herbal medicine in alleviating pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, 3(1), 35-44.
• A product with hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid reduced pain in arthritis subjects.  From:  Lukaczer, D., Darland, G., Tripp, M., Liska, D. A., Lerman, R. H., Schiltz, B., & Bland, J. S. (2005). A Pilot trial evaluating meta050, a proprietary combination of reduced iso‐alpha acids, rosemary extract and oleanolic acid in patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Phytotherapy Research, 19 (10), 864-869.
• Lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint in an aromatherapy blend reduced depression and pain in those with arthritis.  From:  Kim, M. J., Nam, E. S., & Paik, S. I. (2005). [The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi, 35(1), 186-194.
• A formula of from hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid reduced pain of osteoarthritis.  From:  Minich, D. M., Bland, J. S., Katke, J., Darland, G., Hall, A., Lerman, R. H., … & Tripp, M. (2007). Clinical safety and efficacy of NG440: a novel combination of rho iso-alpha acids from hops, rosemary, and oleanolic acid for inflammatory conditions This article is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue (part 1 of 2) on the Safety and Efficacy of Natural Health Products. Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 85(9), 872-883.

RUE

• In a review of human studies, the following herbs aided in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive oil (Olea europaea), arnebia (Arnebia euchroma), rue (Peganum harmala), dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), pomogranate (Punica granatum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin seed (Nigella sativa). From: Bagheri, S., Ebadi, N., Taghipour, Z., Toliyat, T., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., & Zargaran, A. (2018). Persian medicine herbal therapies for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical trials. Res J Pharmacogn, 5(4), 75-81.

SESAME

• This review of research discussed the following herbs for potentially treating osteoarthritis: turmeric, ginger, sesame, dog rose, rosemary, chili peppers, nettle, and some herbal blends.  Mahdavi, M., Taherian, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Taherian, R. (2018). Potential role of herbal medicine in alleviating pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, 3(1), 35-44.

TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

• This review of research discussed the following herbs for potentially treating osteoarthritis: turmeric, ginger, sesame, dog rose, rosemary, chili peppers, nettle, and some herbal blends.  Mahdavi, M., Taherian, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Taherian, R. (2018). Potential role of herbal medicine in alleviating pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis: A review. Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, 3(1), 35-44.

• In a double blind study of rheumatoid arthritis patients who took curcumin, they noticed a significant improvement in symptoms.  From:  Dcodhar, S. D., Sethi, R., & Srimal, R. C. (2013). Preliminary study on antirheumatic activity of curcumin (diferuloyl methane). Indian journal of medical research, 138(1).

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 12/21/2022