It can be so frustrating trying to find relief from arthritis and joint pain, especially when it feels like traditional medications just aren’t cutting it. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you the best and most researched natural remedies for arthritis.
These remedies range from natural supplements to herbal remedies to aromatherapy and even heat therapy, and they can all make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
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10 Science-Backed Remedies for Arthritis & Joint Pain
All of the remedies below are scientifically backed by human studies, all sources are included.
1. Disinfecting Your Mouth (Regularly)
This may surprise you:
A growing body of research confirms that the bacteria that infect our gums may be the cause of many cases of arthritis.
Apparently, the bacteria that cause most cases of gingivitis infections, was also found in the joint synovial fluid of most arthritic patients in more than one study.
The obvious way to deal with this to prevent arthritis is to disinfect your mouth regularly and support high oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.
How to Do it: Disinfecting your mouth without chemicals is easy. A few of the best ways are baking soda (just add 1 tbsp to a cup of water and swish around your mouth, then spit). That’s all!
2. Turmeric
The primary polyphenol in turmeric known as curcumin has been scientifically proven (more than 600 studies in Medline) to have hundreds of benefits.
One of them is, of course, its powerful ability to fight inflammation and pain.
Turmeric is one of the most powerful herbs for any type of inflammation and pain, including arthritis.
How to Use Turmeric – here are the many ways to use Turmeric as an Arthritis remedy:
- Cooking – I recommend taking Turmeric with healthy fats such as olive oil for bioavailability so add turmeric to eggs, rice, pasta and soups, stir-fries, sauces, etc. The possibilities are endless because it’s so tasty.
- Green juice – add 1/2 – 1 tbsp to your green juice. Don’t take more than 1 tbsp a day.
- Supplements – the 2 best Turmeric supplements according to my research are Terry Naturally Curamin and Nu U Organic Turmeric (with black pepper for optimal absorption)
Safety and Side Effects – Curcumin is extremely safe, with a 2010 phase I safety study finding that oral doses as high as 8 grams a day were well tolerated.
But as with any other herb, avoid mixing it with any other synthetic medication before consulting with your doctor.
3. Infrared Light Therapy
Infrared light therapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve joint pain, but even though it is long-time proven to work, only a few people are aware of this remarkable drug-free way to relieve pain – fast.
In the last 40 years, research has found some powerful therapeutic benefits of light for our bodies;
Both visible red light and infrared light were proven to affect at least 24 different positive changes at a cellular level. Solid evidence has emerged to prove that red and infrared light can calm inflammation and relieve pain effectively.
People use it for Fibromyalgia pain, Lyme disease pain, muscle and nerve pain, and many more serious conditions.
Infrared light (at 880 nm) is a deep penetrating light that penetrates to a depth of about 2-5 cm, which makes it effective for bone pain, joint pain, and deep muscle problems.
NASA research has found that infrared light therapy is even effective for the painful side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Safety – infrared rays are 100% safe. They’re NOT the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. FIR heat is so safe that neonatal care units now use infrared heating systems to keep infants warm.
How to Use Infrared Light Therapy – luckily, there are more than a few ways to use infrared rays safely at home.
I have an infrared heating pad, which is so popular on the living room sofa that since I bought it, I get much more “spontaneous” visits from aching family members and friends.
The best ones use natural stones, such as Jade, to emit infrared rays directly into the painful areas. The relief can be almost immediate and lasts for hours, making medication completely unnecessary.
Infrared Sauna Blankets – though quite pricey, they are worth every cent, especially if you suffer from arthritis in different joints of your body. I also use mine for full-body detoxing and relieving stress.
4. Ginger Root
Ginger is second only to Turmeric in its dozens of well-documented and proven benefits – Arthritis and joint pain relief being some of them.
For example, one study found that Ginger contains compounds with significant joint-protecting effects in rheumatoid arthritis.
How to Use Ginger – fresh ginger is one of the tastiest foods. It adds great taste to your chicken soup and it pairs wonderfully with bananas, apples, chicken, and turkey, and you can always make gingerbread and ginger ale.
Arthritis-Relief Tea – whenever my mother’s arthritis flares up, I quickly make her my pain-relieving tea: I slice up a few pieces of fresh ginger root, and a few pieces of fresh turmeric root, and I boil them in water for 10 minutes.
Add a little lemon and some honey and you get the tastiest arthritis-relieving tea ever.
Herbal Mix with Ginger – another powerful arthritis remedy is the ginger powder, turmeric powder, and cinnamon powder combo.
Mix everything and close it in a jar. Take 1 tbsp every day, either in your coffee or in your green juice, and be amazed by the fast pain relief.
Supplements – according to my research, this is a high-quality ginger powder supplement.
Safety – Ginger is highly safe, especially if you just eat it or add it to your green juice. If you prefer taking a supplement, consult with your doctor for counter-interactions with your medication.
5. Eggshell Membrane
The eggshell membrane is a powerhouse of nutrients such as proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
The best news is that the eggshell membrane was recently scientifically proven to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation.
According to the results of a trial conducted by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a daily supplement of 500 milligrams of eggshell membrane taken over 10 days was found to not only reduce joint pain but also stiffness.
In another study published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging journal, patients who took 500mg of natural eggshell membrane for 30 days were completely free of pain at the end of the trial.
6. Gelatin
According to a meta-analysis by the National Institute of Health, ingested gelatin has been found to increase joint cartilage in animals.
The relief of pain and inflammation happens even before the cartilage is built up; gelatin seems to have an aspirin or cortisol effect on the cartilage.
How to Use Gelatin – the best way to eat gelatin is with other foods and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal plus meat, chicken, seafood dishes, and salads. It helps your body absorb nutrients and thus optimizes the value of any meal.
But, to make sure you don’t lose any of the nutrients – do not warm gelatin. Get unflavored and sugar-free gelatin (I prefer grass-fed gelatin, but it’s up to you), you don’t need any additives in your gelatin.
Another way is to incorporate it into foods that do not need heating. See an article with a few great ideas.
Safety – according to the NIH, gelatin has even been approved by the Food and Drug Administration – as a safe dietary supplement for healthy adults.
7. Krill Oil
New emerging data suggest that fatty acids from small shrimp-like organisms called krill, act in synergy with other natural anti-inflammatory compounds such as omega-3 fish oils to help decrease joint inflammation significantly.
Krill oil contains fatty acids similar to fish oil.
These fats are thought to be beneficial fats that decrease swelling, lower cholesterol, and make blood platelets less sticky. When blood platelets are less sticky they are less likely to form clots.
For example, one study found that Neptune Krill Oil at a daily dose of 300 mg significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days. That’s fast!
How to Use Krill Oil – this one is a high-quality Krill Oil supplement.
Safety – Krill Oil seems to be safe for most adults when used appropriately for a short amount of time (up to three months).
Do not use it if you are allergic or sensitive to seafood of course and consult with your doctor before taking it.
8. Rosehip Powder
Rosehips are the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals. Rose hips contain the seeds of the rose plant.
A recent review of studies has found that “Rosehip was almost three times more effective than standard paracetamol at relieving pain.
It was also almost 40 percent more effective than another common therapy, the drug glucosamine.
By the way, Rosehip is a generous source of Vitamin C.
How to Use it – eating raw Rosehip powder is probably the best way to get all of its benefits.
You can drink it in warm water, quarter lemon and orange peel, you can add it to your green juice, add it to your ice cream, or mix it in your granola or Muesli.
Safety – in studies, Rosehip powder did not have the side effects associated with other pain medications, including constipation and drowsiness. Again, check with your doctor first.
9. The Glucosamine-Chondroitin–Quercitin Combo (GCQG)
This powerful combo is quite popular among arthritis “veterans” and most people have heard about it or tried it.
A few studies have proven a significant pain-relieving effect for osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are naturally occurring forms of sugar that can help your body repair damaged joint cartilage to improve joint movement and flexibility.
How to Use it – this can only be used in a supplement form.
Safety – if you have diabetes, do not use this supplement because it can raise blood sugar levels. Consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
10. Cod Liver Oil
Vegans strike out on this one because Cod Liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the liver of codfish.
As with most fish oils, it has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cod liver oil also contains vitamin A and vitamin D.
One study has found that 2 teaspoons of cod liver oil a day has cut the number of powerful painkillers needed to ease the pain of arthritis.
Another study has found that 1 g of Cod Liver Oil (1 capsule) greatly reduced morning stiffness, swollen joints, and pain intensity. ()
How to Use Cod Liver Oil – take 1-2 capsules a day, after eating. I have a good one .
Safety – as with any other supplement, do not mix it with other medications before consulting with your doctor.
Always take capsules with meals to decrease possible side effects. High doses are possibly unsafe.
11. Aromatherapy
A few studies have found that aromatherapy has major effects on decreasing pain and depression levels in arthritis patients.
For example, this study found the following essential oils to be most effective: Lavender oil, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint blended in proportions of 2:1:2:1:1.
They were mixed with carrier oil composed of almond (45%), apricot (45%), and jojoba oil (10%), and they were diluted to 1.5% after blending.
How to Use – instead of trying to make an aromatherapy formula on your own, you can try an aromatherapy pain-relieving cream.
I’ve heard great things about DoTerra Deep Blue Rub, which is a topical cream infused with Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils (wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, German chamomile, helichrysum, and osmanthus).
Apply it to the painful area and wait for the moment of relief. It’s not greasy and it doesn’t stain.
Safety – as always, check with your doctor for counter-interactions and side effects. Each essential oil can have a different effect for every person and I wouldn’t recommend you to try to make this blend on your own of course.
Conclusion
This concludes my list of 11 scientifically-backed remedies for joint pain and arthritis.
Once more, I remind you to check for counter interactions with your medication and consult with your doctor if you have any other health problem to rule out. Pregnant and nursing moms should avoid these remedies.
And most importantly – no single cure for arthritis exists. One thing hasn’t changed in all of medical history: You can’t get healthy without changing your unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Eating healthy, exercising (or at least keeping physically active), and having a positive outlook on life are critical for maintaining youthful health.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
P.S
Check out my post about the remarkable benefits of Tart Cherry juice (for Arthritis) too!
1. Yes to both questions – meaning both pain relief and faster healing.
2. I would suggest applying the lotion after infrared treatment, not before.
Thanks for the reply.
1) One more thing, does this infrared therapy help in creating (growth of) the damaged cartilage tissue of the joint or does it give only temporary relief (without improving real cure )?
2) I am using some Herbal/Ayurvedic ointment/balm, can I apply it and above it apply the Infra-Red heating?
Yes, definitely. I think it will be very helpful for you.
Hello,
Can I use Infrared Light Therapy for my ankle?
I have severe wear and tear on my ankle after some sad incident. Its not natural arthritis but u can say osteoarthritis is caused by accident/surgery.
I have been using garlic, ginger, honey, black seeds, and glucosamine… I am very much improved but miles to go.
Can I use it on the front side of my ankle?
Simple hot and cold treatments can make a world of difference when it comes to arthritis pain. Long, warm showers or baths especially in the morning—help ease stiffness in your joints
Susan,
If the turmeric is not enough, I highly recommend that you try infrared light therapy, through an infrared heating pad for your shoulder. Even the most skeptic are amazed by how well it works for pain relief, without any need for medication.
I hope you feel better soon,
Meital
I take high-grade turmeric caps every day for my gall bladder and it helps that but it doesn’t seem to help arthritis in my shoulders. Glucosamine Chondroitin (glucosamine is from the shark fins and chondroitin is from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crabs) and if you have ANY kind of irregularity problems it will be FAR worse than that after taking that. You’ll actually plug the toilet. It’s that bad, not to mention what it’s doing to your body.