The use of natural treatments is soaring in popularity – and many botanicals can be used to naturally reduce joint pain.
When it comes to arthritis and joint pain, there are many options for natural treatment available. Some of them have been found to be as effective as ibuprofen, while others warrant extreme caution. The natural treatments listed below have been found to show some effectiveness for arthritic and joint pain.
1) Hemp Extract
Hemp oil contains CBD (cannabinol), which is the non-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) cannabis plant. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help alleviate joint pain.
It’s one of the most popular natural remedies for joint pain. A 2018 study on mice has shown high effectiveness for alleviating many types of pain. However, since CBD was only recently legalized, the research is in its infancy. There hasn’t been much published clinical study on humans.
Hemp can be drunk directly, mixed into certain foods (see more for delicious CBD breakfast smoothie recipes), and make a good substitute for olive oil.
2) Turmeric
Tumeric is most often found in various Asian dishes. Up to this point, it has mostly been consumed as food here in the U.S.
Clinical studies are beginning to show promise, particularly for arthritic knees. One of Tumeric’s ingredients, curcumin contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Up to this point, curcumin has been used as a supplement to treat joint symptoms.
Recent studies of actual turmeric versus the placebo have found that turmeric typically takes between eight and 12 weeks to start fully working. Those with mild-to-moderate knee arthritis have seen the most significant improvements.
Supplements are also shown to be more effective for arthritis due to having a higher volume of curcuminoids. The spice only contains up to nine percent curcuminoids at a time while the supplements can retain up to 95 percent curcuminoids.
3) St John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has anti-inflammatory properties and is showing some promise, especially for chronic inflammatory diseases. St. John’s Wort may be used to treat nerve pain in hands and feet, anxiety, and tension.
4) Black Seed Oil
Historically, Black seed has been used to treat all kinds of ailments from pink eye to arthritis. For RA especially, it has been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness for people already taking methotrexate. Some studies have shown that applying it to the knees for three or four weeks straight can help reduce the pain.
Other benefits of Black seed oil include:
- antioxidant
- alleviating burn pains and wounds
- antihistaminic
- antimicrobial
5) Arnica
Arnica is considered to be one of the most popular natural remedies for joint pain. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Aside from arthritis, it’s also shown to alleviate sprains, bruises, muscle soreness, and sports injuries.
It’s preferable to take it topically rather than orally. Taking it orally has been known to cause dizziness, tremors, and/or heart abnormalities.
6) Calendula
Calendula helps to treat many ailments from joint pain to menstrual cramps to muscle spasms. It has been shown to be effective in the short term but the long-term effects have not been studied. It contains chemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula is often used as its own extract, as a supplement, or as an ingredient in ointments, creams, or lotions.
7) Comfrey Root
Comfrey root has been used to treat muscle sprains and reduce joint inflammation for centuries. It can also be used to treat osteoarthritis. It contains rosemaric acid, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. Some studies have also found that it’s very effective at relieving upper and lower back pain.
It’s most commonly mixed in ointments, creams, or salves between five and 20 percent.
However, if taken in large amounts, it has been found to cause liver damage and it can be carcinogenic. Many medical experts also don’t advise using topicals on open wounds. However, small amounts are okay on closed wounds.
Be Sure to Work with Your Doctor and a Trained Naturopath
As natural treatments gain popularity, the medical field is now undertaking careful studies of them. Naturopaths are best trained in systems that are best for helping the body to heal itself from that particular ailment. That includes how to treat painful joints naturally.
CBD for Joint Pain
OnyxMana products are made to help those who are experiencing joint pain. Using CBD and other botanicals, our products are designed to help reduce joint pain and arthritis.
Browse our high potency CBD oil, cannabis-infused shea butter, and other CBD products.
