Joint pain is most commonly related to arthritis, a condition that affects 46 million, or one in five American adults, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The loss of cartilage can cause bones to rub together and create painful sensations. For others, past sprains or breaks can lead to pain later in life. Plenty of over-the-counter and prescription medications promise relief, but you have plenty of options if you are seeking a natural remedy. Contact your doctor prior to beginning any herbal regimen to investigate any potential drug interactions or side effects.
Exercise and Regular Movement
As is the case with nearly every physical condition, regular exercise can provide relief. The Arthritis Foundation writes that exercise reduces arthritic inflammation and eases joint pain. A plan developed by the foundation and tested at the University of North Carolina used two one-hour long workouts each week for eight weeks. Doctors measured fatigue, pain, stiffness, and performance. The study concluded that exercise caused improvements in each monitored area.
Shallaki
Known by its scientific name Boswellia serrata, shallaki is an herb used in ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda, which is native to India, is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Shallaki is a natural anti-inflammatory. The natural health website Single Herbs reports that shallaki as an ointment acts as both a sedative and an analgesic. The herb blocks the synthesis of leukotriene enzymes, which inflame tissue and cause pain.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a flowering plant of the buttercup family native to North American countries. The NCCAM reports that it has long been used for the treatment of rheumatism and joint pain. A 2007 meta-review published by British researchers at the University of Exeter showed that black cohosh and other tree-based resins may relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine
An organic chemical found in healthy cartilage, glucosamine is a proven treatment for osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. The NIH and the Mayo Clinic both use information from the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, which gives the supplement its highest rating for the treatment of joint pain in the knee, and the second-highest possible grade for treating general osteoarthritis pain.
Cod Liver Oil
The University of California Berkeley's Wellness Letter reports that cod liver oil improves stiffness and joint pain, as it slows the deterioration of cartilage in joints. The Independent, a British newspaper, reported in 2004 that the oil can slow the process of cartilage loss by reducing levels of the tissue- damaging enzyme in the body.
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