Remedies

Boswellia serrata herb

A resin extract whose boswellic acids inhibit an inflammatory pathway distinct from NSAIDs.

Capsaicin (topical) chemical

A chili-pepper extract rubbed on the skin to dull localized pain.

Chondroitin sulfate supplement

A cartilage component often paired with glucosamine, with a small short-term effect on OA pain.

Collagen peptides supplement

A protein supplement with moderate recent evidence for knee OA symptoms.

Comfrey (topical) herb

A traditional "knitbone" applied to the skin for back pain and sprains — for topical use only.

Devil's claw herb

A southern-African root with short-term evidence for low back pain.

Fish oil (omega-3) supplement

Marine omega-3 fatty acids with modest, well-studied anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger herb

A common kitchen root with modest evidence for osteoarthritis pain.

Glucosamine sulfate supplement

A cartilage building-block supplement whose benefit appears to depend heavily on the exact preparation.

Magnesium nutrient

An essential mineral widely recommended for cramps — though the best evidence is unconvincing.

Menthol (topical) chemical

A cooling counter-irritant in many OTC muscle rubs.

SAM-e supplement

A naturally occurring molecule sold as a supplement for joint pain and mood, with inconclusive OA evidence.

Tart cherry supplement

A polyphenol-rich juice studied for exercise recovery.

Turmeric (curcumin extract) herb

A culinary spice whose curcuminoids are among the best-studied natural anti-inflammatories for joint pain.

Vitamin D nutrient

An essential vitamin often blamed for aches — but supplementing it rarely fixes non-specific pain.

White willow bark herb

The botanical origin of aspirin, with moderate-quality evidence for short-term back pain.