Joint pain can strike any time of year, affecting mobility, mood and overall quality of life. In fact, a survey of women over age 45 found that 81 percent reported joint pain limited their activity, while 90 percent said it impacted their mood. While many people turn to painkillers for relief, these medications can have drawbacks, such as raising the risk of intestinal bleeding and even slowing recovery from illness, according to research from Vanderbilt University.
The good news? Science-backed, natural remedies can ease joint discomfort without harmful side effects. Here are some of the best solutions to help you stay active and pain-free year-round.
1. Best topical fix: comfrey cream
Comfrey cream, a natural anti-inflammatory, is proven to soothe joint pain and stiffness. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that using comfrey cream reduced joint pain by 33 percent within an hour and 95 percent after four days—twice as effective as many over-the-counter medications. Its active ingredients, allantoin and rosmarinic acid, help calm pain nerves, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
To use: Massage ½ teaspoon of comfrey cream, such as Traumaplant Comfrey Cream ($19.95, Amazon), onto sore joints three times daily for steady relief.
2. Best moving remedy: tai chi
For gentle, effective exercise that doesn’t stress joints, tai chi is a standout. In a study conducted at Tufts University, participants practicing tai chi twice weekly saw a 60 percent reduction in pain and an 80 percent decrease in stiffness—better results than brisk walking. Its slow, flowing movements improve circulation, delivering healing nutrients to joints and flushing out inflammation.
To start: Search YouTube for beginner tai chi tutorials to practice at home. Tailor your sessions to your energy needs: practice in the morning to energize or in the evening for relaxation.
Stretching can also help: Brazilian scientists say gently stretching a tight back can loosen muscles and reduce pain. For speedy relief: Sit on a carpeted floor with both legs in front of you. Reach as far as you can toward your toes; hold for 30 seconds, relax and repeat three times.
3. Best supplement: curcumin and boswellia
This powerhouse duo offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin, a turmeric extract, helps heal damaged joint tissues, while boswellia reduces the production of pain-triggering leukotrienes. According to a review of 12 studies, this combination alleviates chronic joint pain for 93 percent of users, outperforming many prescription medications.
To use: Try a supplement that combines curcumin and boswellia, such as Terry Naturally Curamin Extra Strength. For best results, take with a meal, as these compounds are fat-soluble and more effectively absorbed when consumed with food.
4. Best relaxation technique: a warm bath
Lounging in a hot bath can ease even your worst symptoms in 30 minutes, suggests a Penn State study. Turns out warming the skin activates a powerful signaling system within the body that calms intestinal muscle spasms, quashes pain and encourages the release of digestive enzymes.
5. Best essential oil: mint
Chinese research suggests firmly massaging tender feet with diluted wintergreen oil (6 drops mixed into 2 oz. of your favorite lotion) could put the spring back in your step in as little as five minutes. The study authors credit methyl salicylate, a powerful natural painkiller in wintergreen oil, for the feel-good perks.
