Joint Discomfort

Warning: the leaves were studied for arthritis only in a computer and chemistry study; the seeds are deadly poisonous.

Traditionally used for backache and rheumatism; the leaf reduced pain in mice. It hasn't been tested in people.

Traditionally used for joint pain. Root bark compounds reduced joint swelling in arthritic rats; no human trials.

Used in traditional Indian medicine for rheumatism. Not tested in people.

Promoted for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but there's no conclusive evidence from studies in people.

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for rheumatic joint pain. Not tested on its own in trials.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for rheumatic joint pain. Not tested in trials, and it can be toxic.

In trials, comfrey root creams eased knee arthritis pain and back pain more than a dummy cream. Use on the skin only.

A traditional EU herbal medicine for minor joint pain; trials of variable quality in osteoarthritis and back pain suggest it helps.

Used in Chinese medicine for rheumatic conditions, and reduced arthritis in mice. Not tested in people.

Traditionally used in Ayurveda for arthritis and rheumatism. Memorial Sloan Kettering finds the evidence lacking.

The leaves are used in Chinese medicine for bone and joint conditions. Gungo peas as food haven't been studied for this.

Traditionally put on the skin for muscle and joint problems. It hasn't been tested in clinical trials.

A traditional Chinese remedy for rheumatic joint pain; relieved pain and inflammation in animal studies. Not tested in trials.

Traditional use only: used for rheumatism and arthritis in India and Korea. Not studied in people.

Used traditionally for arthritis. A leaf extract reduced joint swelling in arthritic rats; not tested in people.

In one small study without a comparison group, people with rheumatoid arthritis reported relief after 15 days of Vardhamana Pippali.

Native Americans used the bark for rheumatism and swollen joints. Not tested in trials.

A review of 3 maker-supported trials found rosehip powder eased osteoarthritis pain.

Sarsaparilla plants have traditionally been used for gout and rheumatism.

A gel from a related species, Sphaeralcea angustifolia, eased hand osteoarthritis about as well as diclofenac gel in one trial. Scarlet globemallow itself hasn't been tested.

Traditional use only: a review of historical records says Native peoples used magnolias such as this one for rheumatism. Not studied in people.

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for "wind-damp" aches and pain. Not tested in trials.

A review of 6 trials found willow bark eased arthritis pain more than a dummy pill; evidence is still weak.

Traditionally used for arthritis. The only studies in people are old and not widely accepted.