Ginger
A Strong clinical evidenceZingiber officinale
Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.
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Joints, Bones & Pain
Natural remedies used externally or internally for joint comfort, muscle aches and headaches.
12 herbs · 6 with clinical evidence (A/B) · 3 not marked avoid in pregnancy
Peppermint Oil
A Strong clinical evidenceMentha × piperita
Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache.
Red Pepper Flakes
A Strong clinical evidenceCapsicum annuum
Made by drying and crushing red chillies. Its capsaicin is used in effective nerve-pain creams; its effect in food is small.
Willow Bark
A Strong clinical evidenceSalix spp.
Willow bark extract may help with short-term low back pain. It contains salicylates, so it is unsuitable under 18 and with blood thinners.
Frankincense (Olibanum)
B Limited clinical evidenceBoswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata
The resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis.
Rose Hip
B Limited clinical evidenceRosa canina
A fruit rich in vitamin C. A special rose hip powder helped reduce pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis in small clinical studies.
Arnica
T Traditional useArnica montana
Gels and creams with arnica flower are used only on the skin for bruises, sprains and localised muscle pain; never on broken skin or by mouth.
Devil's Claw
T Traditional useHarpagophytum procumbens, H. zeyheri
Devil's claw root is traditionally used for minor joint pain, mild bloating and loss of appetite; people with stomach ulcers should not use it.
Eucalyptus Oil
T Traditional useEucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus oil is used as steam or a chest rub for cough with a cold and on the skin for localised muscle pain; never under age 2.
Mustard Seed
T Traditional useBrassica spp. / Sinapis alba
A seed used as a spice and condiment. Crushed into a poultice, its warming effect is traditionally used for muscle and joint pain and chest colds.
Rosemary
T Traditional useSalvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary leaf tea is traditionally used for indigestion and mild cramps; as a bath additive it is used for minor muscle and joint pain.
Stinging Nettle
T Traditional useUrtica dioica, Urtica urens
Nettle leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and to relieve minor joint pain.