11 Herbal Creams For Osteoarthritis

Herbal creams can be a helpful addition to managing osteoarthritis symptoms.

These creams often contain herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and stiffness. One example is Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, which contains a compound called curcumin. This compound has been shown to inhibit the production of enzymes that cause inflammation, which can make osteoarthritis symptoms worse. Another herb commonly used in herbal creams is Zingiber officinale, or ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the joints from damage caused by free radicals.

Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, is also sometimes used in herbal creams for osteoarthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Herbal creams can be applied directly to the affected joints, which allows the herbs to be absorbed into the skin and reach the affected areas. This can be a more targeted and effective way to manage osteoarthritis symptoms than taking oral supplements or medications. By reducing inflammation and pain in the joints, herbal creams can help improve mobility and reduce stiffness, making it easier to perform daily activities. Using herbal creams can also be a more natural and gentle approach to managing osteoarthritis symptoms. They can be a good option for people who are looking for alternative or complementary therapies to manage their symptoms.

However, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, especially if you're already taking medications or have other health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for osteoarthritis and wh.

1. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa creams contains curcuminoids, which are its active constituents.

Curcumin, a key curcuminoid, has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. The antioxidant properties of curcumin also help protect joints from oxidative damage, which can contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis. Turmeric's bioavailability is improved by combining it with other compounds, like piperine, found in black pepper, which enhances its absorption into the body.

This allows curcumin to reach the joints and help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness.

1. Gather ingredients: 2 cups of coconut oil, 1 cup of shea butter, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
2. Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in turmeric powder until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container or a silicone candy mold. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature.
5. Once solid, add lavender essential oil and mix well. Store the Curcuma longa cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

2. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale creams contains a compound called gingerol, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Gingerol blocks the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, reducing swelling and pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Another key compound in Zingiber officinale creams is shogaol, which has been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down joint cartilage. Shogaol also has antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy joint function.

By reducing inflammation and promoting joint health, Zingiber officinale creams may provide relief from the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

1. Gather ingredients: 2 cups of coconut oil, 1 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder, 2 tablespoons of ginger powder, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
2. Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally.
3. Add beeswax to the melted mixture and stir until it's fully incorporated.
4. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in turmeric powder, ginger powder, and vitamin E oil.
5. Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool and solidify. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

3. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra creams contains active constituents like glycyrrhizin and saponins.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Glycyrrhizin also inhibits the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation. Saponins in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams also have antioxidant properties, which help protect joints from damage and promote healing.

By reducing inflammation and protecting joints, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams can help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.

1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of glycerin, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of glycyrrhiza glabra extract, and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
2. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Add the glycerin and mix until combined.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and add the glycyrrhiza glabra extract and aloe vera gel. Stir well.
4. Add the distilled water and mix until the mixture is smooth. Check the temperature to ensure it's below 104°F (40°C).
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool. Once cooled, use a spoon to create a smooth cream. Store the cream in a cool, dry place.

4. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis creams contains biologically active constituents like acemannan, aloin, and vitamins A, C, and E. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce joint pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis.

Acemannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe vera, has been shown to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are essential for healthy cartilage. The antioxidants in aloe vera, including vitamins A and E, help protect the joints from oxidative stress and inflammation, while aloin has been found to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

By reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the cartilage, aloe barbadensis creams may provide relief from the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup Aloe barbadensis gel, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup shea butter, 2 tablespoons beeswax, 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil.
2. Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. Stir until beeswax is fully melted.
3. Add Aloe barbadensis gel to the melted mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add vitamin E oil and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely. Once set, your Aloe barbadensis cream for osteoarthritis is ready to use.

5. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus creams contains bioactive constituents like cineole and eucalyptol.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. The decongestant properties of eucalyptol can also help relieve stiffness and improve joint mobility. Additionally, cineole has antioxidant properties, which protect joints from oxidative stress and promote healing.

By reducing inflammation and improving joint health, eucalyptus globulus creams can help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.

1. Gather 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil.
2. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Add the melted beeswax to the coconut oil mixture and stir until combined.
4. Add the Eucalyptus globulus essential oil to the mixture and stir well. Pour the mixture into a glass jar.
5. Let the mixture cool and solidify. Once solid, the Eucalyptus globulus cream is ready to use for osteoarthritis relief.

6. Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis creams contains saponins, flavonoids, and catechins as its bioactive constituents.

These compounds help reduce inflammation and slow down cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of saponins and flavonoids inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which contribute to joint pain and stiffness. Catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been shown to inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that break down cartilage.

By reducing inflammation and inhibiting cartilage breakdown, Camellia sinensis creams may provide relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.

1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of dried Camellia sinensis leaves, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
2. Steep 1 cup of dried Camellia sinensis leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool and then strain the leaves.
3. In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, and 1/4 cup of beeswax over low heat, stirring until smooth.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil and the cooled Camellia sinensis infusion to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify. Once set, your Camellia sinensis cream is ready to use for osteoarthritis relief.

7. Boswellia serrata

Boswellia serrata creams contains boswellic acids, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) and 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA).

These boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Boswellic acids also inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2 and lipoxygenase, which contribute to joint damage and pain. Additionally, boswellic acids have antioxidant properties, which protect the joints from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

By reducing inflammation and protecting the joints, Boswellia serrata creams may provide relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.

1. Gather ingredients: 2 cups of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of Boswellia serrata powder, and 10 drops of vitamin E oil.
2. Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until melted.
3. Add shea butter to the melted mixture and stir until combined.
4. Add Boswellia serrata powder and mix well. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of coconut oil.
5. Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and harden. Once hardened, add vitamin E oil and stir well. Your Boswellia serrata cream is now ready to use.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba creams contains the bioactive constituents bilobalide and flavonoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the joints and protect them from damage caused by free radicals. The flavonoids also help to improve blood flow to the joints, which can reduce pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of bilobalide can help to reduce joint swelling and pain.

By reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, Ginkgo biloba creams may provide relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

1. Gather 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, and 1/4 cup of beeswax in a small saucepan.
2. Melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in the saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of Ginkgo biloba extract and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to the melted mixture. Stir well.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Pour it into a container or tin.
5. Let the mixture cool and solidify completely. Once set, your Ginkgo biloba cream for osteoarthritis is ready to use.

9. Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza creams contains compounds like tanshinone, salvianolic acid, and rosmarinic acid.

These bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Tanshinone, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which contribute to joint damage and pain. Salvianolic acid also has antioxidant properties that help protect joints from oxidative stress, further reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Salvia miltiorrhiza creams may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness.

1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of dried Salvia miltiorrhiza roots, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
2. Dry the Salvia miltiorrhiza roots in a low-temperature oven (150°F) for 2 hours.
3. Combine 1 cup of dried Salvia miltiorrhiza roots with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid and let it cool. Mix the cooled liquid with 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts. Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled and solidified, your Salvia miltiorrhiza cream is ready for use.

10. Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa creams contains two key compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis. THC acts as a pain reliever by binding to the brain's pain receptors, while CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation in the affected joints. The creams also contain terpenes, such as limonene and beta-pinene, which have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

When applied topically, these compounds can help alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, without the need for oral medication.

1. Gather 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of hemp seed oil, and 2 tablespoons of cannabidiol (CBD) oil.
2. Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
3. Add the shea butter and hemp seed oil to the melted mixture. Stir until smooth and combined.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the CBD oil. Let it cool until it reaches 120°F to 130°F.
5. Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool and solidify. Once set, use as needed to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.

11. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis creams contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant, and carnosic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.

These bioactive constituents help reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid also help to reduce joint swelling and stiffness. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of rosmarinic acid help protect the joints from oxidative stress, which can contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis.

The combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in Rosmarinus officinalis creams makes it a potential natural remedy for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.

1. Gather 1 cup of dried Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaves and 1 cup of coconut oil in a saucepan.
2. Heat the coconut oil in the saucepan over low heat and add the dried Rosemary leaves.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 2 hours, then strain it through a cheesecloth into a bowl.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of shea butter to the bowl and mix until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool. Once set, use the Rosemary cream to massage into affected areas for osteoarthritis relief.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent osteoarthritis from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help prevent osteoarthritis from forming, but it's not a guarantee.

Some herbal teas, like ginger and turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties that could slow down joint damage. These teas might also help reduce pain and stiffness.

However, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on osteoarthritis.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for osteoarthritis every day?

Consuming herbal teas for osteoarthritis every day is generally considered safe if you're using them in moderation.

Some herbs, like ginger and turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease joint pain. However, be aware that excessive consumption can cause stomach upset or interact with medications.

Monitor your body's response and adjust your intake accordingly.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in osteoarthritis?

Herbal teas like turmeric, ginger, and willow bark may help with osteoarthritis symptoms.

Results can vary, but some people notice relief from pain and stiffness within a few weeks to a few months.

Drinking these teas regularly can help reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility over time.

What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for osteoarthritis?

For osteoarthritis, it's best to drink herbal tea in the morning and early afternoon.

This is when your body is most active, and the anti-inflammatory properties in the tea can help soothe and calm your joints.

Drinking it too close to bedtime might interfere with your sleep, so it's better to have it during the day.

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