There are an infinite number of popular joint support supplements, featuring all-natural ingredients and herbal blends. Various herbs and plant compounds have been studied extensively for the unique benefits they provide to those suffering from joint stiffness, discomfort, and tension.
The best way to find the right joint supplement for you is to look for ingredients that best support your specific needs and concerns. This article will cover our four favorite Ayurvedic herbs that focus on different aspects of joint health and wellness.
An Ayurvedic Herbal: Boswellia (or Indian Frankincense)
Boswellia’s resin has been a vital tool in Ayurveda for ages. Boswellia, also known as Indian Frankincense, contains boswellic acid a compound known to support the joints. This potential benefit is due to Boswellia’s unique ability to support healthy inflammatory levels. Poor inflammation levels are a leading cause of many joint-related complaints.
According to the Arthritis Foundation:
“Boswellic acids, especially one called AKBA, are powerful anti-inflammatories. They block an enzyme…that breaks down polyunsaturated fatty acids in foods into leukotrienes, inflammatory molecules that attack joints and other tissues. Boswellia may also help reduce cartilage damage in arthritis.”
Boswellia is a go-to herb for joint comfort and daily mobility - especially for the knees, hips, hands, and musculoskeletal support.
A Sweet And Spicy Supplement For Joint Support: Ginger
In a six-month trial of 247 participants, 63% of participants taking ginger had a significant reduction in knee issues.
“Ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and antioxidant activities, as well as a small amount of analgesic property,” says Roberta Lee, MD, vice chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. She recommends taking ginger in capsule form for the greatest benefit.
A Joint Health Powerhouse: Turmeric
If you’ve ever cooked with turmeric, you know firsthand it can stain everything it comes into contact with a bright yellow-orange color. This bright pigment comes from curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.
Curcumin has become a popular ingredient and favorite natural joint support supplement known for properties that support a healthy inflammatory response. Curcumin may be particularly helpful when it comes to joint tension and morning stiffness common for those with osteoarthritis.
Melina Jampolis, M.D., author of Spice Up, Live Long, and host of the Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina podcast, shares the complexity of curcumin’s regulation of healthy inflammatory actions. This key compound of turmeric has been found to bind directly to pro-inflammatory cytokines, stopping them from creating inflammation in the body.
Turmeric is a science-backed natural joint supplement that can help the body naturally protect itself from oxidative stress which may contribute to joint discomfort and immobility over time.
Joint Health Hack: Black Pepper (or Pepper Fruit)
While taking turmeric alone is beneficial, did you know there’s a way to increase its effectiveness by up to 2000%? When you consume turmeric alongside black pepper or “pepper fruit,” it boosts the absorption of turmeric, increasing the bioavailability of curcumin.
The component of black pepper responsible for activating this plant’s superpower is called piperine. Piperine allows curcumin to move through the digestive tract walls, so it can be better absorbed. When it comes to the process of absorption and digestion, piperine may also slow down how the liver breaks down curcumin, supporting the natural secretion of digestive enzymes. It’s no surprise that healthy digestion is another benefit of black pepper.
At Kerala Ayurveda, we’ve combined our favorite joint support ingredients into one restorative blend: Joint Support. Joint Support’s ingredients support healthy inflammatory levels, mobility, and flexibility so you can stay active and healthy. Our blend contains: Indian Frankincense Exudate (Boswellia serrata), Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma longa), Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale), and Pepper Fruit (Piper nigrum) for a complete, natural joint support supplement.
Looking for a soothing, topical joint cream? Add nutrient-rich KM Lepam tension cream into your joint care routine.
Check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement or Joint Support to be certain it’s right for you.
