If you struggle with stiff knees or aching joints, even while you’re still young, you’re not alone. Joint pain is a common complaint, especially as we age or deal with conditions like arthritis. While there are many medications out there, more people are turning to natural joint pain remedies for relief. Two of the most popular options? Turmeric and ginger.
Rooted in traditional wisdom and backed by growing scientific research, these powerful roots are being used to relieve joint pain in every way, from turmeric and ginger shots to homemade remedies. In this blog, we’ll explore how turmeric, and ginger can offer pain relief for arthritis and other joint pains, and simple ways to add these natural ingredients to your daily routine.
Joint Pain and Arthritis
You can feel joint pain or discomfort in one or more joints because of a variety of reasons – injuries, inflammation, overuse and overexertion on joints, and arthritis. This leads to not just pain but also stiffness of joints and limited motion, swelling, and redness around the area. Arthritis is a broader term referring to conditions largely associated with inflammation of the joints. Some major types of arthritis are:
• Osteoarthritis is a condition in which tissues of the joints break down over time. It’s the most common type of arthritis and mostly impacting the elderly. It mostly targets joints in the hands, knees, hips, and lower back. Osteoarthritis can feel like mild pain, or even lead to disability.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition affecting the joints that results from autoimmune disease (i.e. when the immune system attacks its own tissues) (1). RA attacks joints in the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, feet, spine, knees, and even the jaw. Apart pain and loss of mobility in the joints, RA also causes fever, fatigue, and can lead to other medical problems related to the heart, lungs, etc. Apart pain and loss of mobility in the joints, RA also causes fever, fatigue, and can lead to other medical problems related to the heart, lungs, etc.
Now with an understanding of joint pain, we can explore joint pain remedies and the relationship between ginger and turmeric and arthritis.
What Turmeric Does for Joint Health
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice, mostly found in Indian cooking. It has also long been used as a medicinal aid in Ayurveda and ancient Chinese tradition because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It has a lot of health benefits, specifically offering pain relief for arthritis.
Turmeric is good for arthritis and other joint injuries because of its active compound “curcumin” – the secret to its healing abilities. These are the curcumin properties that alleviate joint pain:
1. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the joints. Studies show that curcumin treatment shows positive results for rheumatoid arthritis (2).
2. Antioxidant Action: Curcumin is also an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage joint tissues and worsen arthritis symptoms.
3. Improves Joint Function: Joint pain limits mobility of joints. By alleviating this pain, turmeric can help improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and make daily movements easier for people with arthritis (3).
4. Better Tolerance: Most functions of turmeric for improving joint pain are found in ginger too. But a vital differentiating factor is that turmeric is better tolerated for most people than ginger and pepper because it’s less hot and spicy.
Turmeric is also generally safe for human use and has no major side effects, making it an ideal natural treatment for joint pain. And because of the healing effects of curcumin, turmeric is good for arthritis too, making it a more targeted remedy.
How Ginger Supports Joint Health
Ginger is another spice that has several benefits apart from enhancing our foods. Ginger is known for its functions of anti-inflammation, in easing nausea, supporting digestion, and strengthening the immune system. So it’s also useful for joint pain because of anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects.
Compounds in ginger, like “gingerol”, are what ultimately reduce pain and support joint health. This is how:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ginger contains compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which help reduce inflammation and swelling in joints – key contributors to arthritis pain.
2. Antioxidant Effects: Ginger’s antioxidants help protect joint tissues from damage caused by free radicals, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.
3. Pain Relief: Ginger can suppress pain receptors and influence the way pain is perceived, thus relieving severe pain (4). It’s also effective for reducing arthritis pain.
4. Improves Joint Function: With its pain-relieving power, ginger can reduce pain of standing and walking, improve joint flexibility, and decrease disability in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Ginger is also considered safe for people, with mild side effects like occasional stomach discomfort. But it generally has a high safety profile, making it a suitable natural option for joint pain remedies.
How to Use Turmeric and Ginger for Joint Pain Relief
Here are some effective and interesting ways to take turmeric and ginger for your joint health:
1. Turmeric and Ginger Tea: One of the most popular and easy-to-make joint pain remedies is turmeric ginger tea. Simmer a teaspoon of turmeric powder along with a small piece of fresh ginger (or a teaspoon of ginger powder) in water for 5–10 minutes. Add milk and sugar as needed. Drink this tea once or twice daily for pain relief.
2. Turmeric and Ginger Shots: For a more concentrated dose, turmeric and ginger shots are gaining popularity. These are small servings of juice made from fresh turmeric and ginger roots, sometimes combined with lemon juice and black pepper. This quick punch can be taken in the morning or before meals as a quick remedy for joint pain.
3. Golden Milk: A traditional Indian remedy, golden milk combines turmeric powder with warm milk (dairy or plant-based), black pepper, and a touch of honey. This soothing drink not only supports joint health but also aids in sleep and digestion.
4. Cooking: Both spices can easily be added to daily meals – curries, soups, and stir-fries. While contributing to long-term joint health and reducing inflammation, these spices also add that extra bit of flavour to your food!
5. Topical Application: Some people use creams or oils containing turmeric and ginger extracts for targeted relief on sore joints. Topical use can help reduce localized inflammation and discomfort.
Daily Habits for Joint Health
Alongside natural remedies like turmeric and ginger, there are several other effective ways to relieve joint pain and support joint health.
• Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or gentle yoga, helps maintain flexibility and strengthens the muscles around your joints.
• Hot and cold therapy – like using warm compresses or ice packs – can provide temporary relief from pain and stiffness.
• Having a balanced diet incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, collagen-rich foods, and other anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can further support joint function. These include fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, and peppers.
Final Thoughts
Joint pain and arthritis can significantly impact daily life, but you can always find natural remedies that offer promising relief. The healing effects of turmeric and ginger are supported by scientific research, proving their effectiveness in reducing pain, swelling, and improving joint function. You can enjoy them as teas, shots, supplements, or incorporate them into your cooking – so there are also plenty of versatile and accessible options for managing joint discomfort. By including these natural allies in your routine, you can support healthier joints and a more active, comfortable lifestyle.
FAQs
Q1. Is turmeric good for joint pain?
Yes, turmeric is good for joint pain. Its active compound curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Q2. How to make turmeric and ginger tea?
Add ground turmeric and slices of ginger to boiling water for about 5-10 minutes. Strain it and pour it into a cup. You may add milk, sugar, or honey as needed. Your turmeric ginger tea is ready!
Q3. How to use ginger for joint pain?
Ginger can be used to relieve joint pain by using it in cooking, having it as a tea, or applying it topically as a cream. It’s also available in tablet or capsule form.
Q4. What is a natural remedy for joint pain?
Turmeric is a good natural remedy for joint pain as it has anti-inflammatory benefits.