The plant world offers numerous plants that help improve flexibility, mobility, and joint comfort. These traditionally used plants are regularly studied by the scientific community. Here are some of the beneficial plants for joint health.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), whose former name *spirea* inspired the word *aspirin*, offers inflammation-modulating properties. This European native plant was already used in the Middle Ages. Meadowsweet flowers contain salicylated compounds, including salicylic acid—the future active ingredient in aspirin—as well as flavonoids, which act as antioxidants.
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has been used in traditional African medicine for its joint health benefits. It helps modulate inflammation in chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Its fruit features claw-like hooks that tend to latch onto the soft parts of livestock hooves, causing diseases within herds. This is how it earned its name, "Devil’s claw."
Boswellia
Boswellia resin (Boswellia serrata) has been used for millennia. The Egyptians notably used it for embalming. It helps prevent collagen degradation and offers inflammation-modulating properties.
Blackcurrant
The leaves and berries of this bushy shrub native to Europe are the parts used. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is rich in proanthocyanidins with anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds also help protect cartilage.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Indian saffron (Curcuma longa), is a herbaceous plant native to Southeast Asia. It contains curcumin, which fights free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Bamboo
Bamboo is rich in silica, which contributes to bone mineralization.
