5 Natural Spices to Help Combat Knee Pain

In this article, find out how turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne pepper can help you combat knee pain. Give them a try!
5 Natural Spices to Help Combat Knee Pain

Last update: 27 May, 2022

If you’ve found this article, it’s probably because you’re looking for a natural way to combat knee pain. You can achieve this with proper treatment and some extra help from a few spices with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Discover in this article how turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne pepper can help you combat knee pain. You can incorporate them into your diet to take advantage of their great health benefits.

Knee pain

Unfortunately, knee pain is a frequent problem that is not limited to a specific age range. It can be related to a ligament or cartilage injury, or an illness such as arthritis, gout or infections.

The main symptoms are inflammation and redness. However, some people also suffer from stiffness, weakness or instability. In some cases, people can have limited mobility when stretching the knee or hear some crunching noises when they move.

No matter what, it’s important to always go to the doctor so a medical professional can make a formal diagnosis. Also, this profession will supply you timely treatment, especially if the symptoms are significant or get worse.

Keep reading to find out which 5 spices can help to combat knee pain naturally after you get advice from your doctor.

5 natural spices to help combat knee pain

1. Turmeric

Turmeric to combat knee pain

Thanks to the active compound curcumin, this natural spice can help combat knee pain. It acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

The first natural ingredient worth mentioning is the queen of spices: turmeric. This powerful medicinal remedy has been consumed and used medically since ancient times thanks to the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties.

In fact, some research confirms that its effects are stronger than those of some medications used to relieve pain. Also, there’s the added advantage of not having side effects for your health. Therefore, it should be your first option when looking for natural solutions to combat knee pain.

2. Ginger

Ginger comes from the same family as turmeric and is another excellent remedy for relieving pain naturally. Also, you can either consume it or use it topically by applying ginger essential oil diluted in another base oil.

This study, for example, shows the positive results of ginger extract with a group of 247 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The statistics show a reduction in the intensity of symptoms.

However, you do need to consider the dose to avoid mild digestive discomfort that this spice could cause in some cases.

3. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a very spicy active compound but also very beneficial against pain. Additionally, just like ginger, you can also combine oral and topical use.

However, if you choose to add cayenne to your meals, keep in mind that it can sometimes irritate your digestive system. However, you can avoid this side effect if you incorporate it into your diet very gradually.

4. Ceylon cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks to combat knee pain
Cinnamon contains nutrients that help fight inflammation and pain. Therefore, it is a good natural remedy to use in conjunction with other treatments for knee pain.

Cinnamon is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties, among many other healing virtues. It can be used topically to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. To use topically, combine cinnamon with other ingredients such as ginger and sesame oil.

It’s a good idea to choose the Ceylon cinnamon variety. The therapeutic effects of this particular variety are much more potent, compared to others. You can add it to sweet and savory recipes, prepare it as a tea or take it as a supplement.

5. Cloves

Finally, cloves contain eugenol in significant amounts. This compound, which is also present in cinnamon and nutmeg, has analgesic properties. In fact, this spice was already used in ancient times as a remedy to relieve toothaches.

You can apply clove oil on the affected area to get relief, by providing some numbness of the knee. However, you must be consistent with this method to notice a significant improvement.

Help combat knee pain with these five natural spices!

Now you know about these 5 healing spices that help to combat knee pain. Not only can they help you spice up and enhance the taste of food but they also have very effective medicinal benefits for various health conditions.

Try them and discover all the benefits!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Altman, R. D., & Marcussen, K. C. (2001). Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism. https://doi.org/10.1002/1529-0131(200111)44:11<2531::AID-ART433>3.0.CO;2-J
  • Asimi, O. A., Sahu, N. P., & Pal, A. K. (2013). Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Property of Some Indian Spices. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications.
  • O’Neill, J., Brock, C., Olesen, A. E., Andresen, T., Nilsson, M., & Dickenson, A. H. (2012). Unravelling the Mystery of Capsaicin: A Tool to Understand and Treat Pain. Pharmacological Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.112.006163

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.