Ayurvedic Herbs for Joint Pain & Inflammation

Strychnos nux-vomica L. · Kupilu (कुपीलु) / Vishatinduka / Kuchla · Part used: Seed (primary — official in AyurvedaA traditional system of medicine from India, thousands of years old, that focuses on balance between mind, body, and diet — often using herbs, food, and lifestyle changes rather than isolated drugs., Unani, TCM, HomeopathyAn alternative medicine system, distinct from Ayurveda and herbalism, based on using highly diluted substances. It's a different tradition from the herbal/Ayurvedic approach used elsewhere on this site. pharmacopoeias): dried ripe seeds used exclusively after mandatory ShodhanaAyurvedic purification or detoxification — either of a patient (Panchakarma) or of toxic herbs to make them safe for use. (purification/detoxificationThe body's natural process of neutralising and eliminating waste products and toxins, carried out mainly by the liver and kidneys.). Raw unprocessed seeds are toxic and must never be used medicinally. Bark (secondary): used in some traditional formulations for fever and rheumatism. Root bark: used in classical texts for specific anti-parasitic preparations. Leaves: used topically for wound management and ulcers; also studied for grain protectant activity against storage pests. NOTE: All parts contain strychnineThe primary toxic alkaloid in Nux Vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica) — a glycine receptor antagonist; lethal in small doses without detoxification. and brucine. Internal use of any part without verified Shodhana processing is absolutely contraindicated.

Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. · Shallaki · Part used: Oleo-gum resin (gum resin exudate obtained by incision of the stem bark); bark is occasionally used in traditional preparations

Terminalia chebula Retz. · Haritaki, Abhaya (fearless — meaning without disease), Pathya (suitable for all paths of treatment), Kayastha (living in the body), Amrita (immortal nectar), Vijaya (victorious), Chetaki · Part used: Fruit (dried ripe fruit — primary part used in all clinical studies and classical preparations). Specifically, the pericarp (fruit wall) is the pharmacologically active part. Seed (removed in most pharmaceutical preparations; the nut inside is rarely used medicinally). API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) Part I Volume II specifies the dried ripe fruit as the official part for Haritaki.

Rubia cordifolia L. · Manjistha, Manjishtha, Samanga, Bhandiri, Yojanavalli, Vikasa · Part used: Root and stem (dried root and root-stock — the primary part specified in classical texts and used in essentially all clinical, animal, and cosmetic research). API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) specifies the dried root and stem as the official part. Manjistha belongs to the same genus (Rubia) as European Madder (Rubia tinctorum), a botanically related but chemically distinct species with an independently documented safety profile discussed below.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. · Nimba (निम्ब) · Part used: Leaf: most widely studied and commercially used part; used fresh, dried, and as extractA concentrated preparation made by pulling the active compounds out of a raw herb, usually using water, alcohol, or another solvent — generally stronger, dose-for-dose, than the raw plant material.. Bark (Tvak): used in classical Ayurvedic decoctions for fever and skin conditions. Seed kernel: source of neem oil and azadirachtin; primary use in agriculture and topicalApplied directly to the skin or a specific body surface, rather than taken internally. preparations; NOT used internally in standard doses due to toxicity concerns. Seed oil (expressed): topical use exclusively — internal use is toxic. Root bark: used in classical texts for worm infestations and gum disease; less commercially available. Flower: used in South Indian cuisine and traditional medicine; mild bitter tonicA substance traditionally used to gently strengthen and support the body over time, rather than treating one specific symptom quickly.. Fruit (Nimba phala): used in classical formulations; bitter, purgative at high doses. Twig (Dantakashtha): used as tooth-cleaning stick — one of the oldest dental hygiene tools in recorded history, mentioned in Charaka SamhitaA classical compiled text in Ayurveda, such as Charaka Samhita or Sushruta Samhita, containing foundational medical knowledge..

Ficus religiosa L. · Ashvattha (अश्वत्थ) · Part used: Bark (Tvak): most studied and most used medicinal part; used in decoctions for skin, metabolic, and respiratory conditions. Leaf: used fresh as poultice and in decoctions; studied for antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Fruit: mild laxative; studied for antioxidantA substance that neutralises free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA when they accumulate. activity. Latex: topical use for warts and skin conditions; caustic at high concentrations. Root bark: used in classical texts for gum disease and wound healing. Tender shoots: used traditionally for diarrhea management. Seed: used in some classical preparations; limited modern pharmacological data.

Acorus calamus L. · Vacha, Ugragandha, Golomi, Sadgrantha · Part used: Rhizome (primary; API Part I Volume II specifies rhizome as official part)