5. Turmeric

You may have come across turmeric as an ingredient if you’ve ever attempted to cook curry, but did you know that it is also quite popular in folk medicine? Modern science has now caught up with our ancestors, proving that the active ingredient in turmeric known as curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Research has even found that turmeric may be able to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Although topical applications of turmeric for pain relief are present, it is more common in beauty care. According to The National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health, turmeric is most effective when taken orally. In case you do not like the taste of turmeric, curcumin capsules are a good substitute.