Living with pain can inspire an adventurous spirit—particularly when considering potential pain relievers. Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 80 percent of arthritis patients have tried some form of complementary or alternative medicine—such as meditation or chiropractic medicine—in addition to their regular medications. The prevalence of people thinking outside the medicine cabinet may bode well for your inner pioneer, but it also means the majority of arthritis patients are not getting the relief they need from a prescription.

According to the Arthritis Research Campaign, a fundraising and advocacy organization based in the United Kingdom, complementary medicine is one that works alongside established therapies like medication, for example, acupuncture. Alternative refers to those not currently recognized as effective treatments by Western medicine—think Reiki or crystals.

Fortunately, a handful of studies of complementary and alternative therapies for arthritis have generated results beneficial enough to make believers out of the biggest skeptics. Ready to explore? Here’s a roundup of the most effective alternative arthritis therapies to pass the double-blind test. Many of the following—with the exception of aromatherapy and acupuncture—were detailed in a 2008 review study issued by the Arthritis Research Campaign.

Herbal Remedies
Capsaicin, an herb extracted from chili peppers, has been found to alleviate pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis. How? By reducing something called Substance P in the body, which helps block pain signals sent from the brain. Capsaicin is available by prescription in the form of a cream or gel and was found to be a safe and effective way to relieve tenderness and joint pain. The only reported side effect was a mild burning sensation where the capsian was applied to the skin. 

Phytodolor is an herbal mixture made of aspen, common ash bark, and goldenrod that has been found to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints of osteoarthritis patients. Aspen contains a substance called salicin, an anti-inflammatory similar to aspirin. Common ash bark acts as an antioxidant, which protects joints from damage, and goldenrod has been shown to suppress swelling. Phytodolor is available in liquid form at some pharmacies, and minor side effects include stomach ache and skin allergy.

Dietary Supplements
Fish oils supplements have been proven to lower joint inflammation and boost the immune systems of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils extracted primarily from salmon, mackerel and sardines, are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and health food stores in capsules or liquid. Side-effects include stomach ache and dry skin.

S-adenosylmethionine, commonly known as SAMe, is a substance found naturally in the body that has been shown to improve function in people with osteoporosis. As a perk, it has also reduces pain in fibromyalgia patients and to relieve depression. SAMe stimulates the production of collagen and proteoglycans, both important parts of joint cartilage. Capsules are available in pharmacies; mild side effects may include nausea, headache, and upset stomach.  

Aromatherapy
A 2005 study by the Catholic University of Korea showed that aromatherapy significantly reduced pain and depression in patients with arthritis. Researchers mixed essential oils of lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint with a carrier oil made of almond, apricot, and jojoba oils. Forty lucky arthritis patients then received a massage with the oil solution and reported both less pain and a lighter mood. Essential oils, available at natural food stores, can be inhaled or used in a bath, but should always be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied directly to skin. Keep in mind that essential oils are different than fragrance oils, which are synthetic and not suitable for therapeutic aromatherapy.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture was first used in China more than 2,000 years ago, but in a 2004 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Western doctors finally learned that the practice significantly reduced pain for knee osteoarthritis patients who received treatments for eight weeks. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, the thin acupuncture needles are placed along invisible lines of energy in the body called meridians; Western medicine inserts the needles in clusters around the painful area. The needles stimulate endorphins and encephalins, two pain relieving hormones, which change how pain sensations are sent to the brain. Acupuncture has been shown to provide relief for up to 9 months and is effective in treating arthritis at any stage. The most common side effect is dizziness after treatment.