By 2025, the US cannabidiol (CBD) industry is predicted to reach $26 billion. As public acceptance expands, so do CBD product lines and purpose.
More CBD manufacturers are developing new topical products with herbal extracts for specific health benefits. With so many CBD products, plus the different types of herbs, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
In this post, I hope to provide you a solid starting point. It will cover how five unique herbs can support CBD topicals for treating two gout symptoms; pain and inflammation.
Before reading any further, you should know that topical products treat only the symptoms, not the cause of gout. A topical gel or cream can provide temporary relief to a joint area when gout strikes, but it will not stop gout from developing.
To learn the root cause of gout and the physiology involved, the easiest way is to check out this section: Gout Basics
Arnica
History – Claims
Arnica is also referred to wolf’s bane, leopard’s bane, and mountain arnica. Its pain relieving effects were known since the 16th century. European folk remedies utilize Arnica to treat sprains, muscle aches, skin wounds, joint pain, and inflammation.
Today, you can find a variety of over the counter products with Arnica. It is made to reduce the pain and bruising from arthritis, myalgia, post-shingles neuralgia, post-surgical pain, flesh wounds and cancer.
Active Compounds – Forms – Usage
The major anti-inflammatory compound found in Arnica is helenalin. This compound is toxic when ingested in large amounts. However, it is safe when formulated in topical products.
Arnica is commonly found in sports creams, ointments, and salves. It soothes stiff joints and sore muscles. It also sold as a dried herb and an oral supplement.
Arnica Herbs can ease gout symptoms: Pain and Inflammation
A comprehensive 2021 review compiled results from different studies on Arnica and pain. Different clinical trials found topical products with Arnica extract provided pain relief for arthritis, lower back injury, post-operation recovery, and other types of musculoskeletal ache.
A 2013 Australian osteoarthritis study reported an Arnica gel performed similar to ibuprofen in reducing pain, lowering inflammation and improving joint function.
Furthermore, other studies revealed Arnica can be more effective in combination with other extracts, for treating, muscular cramps, soreness, swelling and pain.
CBD Topical Products with Arnica

Irwin Naturals Extra Strength CBD Balm with Arnica 1000mg
Green Eagle CBD Relief Cream (also contains: rosemary, eucalyptus, horsetail, menthol, lavender)
Medterra CBD Pain Relief Cream (also contains: rosemary, menthol)
Rosemary
History – Claims
Since the ancient Greeks and Persians, rosemary has been utilized as a medicinal and culinary herb. Historically, several civilizations have devised folk remedies for a variety ailments, such as gout, rheumatism, toothache, fever, asthma, poor circulation and indigestion.
Scientific studies have reported potential benefits of rosemary regarding modern diseases like, arthritis, psoriasis, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Active Compounds – Forms – Usage
Rosmarinic acid is a powerful antioxidant in rosemary. It promotes antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Herbalists recommend rubbing rosemary oil on the affected area for sprains, muscle soreness, rheumatism, and arthritis like gout. Also, rosemary extracts in moisturizers nourish and hydrate the skin.
The essential oils made from rosemary are popular in aromatherapy. Claims suggest its scent enhances memory, improves concentration, reduces stress and stimulates appetite.
Rosemary Herbs can ease gout symptoms: Pain and Inflammation
Rosemary can relieve pain and and reduce inflammation, which are two major symptoms of gout.
Researchers have determined the anti-inflammatory effects of rosemary comes from its concentration of polyphenols. These unique compounds limits the chemicals that trigger the inflammation response of your immune system.
A 2021 animal study on osteoarthritis found a topical gel made with essential oils of peppermint and rosemary reduced joint pain.
Results from a small clinical study demonstrated an ointment made of rosemary and lavender essential oils reduced pain and improved joint motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
CBD Topical Products with Rosemary

Kat’s Naturals CBD Cream with Capsaicin (also contains: rosemary, ginger, juniper)
Resilience CBD Sports Cream – Fresh Mint (also contains: arnica, eucalyptus, menthol)
Ignite CBD Essential Oil Roll-on – Recharge (also contains: arnica, menthol, jojoba)
Boswellia (Frankincense)
History – Claims
Boswellia is recognized in the Western world as frankincense. The Ancient Egyptians are the oldest known civilization to utilize Boswellia. They used it to treat infections and respiratory conditions.
Historically, traditional medicines from many countries have learned how to prepare this herb. Some ailments Boswellia can help with: general soreness, fevers, skin infections, stomach disorders, boils, hemorrhoids, mouth sores, inflammation and asthma.
Modern science pose the potential benefits of Boswellia for arthritis, digestive disorders, asthma, skin disease, and leukemia.
Active Compounds – Forms – Usage
Boswellia has natural healing effects: anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, moisturizing, antibacterial, antiseptic, and astringent. Boswellic acid is the major anti-inflammatory compound which makes this herb unique.
Boswellia extract is commonly marketed in capsule, gel, and liquid forms. It is applied topically to ease inflammation.
Additionally, many aromatherapy products contain Boswellia to quiet the mind, boost energy, and promote healing. Boswellia essential oil is considered “the king of essential oils” because of its many benefits.
Boswellia Herbs can ease gout symptoms: Pain and Inflammation
A 2020 comprehensive review and meta-analysis reiterated several positive effects of Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients. Results indicated less inflammation and pain in sore joints.
Many researchers continue to learn how boswellic acid regulates enzymes and pathways that trigger the autoimmune response to inflammation.
Another study expanded on Boswellia’s potential benefits for inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic bronchitis, asthma and bowel disorders.
CBD Topical Products with Boswellia (Frankincense)

CryoFreeze CBD Sport Recovery Cream 300mg (also contains: arnica, chamomile, eucalyptus)
Sera Relief Soothing Cream 300mg 15ml (also contains: arnica, menthol, aloe vera)
Chamomile
History – Claims
Medicines with chamomile go as far back to ancient Egypt. It was regarded for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent and anesthetic effects.
Folk remedies with chamomile were created for muscle aches, chest colds, rashes, burns, ulcers, gout, anxiety, rheumatic pains and even sciatica.
Today, studies propose chamomile benefits may help with inflammation, cancer, common colds, anxiety, sleep, cardiovascular conditions, indigestion, infection and osteoporosis.
Active Compounds – Forms – Usage
Chamomile is loaded with flavonoids like apigein, lutelin, and quercetin. These compounds are anti-Inflammatory antioxidants.
Chamomile teas are very popular relaxation and sleep. Supplements are sold as capsules, oil extracts, tinctures, and creams. When applied topically, chamomile can cool the skin and lessen pain at the strained area.
Chamomile Herbs can ease gout symptoms: Pain and Inflammation
Keep in mind, many of the same flavonoids in chamomile are also found in gout-fighting fruits like berries, cherries and grapes.
A lab study determined chamomile decreases inflammatory reactions of the auto-immune system. Data indicated similar effects as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
In a three-week clinical trial, patients with knee osteoarthritis reported less pain when chamomile oil was used 3 times/day for 3 weeks. Furthermore, joint stiffness slightly improved.
The benefits of chamomile were also evident in a study on severe carpal tunnel syndrome. After applying a chamomile oil 2 times/day for 4 weeks, subjects experienced better wrist movement with less discomfort.
CBD Topical Products that contain Chamomile

Kush Queen Melt CBD Pain Relief Lotion (also contains: rosemary, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, ginger)
CBDMEDIC™ Muscle & Joint Pain Relief Spray (also contains: camphor, menthol, coconut oil, eucalyptus)
Bluebird Botanicals Hemp Sport CBD Lotion (also contains: arnica, jojoba, ginger)
Turmeric
History – Claims
Turmeric is from the same family as ginger. Both herbs originate from India over 4000 years ago. The roots are used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Historically, India, Asia, China and the Middle East cultures recognize turmeric is in their traditional medicine from
It is considered a “healing” plant for its many health benefits. Oral and topical remedies were prepared for ailments of the skin, mouth, upper respiratory tract, digestive tract, and inflamed joints.
Modern research reports potential health benefits of turmeric because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Active Compounds – Forms – Usage
Out of all the antioxidants in turmeric, curcumin is the most bioactive ingredient. It is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that may also aid the immune system in fighting infections.
Curcumin limits the enzyme activity associated with the anti-inflammatory response.
Taken as food or a supplement, turmeric can help with indigestion, joint inflammation, ulcers, liver disease, migraines, bronchitis, fever, cancer, cholesterol and musculoskeletal pain.
Topical products with turmeric supports anti-inflammatory treatment. It helps with arthritis, joint pain, general aches, skin conditions, eye infections, wounds, and swelling.
You can find fresh turmeric in any decent grocery. Turmeric supplements are sold in capsules, tablets, gels, teas, extracts, and powders.
Turmeric – Herbs that can ease gout symptoms: Pain and Inflammation
In 2020 and 2021, two comprehensive medical reviews were conducted on several turmeric studies. Multiple researchers concluded curcumin can provide relief to osteoarthritis symptoms. Patients reported less pain and better mobility after a few weeks of taking a turmeric extract.
In rheumatoid arthritis lab studies, turmeric reduced joint pain and swelling in similar ways to osteoarthritis. Also, a small clinical study saw curcumin improve joint swelling and stiffness.
Lastly, a 2018 study reported turmeric can ease gout symptoms of inflammation and pain like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
CBD Products with Turmeric/curcumin

Irwin Naturals CBD Soft-Gels +Turmeric Extra Strength (also contains: Boswellia, devil’s claw, rosehip)
Sana Botanicals Soothe CBD Salve (also contains: arnica, chamomile, rosemary, frankincense, eucalyptus)
Final Thoughts
Herbal extracts require more clinical studies to establish their effective and optimal dosages. It’s wise to first apply small doses to see how your skin and system react to a topical product.
These five herbs have justifiable claims on reducing pain and inflammation especially for arthritis. No one is claiming these CBD products will instantly eliminate the pain and swelling of full-blown gout. That’s wishful thinking for gout sufferers.
However, you cannot rule out the possibility of a topical CBD decreasing the pain intensity just enough for you to fall asleep in bed or hobble less at work. As the CBD market continues to boom, more products are adding herbs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to target muscle and joint pain. Something is working, right?
CBD topical products treat the symptoms of gout, not stop the cause. However, they are still good to have, like colchicine for damage control after overindulging on seafood and beer. It’s all part of the process in becoming GOUTPROOF!
References
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/arnica
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/arnica
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/arnica-montana https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/gout shopfull/10.1111/jphp.12724
- https://www.arnicare.com/about/arnica-montana/
- Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation – PubMed
- http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/rosemary/
- https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-rosemary-oil.html
- Anti-osteoarthritis potential of peppermint and rosemary essential oils Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review – PubMed
- Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review – PubMed
- Efficacy of a Combined Rosemary and Lavender Topical Ointment in the Treatment of Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Boswellia serrata Extract Containing 30% 3-Acetyl-11-Keto-Boswellic Acid Attenuates Inflammatory Mediators and Preserves Extracellular Matrix in Collagen-Induced Arthritis
- Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview – PubMed
- 15 Uses and Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil and Side Effects
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/german-chamomile
- Chamomile_An_ancient_pain_remedy_and_modern_gout blog_relief – ResearchGate
- Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial – PubMed
- https://www.chiroeco.com/history-of-turmeric/ – Chiropractic Economics
- https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_turmeric_curcumin/drugs-condition.htm
- Curcumin: From ancient medicine to current clinical trialsl – PubMed
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/turmeric
- Turmeric for Migraines – Surprising Supplement to Consider
- Curcumin and rheumatoid arthritis : A systematic review of literature
Related Articles: