Joint pain may not be a big deal if it lasts for a day or a couple of weeks. But if that dull, nagging pain in your back, knees, or hips sticks around, you know just how difficult it can be to live with. It’s true that you can try taking medication to find relief, and in some cases, it can be effective in reducing the pain. But medication doesn’t always work, and it can also cause a long list of unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

How can you find relief from joint pain if you don’t want to rely on medication or haven’t responded to it in the past? Try supplementing your diet with one of these 4 natural foods and nutrients that reduce joint pain:

1. Turmeric curcumin

Turmeric isn’t just known as the yellow spice that makes curries delicious. Because it contains curcumin, it has powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities. This is what makes it so effective as a food that can reduce joint pain. In fact, scientists have found that turmeric can provide better symptom relief than arthritis medication in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also produce as much relief as ibuprofen in people with knee osteoarthritis.

2. Indian frankincense

Indian frankincense is another food that can help to reduce joint pain. Haven’t heard of Indian frankincense before? It’s also known as Boswellia serrata and contains boswellic acids. These acids give Indian frankincense its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which reduce joint pain.

What does science say about how well Indian frankincense provides pain relief? In one study, researchers found that people who took Indian frankincense extract experienced significantly less pain from osteoarthritis. There’s also evidence to suggest that Indian frankincense may inhibit autoimmune activity related to arthritis and limit cartilage loss.