Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Boswellia is a deciduous tree growing to about 49 ft (15 m), characterized by its pale, papery bark, compound leaves, and small clusters of white flowers. The resin of the tree has traditionally been used in Ayurveda for arthritis, inflammation and pain, and some respiratory conditions (NCCIH). The key active components are boswellic acids. NCCIH says some studies suggest oral boswellia may ease osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, but there is not enough high-quality evidence to know whether it helps any health condition.

Myrrh is a resin obtained from several Commiphora species, notably C. myrrha, recognized by its thick, yellowish-red gum resin. It is bitter in taste and aromatic.

Arnica is an aromatic perennial, usually about 1 ft (30 cm) high, with downy, oval-shaped leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Its flowers and roots have traditionally been used for bruises, sprains, arthritic pain and muscle aches, and a highly diluted form is used in homeopathy; MSK says a few clinical trials suggest topical arnica may help osteoarthritis and bruising, but rigorous research on homeopathic arnica is still needed. Arnica taken internally can be toxic (see precautions).

Barberry has a high content of berberine, an alkaloid. It is a thorny, deciduous shrub reaching about 10 ft (3 m) in height, with tough, leathery leaves, small yellow flowers, and bright red berries in autumn. The bark (both stem and root) is the most commonly used medicinal part, though the berries are also employed in traditional remedies.

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to about 65 ft (20 m). It features leathery, dark green, lance-shaped leaves, small yellow flowers, and shiny black berries. The plant is well known for its culinary use (“bay leaves”) as well as its medicinal history in ancient Greece and Rome.

Black pepper is a perennial woody climbing vine growing to about 16 feet, with large oval leaves, spikes of small white flowers, and clusters of small round fruits that ripen from green to red. Native to southwestern India and now cultivated in tropical areas worldwide, the fruit is harvested from plants that are at least three years old. Different processing methods yield green, black, red, and white peppercorns, each with distinct flavors and uses. Cultivated as both a spice and medicine since ancient times, pepper was such a prized commodity in world trade that Attila the Hun reportedly demanded 3,000 pounds of it as ransom during his siege of Rome in 408 CE.

Blue cohosh is an upright perennial herb reaching 3 feet in height, with large three-lobed leaves, yellow to purple flowers, and striking blue berries. It grows wild in much of eastern North America from Manitoba to Alabama, preferring woodland valleys and damp, north-facing slopes. The name 'cohosh' comes from the Algonquin language, and the plant was a popular remedy among many Native American tribes.

Boldo is a strongly aromatic multi-branched evergreen shrub or tree growing to 20 feet. It has egg-shaped leathery leaves with a lemony scent, clusters of white or yellow bell-shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. Native to Chile and Peru, it has become naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the West Coast of North America, where it grows on dry sunny slopes and in mountain pastures in the Andes. It is widely cultivated, and its leaves are gathered throughout the year.