Abstract: An herbal composition reducing inflammation in bones and joints by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 is prepared from holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, huzhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, oregano and scutellariae baicalensis. More particularly, the herbal composition of the present invention contains therapeutically effective amounts of the supercritical extracts of ginger, rosemary and oregano, and therapeutically effective amounts of extracts of holy basil, turmeric, green tea, huzhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, rosemary and scutellariae baicalensis. The herbal composition can be administered orally, topically or parenterally. Particularly preferred embodiments are soft gel capsules for oral administration and creams for topical application. In addition to reducing inflammation, the herbal composition also promotes healthy joint function and, because it inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the composition also promotes normal cell growth.