Check out this plant that can offer relief of back and joint pain; Should we say goodbye to Aleve?

When it comes to pain relief, what comes from nature is often safer and underrated. This is probably because many plants and herbs which have medicinal properties cannot be patented and sold for a hefty profit with a high advertising budget.

One plant that is gaining recognition for its pain relieving properties is the flowering comfrey plant. Available as a cream, and the subject of a number of studies, the plant has properties that can naturally reduce back and joint pain including pain from osteoarthritis. The plant is also said to quickly heal abrasions, something parents with little children will be thrilled to know about.

The studies are not yet of very high quality, and it is most likely that the lotion is going to be best used on joint pain. Lower back pain, being mechanical in nature is likely best served by seeing a body mechanic, otherwise known as your local chiropractor. For your other aches and pains, maybe you should give comfrey a try. The preparations are usually taken either from the flowers or the roots.

Find out more about this pain relieving plant in this Wall Street Journal article here

A Plant to Ease Muscle and Joint Pain

Several scientific studies suggest lotions made from the flowering comfrey plant are effective for back pain, ankle sprains and knee osteoarthritis

The Claim: Lotion made from the flowering comfrey plant is a natural way to ease muscle and joint pain.

The Verdict: Several scientific studies suggest comfrey is effective for back pain, ankle sprains and knee osteoarthritis. One study even found it hastened healing of abrasions. However, most of the studies are funded by manufacturers and scientists say more independent research is needed.

Lotions containing comfrey (pronounced come-free) are made either from the root of the plant, or the stems and leaves, depending on the manufacturer. A review last year from the independent Cochrane Collaboration found that there is low quality, or inconclusive, evidence, for its use in treating back pain, and a 2013 Cochrane review found it “probably” improves arthritis pain more than a placebo.

“It seems to me to be particularly beneficial for knee osteoarthritis,” says Dwain M. Daniel, an associate professor of clinical sciences at Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas. The evidence for comfrey appears good, particularly for knee pain and sprained ankles, he says, pointing out that a potential caveat in interpreting the data is the fact that manufacturers have paid for most studies.

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