Ancient Samoan ‘leaf’ works BETTER than pain-relief drugs?!

We all battle with aches and pains.

And whether you have arthritis, or are sore from a weekend of yardwork, chances are you’re reaching for an over-the-counter (OTC) pain killer like ibuprofen for some relief.

And who can blame you?

After all, for years we’ve been told by mainstream medicine that OTC pain killers are the only way to get fast-acting, effective pain relief…

Even though OTC drugs have been linked to COUNTLESS side effects like liver damage, stomach bleeding, and even kidney disease!

But this dependence on OTC pain meds could change in the not-so-distant future, thanks so some new research around the healing powers of an ancient, Samoan ‘leaf.’

Here’s what they found…

Researchers from Samoa, New Zealand, and the U.S. discovered that the leaves of the Samoan tree, matalafi, RELIEVED inflammation – which is the root cause of pain.

For hundreds of years, natives of Samoa used the leaves of the matalafi tree to treat a wide variety of inflammation-related ailments, including injuries and wound care.

But this is the first time that modern science has examined the healing powers of the matalafi tree – specifically when it comes to joint pain…

AND, how it stacks up to mainstream pain killers.

Well, all I can say is that the initial findings are VERY promising.

In multiple lab studies, researchers found that compounds in the tree leaves were JUST AS EFFECTIVE at targeting and treating inflammation as ibuprofen.

Yep, it’s the same ibuprofen that probably gives you SOME pain relief, but comes with side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach ulcers, and headaches.

It should be noted that more studies are on-going to determine the exact compound in the tree leaf that stops inflammation. But the fact that early studies are already finding it as effective as a mega-popular OTC drug is very promising!

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to wait around for matalafi to hit the shelves of your local pharmacy. There are plenty of natural remedies to sooth aching joints.

Some of my favorites for quick, on-the-spot relief from life’s everyday aches include…

• MSM a.k.a. methylsulfonylmethane, a collagen building-block and natural source of sulfur
• DMSO a.k.a. dimethyl sulfoxide, a natural compound found in the cell walls of trees
• menthol, an “icy” mint approach to cooling inflammation from the outside-in
• capsaicin, a “heat trick” from a compound found in spicy chili peppers.

I also like adding some Epsom salt to a warm bath – as the magnesium content in the salt can be absorbed into the body to ease muscle soreness and cramping.

There are also non-drug alternatives, too, like chiropractic care or even acupuncture that may be covered by your insurance plan.

To a pain free life,
Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Yirka, Bob. “Traditional Samoan medicine found to be as effective as ibuprofen at reducing inflammation.” https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-traditional-samoan-medicine-effective-ibuprofen.html

Greenlaw, Ellen. “OTC Pain Relief: Beware of Double-Dosing.” https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/pain-relievers-double-dose