Ancient Samoan remedy RIVALS ibuprofen for pain?
For years we’ve been told by mainstream medicine that over-the-counter (OTC) pain killers are the only way to get fast-acting pain relief from ARTHRITIS…
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 to some new research around the healing powers of an ancient, Samoan remedy.
U.S. and international researchers discovered that the leaves of the Samoan tree, matalafi, can effectively RELIEVE inflammation—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 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!
In multiple lab studies, researchers found that compounds in the tree leaves were JUST AS EFFECTIVE at targeting and treating inflammation as ibuprofen.
It should be noted that more studies are ongoing 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 soothe aching joints.
Some of our favorites for quick, SAFE, on-the-spot relief for everyday aches include…
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane): a collagen building-block and natural source of sulfur
- DMSO (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 encourage adding some Epsom salt to a warm bath—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 curbing pain naturally,
Cory Templeman
Senior Editor, eAlert
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
