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Muscle & Joint Rescue +

Traditionally used to alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis, nerve pain, muscular discomfort, joint pain, and bruising.


Usage Instructions: Apply a dime-sized amount to the affected area and gently massage into the skin. For external use only. Avoid using on open skin wounds, such as scratches, abrasions, or ulcers. 

Ingredients:

Arnica, Chamomile, Comfrey, Harpagophytum, Grapeseed oil, Mango Butter, Rice Bran Wax

Cautions and Warnings:

Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen or persist. Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place. Hypersensitivities or allergies may occur, in which case discontinue use. 

Ingredient Extended Knowledgebase

 

Arnica 

  • Has traditionally been a significant botanical in Western herbalism, 
  • Has been used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. since the 1500s
  • Commonly used topically to alleviate discomfort associated with sprains, bruises, dislocations, muscle aches, wound healing, joint pain, insect bites.
  • Traditionally it's also used for rheumatism impacting muscles and joints.
  • Contains sesquiterpene lactones helanalin and dihydrohelananin, which help mitigate the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-1 (IL1) and TNF-a, which are overproduced in inflamed tissues.
  • Scientifically demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and swelling associated with varicose veins.
  • Precautions: For external use only. Arnica is generally safe when used on the skin, however is best to be avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding and on broken skin. 

Chamomile 

  • Two distinct plants are commonly referred to as chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), both varieties are used to address similar health concerns. 
  • Chamomile is used for soothing nerves, alleviating stomach discomfort, easing muscle spasms, and addressing skin conditions and minor infections.
  • Topically chamomile has numerous uses such as:
  • Soothes skin irritation  as it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe irritated skin.
  • Relieves itching: Its anti-itch properties make it effective in alleviating itching caused by insect bites, rashes, or other skin conditions.
  • Promotes wound healing: Chamomile contains compounds that support wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
  • Reduces redness and swelling: Its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce redness and swelling associated with various skin conditions, including acne and eczema.
  • Moisturizes and hydrates: Chamomile can help hydrate and moisturize the skin, making it beneficial for dry or sensitive skin types.
  • Anti-aging effects: Some studies suggest that chamomile may have antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
  • Antimicrobial action: Chamomile exhibits antimicrobial properties that can help prevent and treat bacterial or fungal skin infections.

Active Ingredients of chamomile:

  • Chamazulene: This compound is responsible for chamomile's blue color and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Bisabolol: Known for its soothing and anti-irritant effects, bisabolol helps calm and protect the skin.
  • Apigenin: A flavonoid found in chamomile, apigenin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Alpha-Bisabolol Oxide A and B: These constituents contribute to chamomile's anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
  • While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind chamomile's topical benefits, its long history of use in skincare supports its effectiveness.
  • Precautions: Chamomile is considered generally safe. It may affect those who have allergies to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed.

Symphytum officinale

  • Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial shrub native to Europe it grows 2 to 5 feet tall with a thick, hairy stem, dull purple, blue, or whitish flowers, and oblong leaves.
  • Traditional Use: Comfrey has been traditionally used topically to treat wounds, reduce inflammation from sprains and broken bones, heal bruises, pulled muscles and ligaments, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis.
  • Comfrey contains allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and tannins, which promote skin regrowth. However, it also contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
  • Precautions: Oral products containing comfrey are banned in several countries due to its toxicity, as it can damage the liver and lead to death. Topical use is restricted to creams or ointments, and caution should be exercised to avoid application on broken skin, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Harpagophytum procumbens

  • Harpagophytum procumbens, also known as Devil's Claw named for the tiny hooks on its fruit, grapple plant and is native to southern Africa.
  • The roots and tubers historically used internally to treat pain, liver and kidney issues, fever, and malaria.
  • Used topically for skin problems such as sores and boils.
  • Numerous studies have shown anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Scientific research suggests that Devil’s claw offers superior benefits compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), making it a preferable alternative treatment.
  • Introduced to Europe in the early 1900s, dried roots were used to restore appetite, relieve heartburn, pain, and inflammation.
  • Current widely used in Germany and France for inflammation and pain relief
  • Medicinal Uses:
    • Osteoarthritis: Reduces pain and improves physical functioning
    • Back and Neck Pain: Provides relief and reduces need for painkillers
    • Other Uses: Suggested for upset stomach, headaches, allergies, and fever
    • Topical Use: Applied to heal skin lesions, sores, and ulcers
  • Composition: contains iridoid glycosides, particularly harpagoside that have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Animal and test tube studies suggest anti-inflammatory properties; Laboratory tests suggest pain and inflammation relief.
  • Precautions: For external use only, to not be used on broken skin. Caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding and also on a child’s skin due to a lack of safety studies.

Caution

DO NOT use on open skin lesions, do not put on a child's skin. DO NOT use it for more than 4 to 6 weeks in one calendar year.

Supporting research

References:

 

Arnica:

  1. Adkison JD. The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain. Ann Pharmacother. 2010;44(10):1579-84.
  2. Auerbach. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2011.
  3. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.
  4. Bolognia. Dermatology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.
  5. Brinkhaus B, Wilkens JM, Ludtke R, Hunger J, Witt CM, Willich SN. Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: Results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complement Ther Med. 2006 Dec;14(4):237-46.
  6. Huber R. Bross F, Schempp C, Grundermann C. Arnica and stinging nettle for treating burns - a self-experiment. Complement Ther Med. 2011;19(5):276-80.
  7. Kotlus BS, Heringer DM, Dryden RM. Evaluation of Homeopathic Arnica montana for Ecchymosis After Upper Blepharoplasty: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jul 29. [Epub ahead of print]
  8. Seeley BM, Denton AB, Ahn MS, Maas CS. Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006 Jan-Feb;8(1):54-9.
  9. Sutovska M, Capek P, Kocmalova M, et al. Characterization and pharmacodynamic properties of Arnica montana complex. Int J Biol Macromol. 2014;69:214-21.

Chamomile:

  1. Ali-Shtayeh MS, Yaniv Z, Mahajna J. Ethnobotanical survey in the Palestinian area: a classification of the healing potential of medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;73(1-2):221-232.
  2. Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, Mao JJ, Rockwell K, Newberg AB. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012 Sep-Oct;18(5):44-9.
  3. Amsterdam JD, Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009;29(4):378-382.
  4. Avallone R, Zanoli P, Puia G, et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000;59(11):1387-1394.
  5. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:57-61.
  6. de la Torre Morin F, Sanchez Machin I, Garcia Robaina JC, et al. Clinical cross-reactivity between Artemisia vulgaris and Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile). J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2001;11(2):118-122.
  7. Foti C, Nettis E, Panebianco R, et al. Contact urticaria from Matricaria chamomilla. Contact Dermatitis. 2000;42(6):360-361.
  8. Gyllenhaal C. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2000;4(2).
  9. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-1227.
  10. Khayyal MT, el-Ghazaly MA, Kenawy SA, et al. Antiulcerogenic effect of some gastrointestinally acting plant extracts and their combination. Arzneimittelforschung. 2001;51(7):545-553.
  11. Martins MD, Marques MM, Bussadori SK, Martins MA, Pavesi VC, Mesquita-Ferrari RA, Fernandes KP. Comparative analysis between Chamomilla recutita and corticosteroids on wound healing. An in vitro and in vivo study. Phytother Res. 2009 Feb;23(2):274-8.
  12. Mazokopakis EE, Vrentzos GE, Papadakis JA, et al. Wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) mouthwashes in methotrexate-induced oral mucositis. Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):25-7.
  13. McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytother Res. [Review]. 2006 Jul;20(7):519-30.
  14. Miller L. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(20):2200-2211.
  15. O'Hara M, Kiefer D, Farrell K, et al. A review of 12 commonly used medicinal herbs. Arch Fam Med. 1998:7(6):523-536.
  16. Roberts RE, Allen S, Chang AP, et al. Distinct mechanisms of relaxation to bioactive components from chamomile species in porcine isolated blood vessels. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2013;272(3):797-805.
  17. Singh O, Khanam Z, Misra N, Srivastava MK. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011 Jan;5(9):82-95. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.79103.
  18. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Report. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901.
  19. Subiza J, Subiza JL, Hinojosa M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile tea: a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1989;84(3):353-358.
  20. Viola H, Wasowski C, Levi de Stein M, et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Med. 1995;61(3):213-216.
  21. Zick SM, Wright BD, Sen A, Arnedt JT. Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Sep 22;11:78. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-78.

Comfrey:

  1. Barna M, Kucera A, Hladíkova M, Kucera M. Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum×uplandicum Nyman) in children. Arzneimittelforschung. 2012 Jun;62(6):285-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1308981.
  2. Bleakley CM, McDonough SM, MacAuley DC. Some conservative strategies are effective when added to controlled mobilisation with external support after acute ankle sprain: a systematic review. Aust J Physiother. 2008;54(1):7-20.
  3. D'Anchise R, Bulitta M, Giannetti B. Comfrey extract ointment in comparison to diclofenac gel in the treatment of acute unilateral ankle sprains. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(11):712-6.
  4. Frost R, MacPherson H, O'Meara S. A critical scoping review of external uses of comfrey (Symphytum spp.). Complement Ther Med. 2013;21(6):724-45.
  5. Frost R, O'Meara S, MacPherson H. The external use of comfrey: a practioner survey. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014;20(4):347-55.
  6. Grube B, Grunwald J, Krug L, Staiger C. Efficacy of comfrey root (Symphyti offic. radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double-blind randomised, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(1):2-10.
  7. Koll R, Klingenburg S. Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Results of an observational study of patients. Fortschr Med Orig. 2002;120(1):1-9.
  8. Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(20):2200-2211.
  9. Miskelly FG, Goodyer LI. Hepatic and pulmonary complications of herbal medicines. Postgrad Med J. 1992;68:935-936.
  10. Pabst H, Schaefer A, Staiger C, Junker-Samek M, Predel HG. Combination of Comfrey Root Extract Plus Methyl Nicotinate in Patients with Conditions of Acute Upper or Low Back Pain: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial. Phytother Res . 2012 Aug 8. doi:10.1002/ptr.4790.
  11. Ridker PM, Ohkuma S, McDermott WV, Trey C, Huxtable RJ. Hepatic venocclusive disease associated with the consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing dietary supplements. Gastroenterology. 1985;(88):1050-1054.
  12. Smith DB, Jacobson BH. Effect of a blend of comfrey root extract (Symphytum officinale L.) and tannic acid creams in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multiclinical trials. J Chiropr Med . 2011 Sep;10(3):147-56. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.003.
  13. Staiger C. Comfrey: a clinical overview. Phytother Res. 2012 Oct;26(10):1441-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4612.
  14. Staiger C. Comfrey root: from tradition to modern clinical trials. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2013;163(3-4):58-64.
  15. Stickel F, Seitz HK. The efficacy and safety of comfrey. Public Health Nutr. 2000;3(4A):501-508.
  16. Weston CFM, Cooper BT, Davies JD, et al. Veno-occlusive disease of the liver secondary to ingestion of comfrey. Br Med J. 1987;295:183.
  17. Yeong ML, Swinburn B, Kennedy M, Nicholson G. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease associated with comfrey ingestion. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1990;5(2):211-214.

Harpagophytum 

  1. Gxaba N, Manganyi MC. The Fight against Infection and Pain: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) a Rich Source of Anti-Inflammatory Activity: 2011-2022. Molecules. 2022 Jun 6;27(11):3637. doi: 10.3390/molecules27113637. PMID: 35684573; PMCID: PMC9182060.
  2. Abdelouahab N, Heard C. Effect of the major glycosides of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) on epidermal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in vitro. J Nat Prod. 2008 May;71(5):746-9.
  3. Baghdikian B, Lanhers M, Fleurentin J, et al. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997;63:171-176.
  4. Brendler T, Gruenwald J, Ulbricht C, Basch E; Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(1):89-126.
  5. Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(10):981-93.
  6. Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Little CV, Parsons TJ, Blümle A, Chrubasik S. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of arthritis. Part I: Osteoarthritis. Phytother Res. 2009 Nov;23(11):1497-515. Review.
  7. Chantre P, Cappelaere A, Leblan D, Guedon D, Vandermander J, Fournie B. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum procumbens versus diacerhein in treatment of osteoarthritis. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(3):177-83.
  8. Chrubasik S, Junck H, Breitschwerdt H, Conradt C, Zappe H. Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extract WS 1531 in the treatment of exacerbation of low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 1999;16(2):118-129.
  9. Chrubasik S, Sporer F, Dillmann-Marschner R, Friedmann A, Wink M. Physiochemical properties of harpagoside and its in vitro release from Harpagophytum procumbens extract tablets. Phytomedicine. 2000;6(6):469-473.
  10. Chrubasik S, Pollak S, Black A. Effectiveness of devil's claw for osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2002;41(11):1332-3.
  11. Chrubasik S. [Devil's claw extract as an example of the effectiveness of herbal analgesics]. Orthopade. 2004;33(7):804-8.
  12. Conrozier T, Mathieu P, Bonjean M, Marc JF, Renevier JL, Balblanc JC. A complex of three natural anti-inflammatory agents provides relief of osteoarthritis pain. Altern Ther Health Med. 2014;20 Suppl 1:32-7.
  13. Denner SS. A review of the efficacy and safety of devil's claw for pain associated with degenerative musculoskeletal diseases, rheumatoid, and osteoarthritis. Holist Nurs Pract. 2007;21(4):203-7.
  14. Ernst E, Chrubasik S. Phyto anti-inflammatories. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000;26(1):13-27.
  15. Gagnier JJ, van Tulder MW, Berman B, Bombardier C. Herbal medicine for low back pain: a Cochrane review. Spine. 2007;32(1):82-92.
  16. Gobel H, Heinze A, Ingwersen M, Niederberger U, Gerber D. Effects of Harpagophytum procumbens LI 174 (devil's claw) on sensory, motor und vascular muscle reagibility in the treatment of unspecific back pain. [German] Schmerz. 2001;15(1):10-18.
  17. Grant L, McBean DE, Fyfe L, Warnock AM. A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of Harpagophytum procumbens. Phytother Res. 2007;21(3):199-209.
  18. Gregory P, Sperry M, Friedman Wilson A. Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Am Fam Phys. 2008;77(2):177-84.
  19. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-7.
  20. Hostanska K, Melzer J, Rostock M, Suter A, Saller R. Alteration of anti-inflammatory activity of Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw) extract after external metabolic activation with S9 mix. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2014;66(11):1606-14.
  21. Izzo AA, Di Carlo G, Borrelli F, Ernst E. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of drug interaction. Int J Cardiol. 2005;98(1):1-14.
  22. Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, Vinche A, Younos C. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens. Planta Med. 1992;58:117-123.
  23. Laudahn D, Walper A. Efficacy and tolerance of Harpagophytum extract LI 174 in patients with chronic non-radicular back pain. Phytother Res. 2001;15(7):621-4.
  24. Leblan D, Chantre P, Fournie B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Four-month results of a prospective, multicenter, double-blind trial versus diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(5):462-467.
  25. Na HK, Mossanda KS, Lee JY, Surh YJ. Inhibition of phorbol ester-induced COX-2 expression by some edible African plants. Biofactors. 2004;21(1-4):149-53.
  26. Soulimani R, Younos C, Mortier F, et al. The role of stomach digestion on the pharmacological activity of plant extracts, using as an example extracts of Harpagophytum procumbens. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1994;72(12):1532-1536.
  27. Wegener T, Lupke NP. Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.). Phytother Res. 2003;17(10):1165-72.
  28. Wegener T. [Degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system--overview of current clinical studies of Devil's Claw (Harpagophyti radix)]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):389-92.
  29. Whitehouse L, Znamirowski M, Paul CJ. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): no evidence for anti-inflammatory activity in the treatment of arthritic disease. Can Med Assoc J. 1983;129:249-251.

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