Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Always get the approval of your qualified healthcare practitioner before trying anything at all. No information or advertisement on this site or linked from this site is intended to cure or prevent any disease or health condition. (Disclosure: I receive a commission for linked products sold but I only promote what I would recommend for free.)
Knee Pain When Sitting? Learn About The Powerful Potential Remedies Below.
Solomon’s Seal - This powerful musculoskeletal herb lubricates dry tissue and balances tendon and ligament tone. It also is suggested by herbalists to aid in bone and connective tissue repair. Taking drops of it internally and/or putting some on topically is said to be highly effective for helping to overcome knee issues. Beyond its repair and balancing qualities, Solomon’s Seal is also known to have anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain, particularly regarding the musculoskeletal system. Small doses of 1-10 drops taken internally may be a ideal in terms of dosage. Adding drops of the tincture to the effected area (knees etc.) and rubbing it in may may be of additional help.
Horsetail - This silica rich herb happens to resemble a knee. This led prominent herbalist Matt Wood to suggest it once for a basketball player that had a knee injury. Apparently, it worked. While it does contain silica, its thought that horsetail aids the body in silica utilization as opposed to simply supplying the mineral. This may be why horsetail is sometimes highlighted as a connective tissue and cartilage remedy. If these are worn down or weak in a structural sense, horsetail may be just the remedy needed to provide that intelligent structural support. Small doses of 1-10 drops may be ideal.
Boneset (Eupatorium Porfoliatum) Many herbalists suggest that this plant helps the body to set bones and repair bones faster. It may do this by aiding in lubrication processes related to bone setting and other processes that relate to bone regeneration. Some herbalists, including Matt Wood, cite stories where the client took Boneset and rapidly set and repaired bone injuries in an amount of time that is hard to believe. Still, this isn’t at all to suggest that proper medical care should be avoided or discounted but that alongside it, Boneset may be a valuable ally in the proper content. Beyond its effect on bones, this plant is also said to aid connective tissue. Furthermore, in a more energetic sense, Boneset has been used to clear deep, bone-aching pains that are associated with internalized “cold”. The intense bitterness is thought to open pathways that release it and allow balance and ease to re-emerge. All in all, these qualities may connect to knee health in certain circumstances. Small doses of the tincture (1-5 drops) are preferred due to the slight toxicity potential. Long term use (especially of higher doses) is often not recommended. While highlighting the potential toxicity, many herbalists routinely use this herb for periods of time without a problem. The homeopathic Boneset can also be used. With the homeopathic, the potential toxicity of the plant is not an issue (highly diluted) and the beneficial effects are still there.
Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) - This powerful herb is known throughout the herbal and homeopathic world as a major bone and connective tissue regenerator. It known to some as Knitbone for this reason. While it’s use as a bone regeneration supporter can be applied well, it can be so effective at this that it can potentially spark the regrowth process before the bones have set properly. For this reason, many herbalists and homeopaths recommend not using Comfrey until the bones have set in place. Using Boneset (herbal or homeopathic) alongside Comfrey may help to remedy this but it may be easier to avoid Comfrey if you suspect things have not set. Boneset may be a better option for general bone regrowth support needs overall, yet, Comfrey is known to provide exceptionally quick healing support so it may be valuable alongside Boneset temporarily if that extra kick (if things don’t seem to be healing well) seems required.
With all that said, assuming you are not using Comfrey to promote the repair of bones before they had a chance to set properly, it’s use for bone related pains may be particularly useful for some knee issues. While some herbs are known as specifics for nerve related pains like St. John’s Wort and Prickly Ash, Comfrey is thought of as a specific for bone related pains. Some herbalists even suggest it might be useful in stimulating the repair of cartilage.
Because Comfrey can contain levels of a certain alkaloid that is toxic to the liver, some issue caution about its internal use as an herb. This, however, is debated by many herbalists who feel that its relative safety is found in its historical use by many over time. The remedy to this potential issue is to simply use the homeopathic version of Comfrey for occasional internal use when indicated. Homeopathic remedies are diluted and clear of material toxicity yet the power and beneficial effects are intact.
You can also use the herbal tincture topically in areas of need. Topical use is said to limit the exposure of such toxicity. Some herbalists use very small doses (1-3 individual drops) of the tincture internally as an infrequent remedy in some cases. Others avoid it and advise against it. Still, the homeopathic would be the recommended choice for internal use if you want to steer clear of potential toxicity.
Chickweed - This powerful anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and moistening herb can be very soothing to inflamed tissue. With its ability to drain out excessive dampness and debris alongside side its ability to lubricate and moisten dried out tissue, it performs a unique balancing act that can be useful to those who feel that there may be stagnant debris in one area along with a lack of moisture in another area. Chickweed also has a knack for reducing inflammation via its cooling properties. These qualities may potentially help improve the fluid terrain of the area around the knee if there is a sense of stagnation, dryness, and heat/inflammation.
Chickweed can be taken internally and applied topically.