London - Scientists say rub-on gels containing the herbs arnica and comfrey may ease the pain of arthritic joints.
Researchers from Australia analysed a total of seven placebo-controlled studies which looked at rub-on joint relief products containing herbs including arnica and stinging nettle.
The team, who published their work in the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, found comfrey reduced pain by as much as 42 percent, and the level of relief from arnica was similar to that from ibuprofen.
Previous research suggests arnica and comfrey may have anti-inflammatory effects. Due to the lack of evidence for nettle, the team were unable to say it eased pain. - Daily Mail