Herbs for Knee Pain

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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants contain an enzyme called bradykininase that helps reduce swelling of the knee caused by injury and water retention. It is also believed to help relieve pain. Use the gel to make a tincture that can be added to liniments and applied to the affected area of the knee.

Cabbage Leaves
Although a tasty vegetable, cabbage leaves also have cooling effects and serve as a slight anti-inflammatory for hot, inflamed knees. Use the whole leaves of the cabbage, removing the middle rib if its too thick to allow the leaf to be pliable. Blanch the number of leaves you need to wrap the area and simply wrap them around knee. Cover the leaves with plastic wrap to keep in place and leave overnight. Don't wrap so tightly that it cuts off circulation. If your knee is swollen, repeat the above procedure every 4 hours or until the swelling subsides.

Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale)
There is evidence that comfrey can serve as a topical anti-inflammatory. Comfrey contains the compound allantoin which promotes new cell growth in skin, bones, cartilage and connective tissues, all of which are found in and around the knee. Used the mashed root in a compress or apply ice packs and then a bandage soaked in comfrey tea. Limit internal use of comfrey as there is controversy regarding its toxicity.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadowsweet http://www.dreamstime.com/Adisa_infoMeadowsweet is a good source of salicin (a compound found in willow bark and aspirin), a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. When you have knee pain, make comfrey tea with 1 to 2 tsp. of flowers. Drink up to three cups per day to relieve pain.

Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)
Marigold is also an anti-inflammatory that can be taken internally or used to make a compress for external application. Infuse a handful of flowers in a pint of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink a half a cup of tea every 2 hours. Externally, you can soak a compress in the tea and apply to the knees.

Other Helpful Measures
Alternating hot and cold packs to the knee helps to move the blood through the area, stimulating blood flow and reducing swelling.
Take warm baths with Epsom salts with essential oils of rosemary and thyme to stimulate circulation.
Take vitamin C and fish oils to repair injured tissues.
Warning
It is important that a health care professional evaluate persistent and chronic knee pain.