Torn meniscus

[Laurie]

I have a torn meniscus and am wondering if there is anything herbal that I can use to help it heal. I have been using bone broth, but am curious if there is another approach to help as well.

[Michelle KochStudent]

You might try some comfrey tea. Comfrey is very good for tissue regeneration, even at a cellular level.

[Laurie]

I wondered about that and also about echinacea.

My question is how would I use either (in what form, how long and in what dose) and if a tea was made, could I switch them out using one herb one day and the other the next day? Also…would they interact with anything?

I am not sure that I want to do physio. I suspect that they would tell me to not do exercises that I have to do for another condition. Their advice is not generally helpful in that situation (not many treat it or treat it properly), and the doctor said I should stop the only thing that helps it so far. They usually work together (Dr. & physio) and I do not trust most doctor advice because of past experiences.

I don’t want surgery. Right now my knee is feeling okay and so I wish to keep it that way strengthening it through other means if possible. 🙂 I may still see what they have to say, but am not going to hold my breath.

[Michelle KochStudent]

Well you’re in Canada, so I don’t know about your resources, but here in the U.S., physiotherapists are really good. At least the ones I’ve gone to were. In your situation, I would just explain about the other condition. It should be in your file anyway…. and see if they can come up with alternative solutions. These days they also use electrode therapy (the electrodes stimulate isolated muscles to contract, rather than an entire group), heat, massage, and ice therapy. Give it a try!

The comfrey: a teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of hot water, let steep several minutes, drink three or four cups a day ought to do it. That’s what my great grandmother recommended.

[Laurie]

I am quite familiar with many physio solutions for the other health issue, having researched therapies available, and most others don’t really work. Being able to do simple lunges, squat, walk, crawl & do hip circles helped me…until my knees decided that they would stop my progress. In addition to some other exercises, I was told to swim…hard to do when you are far from anything indoors to swim in and any water outside is frozen for most of the year anyway…same with bicycling… hard to do in a few feet of snow. :LOL:

I have been to the only PT nearby who works with the other issue and no one else will deal with it here. Her advice was not good and made things worse, unfortunately. It is unfortunate that the one issue depends on the other working well to treat it. :wall: If I go to a different PT, maybe they can learn something new? 😉

I did some acupressure/acupuncture too, but could not do the exercises given as it made things worse too. Osteo put my hip in…and the acu helped my back tremendously…so not all was lost! 🙂

Back to my knee…I will look into the comfrey. Thanks!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Yup. Comfrey and Echinacea would be good choices. Echinacea stimulates hyaluronic acid production (the mortar that holds your little cellular bricks together) and comfrey stimulates cell division.

I tore a meniscus years ago and was one-legged lame for about six weeks. I borrowed a brace from somebody and kept on working (mostly dairy work in those days which was a lot of fun with one good leg). Eventually it got better and has been fine since.

In addition to the above, a teaspoon or two of this twice a daily will help the inflammation.

http://homegrownherbalist.net/products/joint-formula

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

I would also consider our Bone, Tissue, Cartilage formula

[Lady Solidago]

In addition, perhaps you might consider tai chi to maintain fluidity. I have debilitating carpel tunnel in both arms and tarsal tunnel in one foot and a hip that likes to go “out” on occasion thanks to Lyme’s Disease.. and I believe tai chi to help. I practice with several people who have mobility challenges, from Parkinson’s to knee and hip replacements and more. They all credit tai chi for faster recovery times, decreased pain, greater flexibility, and overall better health. I finally found a “sport” that is my speed :nod:

The downside to learning tai chi is that you really need to do so in person, and as it is a “lifelong learning” thing, it can be time intensive. In the beginning I went five times per week (two-hour sessions), and I still cannot do a whole set on my own. ~Jeni

[Laurie]

Doc Jones wrote: Yup. Comfrey and Echinacea would be good choices. Echinacea stimulates hyaluronic acid production (the mortar that holds your little cellular bricks together) and comfrey stimulates cell division.

Hmmm…I imagine Echinacea would be the more pleasant choice…at least in my mind anyway, but I read recently on a poultry forum, that chicken feet (legs & feet), comb & wattles are high in hyaluronic acid. I guess in times past, these were often in soup and often for the joint support of the consumer. I know that a relative said that while in China, she had great chicken soup, but was surprised to find the head on the bottom of the pot.

Anyway…is there a conclusion which is better…eating the hyaluronic acid, or stimulating your own production. Just curious…

[IdahoHerbalist]

This is just me but I think I would want to produce my own. I am not sure the material in the parts eaten would be readily available to our bodies?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Laurie wrote:

Yup. Comfrey and Echinacea would be good choices. Echinacea stimulates hyaluronic acid production (the mortar that holds your little cellular bricks together) and comfrey stimulates cell division.

Hmmm…I imagine Echinacea would be the more pleasant choice…at least in my mind anyway, but I read recently on a poultry forum, that chicken feet (legs & feet), comb & wattles are high in hyaluronic acid. I guess in times past, these were often in soup and often for the joint support of the consumer. I know that a relative said that while in China, she had great chicken soup, but was surprised to find the head on the bottom of the pot.

Anyway…is there a conclusion which is better…eating the hyaluronic acid, or stimulating your own production. Just curious…

It will be easier for your body to make it if you’re eating the ingredients. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

IdahoHerbalist wrote: This is just me but I think I would want to produce my own. I am not sure the material in the parts eaten would be readily available to our bodies?

They are very much available. That’s why sales of chondroitin and glucosamine are multi-million dollar industries. You eat it, and your body uses those building blocks as materials to make the repairs. 🙂

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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