Supplement | Amount | Why |
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Bromelain | 4 to 8 tablets a day of bromelain
| [3 stars] Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, may be helpful in healing sprains and strains because it is anti-inflammatory and appears to promote tissue healing.
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Proteolytic Enzymes | 4 to 8 tablets a day of proteolytic enzymes containing trypsin, chymotrypsin, and/or bromelain | [3 stars] Proteolytic enzymes, including bromelain, may be helpful in healing sprains and strains because they are anti-inflammatory and appear to promote tissue healing. |
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Comfrey | Apply an ointment containing 35% herbal extract | [2 stars] Comfrey is widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds. |
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Horse Chestnut | Apply a 2% gel every two hours | [2 stars] Horse chestnut contains a compound called aescin that acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces edema (swelling with fluid) following injuries. |
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L-Carnitine (Exercise-Related Muscle Injury) | 3 grams per day | [2 stars] One trial showed that people who take L-carnitine for three weeks before engaging in an exercise regimen are less likely to experience muscle soreness. |
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Tart Cherry (Exercise-Related Muscle Injury) | 80 mg anthocyanins, the equivalent of approximately 100–120 cherries, 16–24 ounces tart cherry juice blend, 1 ounce of liquid concentrate, or 400 mg of concentrate in tablets or capsules
| [2 stars] Some studies indicate that supplementing with tart cherry may support muscle strength recovery and reduce pain, especially after exercise. |
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Vitamin C | 250 to 500 mg with meals and at bedtime | [2 stars] Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, the “glue” that strengthens connective tissue. Vitamin C supplementation can speed healing of various types of trauma. |
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Zinc | Take under medical supervision: 25 to 50 mg daily ( plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion) | [2 stars] Zinc helps with healing. Even a mild deficiency can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage and more serious trauma. |
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Arnica | 2,000 to 9,000 mcu per day
| [1 star] Arnica is considered by some practitioners to be among the most effective wound-healing herbs available. |
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Chondroitin Sulfate | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Chondroitin sulfate may promote wound healing by providing the raw material needed by the body to manufacture molecules found in skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints. |
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Copper | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Trace minerals, such as copper, are known to be important in the biochemistry of tissue healing. |
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DMSO | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit the transmission of pain messages by nerves. Supplementing with it may ease the pain of minor injuries. |
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Glucosamine | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Glucosamine sulfate may promote healing after injury by providing the raw material needed by the body to manufacture molecules found in skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints. |
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Manganese | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Trace minerals, such as manganese, are known to be important in the biochemistry of tissue healing. |
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Multivitamin | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement can help insure against deficiencies that slow the healing process. |
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Silicon | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Trace minerals, such as silicon are known to be important in the biochemistry of tissue healing. |
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Vitamin E (Exercise-Related Muscle Injury) | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Antioxidant supplements, including vitamin E, may help prevent exercise-related muscle injuries by neutralizing free radicals produced during strenuous activities. |
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