This unique blend of aloe vera, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), glucosamine sulfate, methyl salicylate, menthol, eucalyptus oil and cayenne pepper (capsaicin frutescens oleoresin) provides penetrating heat to tired or sore aching muscles and joints, while it delivers healing MSM and glucosamine directly to the pain location.

• Soothes away pain within minutes.

• Can be used before or after strenuous exercise or sports.

• No oily or greasy feeling on the skin.

• Will not stain clothing.

One of the most significant uses of MSM as a dietary supplement is its demonstrated ability to relieve pain and inflammation.^(1,2) However, MSM is also absorbed readily through the skin. Externally applied MSM has been found in urine samples as much as 72 hours later.⁽³⁾

In U.S. patent #4,477,469, Robert J. Herschler states, "For topical administration, MSM compositions may be formulated in creams, lotions or gels which may be used alone or to serve as stable, neutral vehicles for other skin conditioning substances or therapeutically active drugs." The patent also states, "The effectiveness of MSM compositions is enhanced when such compositions contain carbamide (urea). Also, carbamide compositions are stabilized when they contain MSM."

Glucosamine, while not a pain reliever per se, relieves joint and connective tissue pain by getting to the root of the problem and supplying building materials for the body to actually repair damaged joints and connective tissue. In addition to stimulating production of substances necessary for joint repair, glucosamine has been shown to have a protective effect against joint destruction.⁽⁴⁾ Taken orally, MSM and glucosamine have been effective for relieving arthritis pain and helping to rebuild worn or damaged connective tissues.^(1,2) With Flex-A-Gesic™ these healing and pain relieving nutrients, along with other natural pain relievers, can be applied directly to the pain site for relief of painful conditions including:

• Tired or sore aching muscles

• Athletic injuries or trauma

• Arthritis pain

• Carpel tunnel syndrome

• Muscle cramps or stiffness

• Bursitis and tendinitis

• Muscle aches

• Pain from bruises, sprains and strains

• Pain that follows shingles (herpes zoster)

• Diabetic neuropathy

• Post-mastectomy pain

• Cluster headaches

• Trigeminal neuralgia

For years herbalists assumed that cayenne worked by simply dilating blood vessels and increasing the supply of nutrients to injured joints. That may be one, but not the only reason capsaicin works.⁽⁶⁾

Doctors know that people suffering from osteoarthritis typically have elevated levels of decapeptide substance P in their blood and in the synovial fluid that bathes their joints. Substance P has two undesirable functions. First, it breaks down the cartilage cushions in the joints, contributing to osteoarthritis. Second, it serves as a pain neurotransmitter. Patients who have a lot of substance P feel a lot of pain.⁽⁶⁾

Researchers have discovered that capsaicin stimulates and then blocks small diameter pain fibers by depleting them of substance P and preventing its reaccumulation.^(7,8) Applied in cream or lotion formulas, capsaicin penetrates to arthritic joints where it stops the destruction of cartilage, relieves pain and increases flexibility.^(6,8)

Several compounds from Aloe vera show anti-arthritic activity. One organic acid in aloe reduced inflammation by 79.7% and suppressed the autoimmune response by 42.4%. Another aloe compound reduced inflammation by 67.3% but had no effect on the autoimmune response.⁽⁹⁾

Aloe vera gel is widely recognized for its healing properties when applied topically, particularly to burns. Applied to wounds, aloe gel is a mild anesthetic that relieves itching, swelling and pain. It also is antibacterial and antifungal, increases blood flow to the area and stimulates fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for wound healing. Its moisturizing properties are demonstrated by the fact that skin absorbs moisture from aloe vera gel three to four times faster than from water.⁽¹⁰⁾

The aromatic oils, menthol and eucalyptus oil, are commonly used in topical products for pain relief. Menthol dilates blood vessels when applied topically, first causing a feeling of coldness, followed by analgesia.⁽¹¹⁾ Eucalyptus oil is an effective local pain killer and also mildly anti-spasmodic. It is useful for muscular sprains and discomfort and is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis.⁽¹²⁾

The pain relieving and healing action of MSM and glucosamine are enhanced when taken orally as well as applied topically. The following supplements are available:

• GC-MSM 3550™

• G/C 1000™

• Glucosamine Sulfate

• MSM Plus™

WARNING: This publication and the products contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the products contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These products relate to nutritional support only.

1. Mindell E, The MSM Miracle - Enhance your health with organic sulfur, Keats Good Health Guide, Keats Publishing, Inc., New Canaan, CT, 1997.

2. Jacob S, Lawrence R, Zucker M, The Miracle of MSM - The Natural Solution For Pain, GP Putnam’s Sons, New York, NY, 1999.

3. Herschler R, Methylsulfonylmethane in Cosmetics, Cardinal Associates, Inc. 1984.

4. Murray M, "A Natural Treatment of Osteoarthritis", Dynamic Chiropractic, chiroweb.com, Oct 6, 2000.

5. "Salicylate", The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Columbia University Press, 1994.

6. Challem J, "Hot Peppers Lead to Even Hotter Research on Arthritis and Other Conditions", The Nutrition Reporter™, Dec 4, 1996.

7. McCusker M, Chung K, Roberts N, Barnes P, "Effect of topical capsaicin on the cutaneous responses to inflammatory mediators and to antigen in man", Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 83(2):177-86, Aug, 1989.

8. Hendler S, "Capsicum/Hot Pepper (The Heat that Cools)", The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, 1991.

9. "The Potted Physician - 13 Ways Aloe Vera Can Help You", Alternative Medicine, The Voice of Alternative Medicine, March, 1999.

10. "Aloe Research"Aloe Vera Information - Without All the Hype, www.aloe-vera.org/research.htm

11. "Menthol", Medicine Info: Active Ingredients, Electronic Doctor - Your Partner in Health, www.edoc.co.za.

12. Grundy N, "Healing with Eucalyptus Oil", Sterling Rose Press, Berkeley, CA, 1997.

Product No. 791 Fill Size: 8 oz. (236 ml.)

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Methyl salicylate.

ALSO CONTAINS: Stabilized aloe vera gel, menthol, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), eucalyptus oil, glucosamine sulfate, capsaicin frutescens oleoresin, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, carbomer, methylparaben, diazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine.

SUGGESTED USE: Apply liberally as needed to desired area. Massage well in a circular motion for one minute. Wash hands after use. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.