Crusaders Secret Weapon?

9 May 2002

There may be more to the current winning form of the Crusaders than meets the eye. The team is using homeopathic remedies, first developed over 200 years ago, to help manage the natural healing of bruising, cramp and joint pain the team is experiencing on its route to the Telecom Super Twelve finals.

Crusaders' physiotherapist Steve Muir says most of the players have been helped at some time during the season and he believes the unique system of medicine that helps stimulate the natural healing ability is playing a part in getting players back into the game quickly.

"Most of the guys are aware of arnica for supporting the natural healing of bumps and bruises, and I'm always handing out the small tubes of cream, but we have also been getting excellent results using a homeopathic spray to help muscle tone during cramp," he says.

Bill Usher, Managing Director of Naturo Pharm, the New Zealand-based manufacturer of homeopathic remedies, says the company has been providing the Crusaders with homeopathic remedies for the past three years.

"Arnica is one of New Zealand's most well-known homeopathic remedies and it helps stimulate the normal defence mechanism in times of trauma as well as assisting with natural muscle recovery after strenuous exercise," he says. "The Crusaders, like any sports team, will always feel the effects of playing at their peak week after week and we're really pleased to be able to help them keep their winning form."

Mr Usher says a major benefit of homoeopathic remedies is that people of all ages and medical conditions can use them. "Because they contain absolutely no drugs they are ideal for use by sports people, and they are low risk and so can be used with any other form of medication."

Naturo Pharm also makes a homeopathic remedy which may well be called into action by celebratory fans, to help with the after-match drinks should the Crusaders take out the final on May 25.

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