A new study has found that a plant known as Brazilian mint may be as effective in treating pain as some synthetic pain relievers.

Researchers at Newcastle University say they have been able to scientifically prove the pain relieving properties of hyptis crenata , otherwise known as Brazilian mint, in animal studies.

"What we have done is to take a plant that is widely used to safely treat pain and scientifically proven that it works as well as some synthetic drugs," said lead researcher Graciela Rocha. "Now the next step is to find out how and why the plant works."

Brazilian mint is commonly prescribed by traditional healers in South America for everything from headaches and stomach aches to fever and flu. It is prepared by boiling dried leaves to create a tea and tastes similar to the herb sage.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other herbs and nutritional supplements believed to be effective in relieving pain include devil’s claw, peppermint, phenylalanine, rosemary, turmeric and willow bark.