Muscle aches and pains are a common suffering among men and women. Though massages and rest can help, sometimes they simply aren’t enough to combat the inflammation and pain.
Below are 12 all-natural muscle relaxers that will help to combat inflammation and reduce the pain of muscle aches and pains.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its calming and soothing effects on the body. Most often used as a sleep aid or night time tea, chamomile is also an effective inflammation fighter. With 36 flavonoids that contain anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can be applied topically as well as ingested through a warm and comforting tea. Drink chamomile tea once or twice a day to enjoy its relaxing and soothing benefits, however, remember that this tea can also causes sleepiness, so drink it before bed.
2. Tart Cherries
Tart cherries are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help the muscles to relax naturally. A study performed in 2010 that was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that tart cherry juice consumed one week prior to and during an intense event helped to reduce post-run muscle aches.
Drink one cup of tart cherry juice to reduce muscle aches and pains. For even better results, drink cherry juice daily as preventative maintenance.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is very effective in treating sore muscles, backaches and even tension headaches. This is due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-spasm properties inside of peppermint that help to ease muscle pain. Peppermint also helps to improve blood flow, which can prevent spasms and reduce muscle pain. Enjoy peppermint tea several times a week to fight muscle pain. Peppermint oil can also be mixed together with coconut oil and massaged into the skin for muscle relief.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural muscle relaxer. Capsaicin helps to reduce muscle pain, stiffness and inflammation however there is another important benefit to it. Capsaicin actually prevents the brain’s pain transmitters from working, which means that you do not feel as much pain. This is similar to the benefits of aspirin, however cayenne pepper is an all-natural way to get it.
Mix one teaspoon of cayenne with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and rub the mixture onto the affected area. Allow the cayenne to sit on the skin for 30 minutes before wiping it off.
5. Epsom Salt
One of the best ways to combat muscle strains and pains is to increase your magnesium level. Muscle spasms, cramps and pain are actually symptoms of magnesium deficiency, which can easily be cured with an Epsom salt bath.
During an Epsom salt bath, the body absorbs the salt into the skin, thus absorbing the magnesium that is within the salt as well. This promotes muscle relaxation as well as detoxification that can lead to inflammation and pain.
Taking as Epsom salt bath is simple:
1. Fill a tub with warm water
2. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt and stir
3. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes at least once a week
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a common cooking herb, however it can be used for more than just culinary adventures. Rosemary contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm inflamed muscles, which helps to reduce pain and soreness. Rosemary also helps to improve blood circulation which can speed along the recovery process.
The herb itself, as well as the essential oil, can be used to treat headaches, muscle pain and arthritis. Drink rosemary tea by combining one teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves with one cup of hot water. After steeping ten minutes, enjoy the tea up to three times a day. Rosemary can also be added to a warm bath to aid in muscle relief.
7. Valerian
Valerian is most often thought of as a sleep aid, however it is also a terrific natural muscle relaxant. The oils within valerian are beneficial to relaxing the muscles and easing tension so much so that it is often used to treat sciatica pain that has been caused by a muscle spasm.
Valerian can be consumed as a tea several times a week or can be taken by extract on the tongue each morning.
8. Arnica
Arnica when applied in the form of an oil, ointment, cream or salve, is a terrific anti-inflammatory fighter. Most often used for exercise related injuries and muscle aches, arnica has been proven to be effective in reducing pain caused by inflammation and muscle damage.
While there is arnica essential oil, most markets sell an arnica ointment or cream. Use this cream to rub onto the affected area a few times a day for relief.
9. Lavender
Lavender is yet another herb that has muscle-relaxing abilities. The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties in lavender make it great for reducing muscle pain, swelling and inflammation while the calming scent is often used to help people relax for sleep. A better night’s rest equates to faster and better healing.
To use lavender, simply blend a few drops of essential oil into warm coconut oil and massage into the painful muscles. Lavender essential oil can also be added to a warm bath for added muscle relaxation.
10. Passion Flower
Passion flower contains chemicals that help to relieve muscle spasms and joint pain. Passion flower can also be used to treat menstrual cramps as well as headaches.
To use Passion Flower to decrease muscle aches and pain, simply steep 1 teaspoon of dried passion flower in 1 cup of hot water. Drink this tea once daily to help combat inflammation and pain.
Conclusion
Muscle aches and pains can be a miserable daily experience. Instead of reaching for an over-the-counter aid such as aspirin that comes with negative side effects, try out one of these all-natural muscle relaxers and find relief today.
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