Every one of us suffers from muscle pain or soreness at some point of time. The feeling can be described as hardness, tightness, bulge, or tension in the affected area. This pain can range from mild to severe that might cause discomfort in daily activities. There are several reasons for muscle pain such as an injury, sudden strain, worn out joints and nerve compression. Other health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus might also cause excruciating muscle pain and soreness.
Using cold or hot compresses can relieve muscle pain almost instantly. The commercially available muscle relaxant gels, sprays and lotions also seem to work effectively but have several associated side effects. You can get addicted to using them during muscle pains. There are several natural muscle relaxants which can reduce muscle soreness and pain naturally. They help in releasing muscle tension, reducing stress, calming the nerves, and combating inflammation.
It is advised to do gentle stretches, have a sound sleep, indulge in regular massages, have enough rest, and avoid overexerting the affected muscle groups. Combining a healthy and active lifestyle with these natural muscle relaxants can help in reducing muscle pain or soreness. However, you are advised to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis in case of prolonged muscle soreness or pain.
Here are several natural muscle relaxants that can be used during muscle pain or soreness:
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is an ancient herb that is used widely to get rid of muscle soreness and pain. It contains around 36 flavonoids with several anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile has a relaxing and calming effect on the body which helps in faster healing of sore or paining muscles. It can be both applied topically or can be consumed orally.
Ingredients:
- Five to ten drops of chamomile essential oil
- Two tablespoons coconut oil
- One tablespoon chamomile flowers
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Mix five to ten drops of essential chamomile oil in two tablespoons of heated coconut oil.
- Apply this oil over affected muscle group by massaging.
- Repeat as and when required.
Method-2:
- Boil one tablespoon chamomile flowers in one cup water.
- Let it boil for around 10 minutes.
- Strain and consume it while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea two to three times a day.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is another great muscle relaxant that is very effective in treating backaches, sore muscles, tension headaches and leg pain. It contains menthol that has several antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. These properties help in pain relieving, promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation. It can be either consumed or applied topically for best results.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon fresh or dried peppermint leaves
- Two to five drops of peppermint oil
- Two tablespoons coconut oil
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Mix two to five drops of peppermint essential oil in two tablespoons of warm coconut oil.
- Apply this oil over affected muscles by gently massaging for around five minutes.
- Repeat the process as and when required.
Method-2:
- Boil one teaspoon of dried or fresh peppermint leaves in one cup of water for around 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and consume it while it is still warm.
- Consume peppermint tea twice or thrice a day.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Capsaicin is the active component present in cayenne pepper that acts as an excellent natural muscle relaxant. It provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stiffness, muscle pain and inflammation. Capsaicin reduces the activity of a compound which is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain, thereby reducing pain due to muscle soreness.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Two tablespoons of warm olive oil
How to use it:
- Add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper to heated two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Apply this oil over affected area in circular motions for around five minutes.
- Repeat this process as and when required.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt helps in treating muscle soreness and pain by providing adequate amount of magnesium, which is important for muscles to work effectively. Magnesium is absorbed deep into the skin easily and promotes muscle relaxation. Epsom salt bath also removes toxins from the body thereby producing a calming effect and reducing inflammation.
Ingredients:
- Two cups of epsom salt
How to use it:
- Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add two cups of epsom salt to it.
- Enjoy this bath for around half an hour.
- Repeat this process on days with muscle pain and soreness.
5. Rosemary
It is widely used for its several anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This aromatic herb calms inflamed tissues and muscles and reduces soreness and pain. Rosemary can either be consumed as a tea or can be applied topically. It is an excellent natural muscle relaxant that is effective in muscle pain, arthritis, and headaches.
Ingredient:
- One teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves
- Four to five drops of rosemary essential oil
- Two tablespoons of heated coconut oil
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Add one teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves to a boiling cup of water.
- Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain and consume while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea around two times a day.
Method-2:
- Mix four to five drops of rosemary essential oil in two tablespoons of heated coconut oil.
- Apply this mixture over the affected sore muscles by gently massaging.
- Repeat the process as and when required.
6. Valerian
Valerian has been used as an excellent natural muscle relaxant. It can reduce the neck tension as well as inflammation. It contains different volatile oils that ease muscle tension and reduce associated soreness or inflammation. It has sedative effects that can help in producing a sound sleep and reducing stress. You can consume few drops of valerian liquid extract daily, to reduce muscle cramps and soreness.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of valerian root (dried)
How to use it:
- Boil one teaspoon valerian root (dried) in a cup of water for around 10 minutes.
- Strain and consume this tea while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea three to four times a week.
7. Lavender
Lavender is an effective natural muscle relaxant. It has several anti-inflammatory, analgesic, aromatic and pain-relieving properties. Lavender reduces muscle soreness and associated inflammation. Its scent can provide a soothing and calming sensation to the body thereby helping in a sound sleep. Lavender can be used to treat tension headaches, neck pain, leg pain, joint pain, and arthritis pain.
Ingredients:
- Four to five drops of lavender essential oil
- Two tablespoons warm coconut oil
How to use it:
- Mix four to five drops of lavender essential oil in two tablespoons of heated coconut oil.
- Apply this oil over affected muscles in circular motions.
- Repeat this process once daily.
8. Passion Flower
Passion flower has various sedative and antispasmodic properties that make it a natural muscle relaxant. It is also very effective in relieving tension headaches and premenstrual cramps. Certain other chemicals in passion flower relieve muscle soreness and spasms. You can consume about 50 drops of passion flower liquid extract daily. Pregnant women are recommended not to consume passion flower extract or its tea.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of dried passion flowers.
How to use it:
- Boil one teaspoon of dried passion flowers in a cup of tea.
- Strain this tea and consume it while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea only once in a day.
