Health

15 Natural Remedies for Muscle Pain and How to Use Them

13. Live, love and laugh again with lemongrass When we think of lemongrass, our minds conjure up the delectable smells and tastes of Thai food. But… Simi - June 4, 2018

13. Live, love and laugh again with lemongrass

When we think of lemongrass, our minds conjure up the delectable smells and tastes of Thai food. But lemongrass is more than an addition to a favorite dish. It has healing properties as well. Lemongrass is an herb that forms part of the grass family of plants. It is also known by the name Cymbopogon. The plant is indigenous to tropical areas such as Southeast Asia.

Lemongrass essential oil is made up of compounds that have many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. It contains limonene which is a known natural anti-inflammatory. Among the contents of lemongrass essential oil is magnesium which is also known to help with muscle pain. Lemongrass essential oil is an effective treatment for headaches, stomach and muscle pain, and spasms of the digestive tract.

Lemongrass essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. It can then be rubbed onto the affected areas. You can also add about ten drops of lemongrass essential oil to a foot bath for a relaxing soak. If you have a headache, dilute a few drops of lemongrass essential oil and rub the mixture into your temples. The smell of the lemongrass essential oil is also known to have a calming effect. Experiment with diluted lemongrass essential oil on a small patch of skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation before using it over a bigger area.

You can make lemongrass tea if you experience menstrual cramping. You can drink 2 cups of this tea daily to relieve your cramps. Use five lemongrass leaves in a cup of boiling water. Add honey and lemon to taste.

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14. A blaze of blueberries for pain-free bliss

Blueberries come from a flowering shrub. They are dark blue to purple in color. The blueberry shrub is related to the shrubs that produce huckleberries and cranberries. The humble blueberry is a pie-making staple. Blueberries are tasty and sweet. They are low in calories, but high in nutrients, and have many health benefits. They have the highest levels of antioxidants in comparison with most fruits and vegetables people include in their daily diet. You can buy both fresh and frozen blueberries from your local supermarket or grocer.

Research published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that athletes given blueberry smoothies 5-10 hours prior to testing, straight afterward, as well as 12-36 hours later. They showed improved levels of muscle recovery from exercise in comparison with those not given blueberry smoothies. It is not clear exactly what relation the blueberries had to muscle recovery, although scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidant levels in the blueberries. Continued study to establish a firm link between these antioxidants and muscle recovery will continue.

One of the many functions of the antioxidants such as those found in blueberries is to relieve oxidative stress. Exercise is a major cause of oxidative stress. The body will heal itself from this oxidative stress. It seems that introducing additional antioxidants to the body speeds the process up.

There are many recipes for blueberry smoothies. One common recipe calls for 1 cup of blueberries (preferably frozen), 1 ripe banana, and 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt. Blend these ingredients together for a delicious, healthy smoothie. Add a few ice cubes before blending to thicken the mixture.

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15. Radical radishes for pain relief

Radishes are more often thought of as part of sumptuous soups and dishes. But the healing properties of these plants which belong to the Brassica family should not be underestimated. Radishes are thought to have originated in China and slowly moved to other parts of the world as their benefits were discovered. They were highly regarded in Ancient Egypt and Greece.

The black radish is full of minerals that are good for the body. This includes magnesium which is known to help with muscle pain. The potassium, calcium, and iron present in radishes also help with muscle relaxation. The spicy variant of the radish has been used for hundreds of years to provide relief from muscle tension. This includes muscle cramps and spasms. Horseradishes also cause an easing of the stress in muscles. It can also be effective in the treatment of rheumatism.

The first and most obvious method to increase your intake of radishes is to include them in your cooking. Look for recipes that call for radishes and try to cook them 2-3 times a week. They can be included in salads or on sandwiches. You can drink black radish juice as well. Radishes can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. You can buy or make radish essential oil.

When a few drops of this essential oil are added to your bath water, it will create a muscle-relaxing soak. Alternatively, mix a few drops of radish essential oil to a carrier oil and massage it thoroughly into the affected area. Many people grow fresh radishes in their own vegetable gardens. They grow quickly. The timeframe from planting to harvesting is about four weeks.

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