Health

15 Natural Remedies for Muscle Pain and How to Use Them

9. Arm yourself with amazing arnica Arnica is a plant that belongs to the daisy family. It has yellow daisy-like flowers and grows in the Northern… Simi - June 4, 2018

9. Arm yourself with amazing arnica

Arnica is a plant that belongs to the daisy family. It has yellow daisy-like flowers and grows in the Northern Hemisphere. Arnica is generally sold in oil or ointment (cream) form. A study in 2014 linked topical application of arnica with improved management of pain and muscle damage after strenuous exercise. The study was published in the European Journal of Sports Science.

Arnica can be bought as an essential oil, but it is potent and should not be used directly to the skin unless diluted with oil, ointment or gel. It is not recommended that pure essential oil is used for aromatherapy as its potency makes inhalation dangerous.

Arnica is used for the treatment of inflammatory injuries related to sports and exercise. It has been a staple ingredient in traditional medicines used to treat bruises, sprains and joint diseases. Arnica oil contains thymol which dilates capillaries near the surface of the skin allowing blood to move quickly to injured areas. If you buy arnica essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil before applying it to the affected area. Otherwise, buy it in ointment or massage gel form and use it as is. Apply it 2-3 times a day.

Test arnica on a small patch of the skin before using it over a large area. Some people’s skin reacts badly to arnica. It can be an irritant and cause a rash. If a rash becomes apparent, discontinue use immediately. Do not apply arnica to any broken skin as not only will it be very painful, but too much arnica absorbed into the system has the potential to be toxic.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Discover the mystery of the passion flower

The passion flower is a little-known muscle relaxer. It is a plant that was discovered in Peru by Spanish explorers who saw the flower as a symbol of the passion of Christ and His approval of their explorations. In most cases, passion flower is found in many herbal products as an ingredient. It is not that well-known for being used on its own. But it has many antispasmodic properties as well as a sedative effect, both of which make it a great muscle relaxer. Because it relieves spasms, passion flower can be an excellent answer to menstrual cramps.

The fact that passion flower has a sedative and calming effect means it helps muscles to relax in general and relieves anxiety and stress, both of which are prime causes of muscle pain. Passionflower is bought as a dried product. All the above-ground parts of the passion flower plant are used in production.

As a dried product, passion flower is ideal for making tea. You’ll need about 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower to add to a cup of boiling water. Leave it to steep for at least 10 minutes to get the maximum effect, before drinking it while it’s hot.

Passionflower liquid extract should be available for purchase at your local health store. 2-8g can be ingested orally on a daily basis. Research and study on the effectiveness of the passion flower as a muscle relaxer and pain reliever are ongoing. As it stands, research has only been conducted on its efficacy as a sleep remedy. However, it is not recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women use passion flowers, as its safety has not been established.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Catch the catnip craze

Catnip is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. There are many varieties of catnip plants, but the most common features hairy stems, grey-green leaves, and small white flowers with red spots when it flowers during the summer months. It is predominantly grown in the Northern Hemisphere. Another popular type of catnip favored by people for human consumption is lemon catnip which has a lemon odor and flavor.

Catnip is an effective treatment for tension headaches. So, aside from being kitty’s favorite treat, it can become a household essential for tension headache sufferers! Catnip also has antispasmodic properties which makes it a great treatment for muscle cramps and spasms.

One of the ways in which you can use catnip is to make catnip tea. You need to place 1-2 teaspoons of dried catnip leaves and flowers into a cup of hot water (not boiling). Allow it to brew for 10-15 minutes before straining it and then drinking it. If you find the flavor unpalatable, add lemon and/or honey to the tea for extra flavor. You can purchase dried catnip at your local health store.

Catnip tea is recommended for menstrual cramps. It is also good to drink catnip tea after a strenuous workout, as it may help to relax your muscles. Allow your catnip tea to cool down and apply it to the affected area. A catnip plant is easy to grow. Then you can cut the stem with its leaves and flowers, hang them upside down in a bunch and let them dry. It’s worthwhile trying to grow your own catnip as you’ll have a free supply of this remedy on hand.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Let Cannabidiol (CBD) oil cure the pain

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid compound. You can find cannabinoids in many plants, but they are usually linked to the cannabis plant. CBD is a different cannabinoid compound to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound that produces the euphoria or â€˜high’ associated with the use of cannabis. CBD does not produce a high. It induces the body to use its endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are produced in the body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps to regulate how the body experiences pain.

A study published online in 2008 indicates that CBD oils may prove helpful in the management of pain. They slow down and inhibit the transmission of pain messages through the neural pain pathways in the body. This allows the muscles to relax. CBD oil is also often used to treat patients with chronic fibromyalgia as it seems to relieve the chronic pain and inflammation associated with the condition.

A study published in the European Journal of Pain detailed the responses of animal test subjects to CBD oil application for arthritis. After four days of applying the oil to the affected joints, there was a decrease in inflammation and pain symptoms. Whilst this is not incontrovertible proof that the same effect will be evident in humans, it is an indication that it may be. People with Multiple sclerosis have reported decreased levels of spasticity when they use CBD oil.

Another factor that makes CBD a desirable treatment for muscle pain is that the body does not build up resistance to it, so the doses are not subject to increases. It is advisable to use CBD oil under the care and instruction of a healthcare professional or expert.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

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.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

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.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

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.

<< Previous