Muscle aches can be caused by stress, overusing the muscle during physical activity, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and dehydration. Muscle cramps are also frequent during pregnancy.
Here are the best 20 strongest natural muscle relaxers which actually work:
1) Valerian
It has been used for centuries in Asia and Europe as a sedative and is renowned for improving the quality of your sleep and help you fall asleep faster.
For internal use, this root reliefs muscle pain by working on the nervous system as an analgesic or natural pain reliever. As a supplement, it is found in capsule or pill form but at health food stores it can also be found in liquid droppers and teas.
2) Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary belongs to the mint family, along with basil, oregano, and lavender. According to the scientific advisory board of the German version of the FDA, the German Commission E, rosemary essential oil can be used to treat both arthritis and muscle pain.
Furthermore, it is one of the few essential oils which can be safely applied to the skin in its undiluted form. However, rosemary essential oil should not be used by patients with high blood pressure or epilepsy.
3) Lavender
Its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties work to relieve joint pain, muscle spasms and tension, and headaches.
A study issued in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that applying lavender essential oil or inhaling it has a strong pain-relieving effect.
Moreover, it helps the digestive system by relieving numerous types of stomach discomfort and it also has antiseptic properties that naturally help wounds heal.
4) Kava
The scientific name of this medicinal plant is ”Piper methysticum,” and it is better known as kava-kava. It acts as a mild analgesic and has been used as a local anesthetic for millennia in traditional medicine, and even to help babies who suffer from teething pains.
The pain and inflammation of arthritis surgery or an injury can be easily relieved by ingesting a decoction of this root.
5) Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is not salt at all, but rather the mineral magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, a mineral made from seawater which looks similar to rock salt. It helps relieve pain and inflammation as well as it will help heal migraines and skin wounds.
In addition, it acts as a natural emollient to exfoliate and soften the skin. To use this natural remedy for a faster recovery after intense physical exercise – draw a hot bath and dissolve two cups of salt into the water. Soak for fifteen minutes.
6) Catnip
Catnip originated in some parts of Asia and Europe and was planted by settlers in colonial gardens in North America. The most important benefit of this plant is its soothing and calming action.
Catnip is able to relieve stress, relax you, calm your anxiety, and soothe nerves without sedating.
More importantly, catnip helps ease the menstrual pain by relieving the pain caused by cramps and helping the muscles relax. In addition, this plant may help in correcting delayed menstruation as well.
7) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, or together with other essential oils to support health. It is acknowledged to help ease and relax muscle spasms and aches.
You can relieve the muscle pains and relax the muscles by just massaging the oil on the affected area. Additionally, you can use peppermint tea to help clear the symptoms internally.
8) Cannabis Oil
Containing over 400 active chemicals, the cannabis plant happens to be one of the most pharmacologically active plants on the planet.
One of the most common applications for cannabis oil includes – pain, whether it’s inflammation, neuropathic pain, headaches, spinal injury, fibromyalgia, muscle soreness, or cramps.
9) Passionflower
Passiflora, also known as passionflower, has been used medicinally for centuries, 1st by Native Americans then by other cultures.
Presently, it is included in many pain formulas when discomfort is caused by emotional turmoil and muscle tension. It works gently, and sedates a sufferer smoothly, and lowers the symptoms of panic and over-activity in a person.
10) Cayenne Pepper
Capsicum or Cayenne pepper has remarkable healing powers that have been around for millennia.
The pain-reducing effects of cayenne pepper are due to its direct action on substance P, which is a chemical released in tissue damage that alerts the physical body in case of injury.
In addition, it dilates blood vessels, which facilitates more anti-inflammatory cells to make their way to the affected muscles.
11) Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil, produced from the leaves of the thyme plant, is used as a cough remedy and natural pain relief.
This essential oil is one of the most effective antimicrobials, making it a potent remedy for sore throats.
As an interesting fact, “the father of Western medicine,” Hippocrates, who lived around 460BC to 370BC, recommended this oil for respiratory conditions and diseases.
12) Arnica Oil
Arnica is a medicinal plant that grows in mountainous areas and can be found in Canada, the northern US, and the European Alps.
In the present day, numerous athletes use some form of arnica to recover faster after a workout session and from muscle strain.
Furthermore, it is considered that this plant helps reduce both swelling and pain from minor injuries and boosts circulation.
13) Tart Cherries
According to research, tart cherries are possibly more effective than aspirin at reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
One reason may be their high content of anthocyanins and flavonoids that have strong anti-inflammatory properties which also work through the inhibition of COX enzymes.
More importantly, according to a 2009 study by the Division of Molecular Medicine, Croatia, tart cherries have potent antioxidant effects that are comparable to prescription medications.
14) Vervain
It is a perennial plant from the mint family, noted by small spikes around the bud and small purple-blue flowers. It has been used in traditional medicine to reduce muscle spasms.
The organic substances present in this plant can numb certain areas and stop the pain from registering in those nerves, hence, giving you some welcomed relief.
Moreover, consuming vervain in the form of tea is effective in easing some digestive conditions.
15) Chamomile Essential Oil
It is a great essential oil with powerful analgesic properties that can soothe the pain in inflamed muscles and joints. Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, eliminating harmful toxic waste which may be causing muscle spasms to occur.
Tip – this essential oil should be avoided by people who have an allergy to chamomile or to other members of the Ragweed family.
16) Black Radish Juice
Radish is a plant from the Brassica family and is commonly used for seasoning in cooking and in salads.
The flesh of black radish holds many essential minerals (magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron) and vitamins (such as – vitamin B-complex, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E), that enhance the flow of bile and keep your internal system healthy at the same time.
Regular consumption of black radish juice may lead to a considerable improvement in the resistance against microbial infections, such as sore throats, bronchitis, colds, flu, and ear infections.
Lastly, it is a good source of potassium, that can help keep your blood flow under control and lower your blood pressure, particularly if you are known to suffer from high blood pressure.
17) Blueberries
The ORAC score of blueberries is amazing – 9,621, making them one of the highest antioxidant foods known to men.
They contain anthocyanins (that are known for their natural capacity to neutralize free radicals damage), proanthocyanidins, pterostilbene, flavonols, resveratrol, and tannins, which all work in synergy to inhibit mechanisms of cancer cell development as well as may help prevent muscle damage.
In addition, they appear to have considerable benefits for people with hypertension, an important risk factor for some of the world’s leading killers.
Moreover, according to recent research, regular consumption of blueberries helps halt the advancement or the start of both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
18) Magnesium Rich Foods
Magnesium is an essential mineral needed by your body for maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. It is also crucial to every organ in the body, however, it is particularly needed by your heart and kidneys.
Some of the best sources of magnesium include – chard, peaches, pineapples, spinach, almonds, strawberries, bananas, figs, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, flax seeds, papayas, durian, mangoes, navy beans, red kidney beans, avocado, black beans, oatmeal, brown rice, apricots, grapefruits, and tart cherries.
19) Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is part of the Poaceae grass family, that prospers in subtropical and tropical regions, like – Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala.
This essential oil is used in aromatherapy externally to kill bacteria, relieve muscle pain, reduce body aches, ward off insects, and internally to help your digestive system.
20) Adequate Rest
Getting plenty of sleep and resting your physical body may be the most effective natural remedy for muscle problems.
Sleeping too much may increase your risk of illness and accidents while sleeping too little after physical exercise can lower performance and alertness during your waking hours. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
Sources http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33519453 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583121/