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The causes of muscle pain can range from over-exercising to living a sedentary lifestyle. One is caused due to overuse of the muscles and the other from under-using the muscles. Sports injuries and general wear and tear from aging are other common causes of muscle pain.
Regardless of the reason, muscle pain can hamper your movements. Even mild pain can sap your energy leaving you feeling exhausted and irritable. More severe muscle pain can be debilitating.
While it is tempting to go to take painkillers for quick relief, it’s a known fact that taking too much medication can be harmful in the long run. Far better to look for natural ways to relieve muscle pain.
These natural ways to relieve muscle pain are quick, easy and surprisingly effective. Even better, they don’t cost a lot and won’t create any long term health problems.
#1- Soak in a Warm Epsom Salt Bath
Soaking in a warm bath with a few teaspoons of Epsom salt is the best way to relieve muscle pain naturally.
Epsom salts contain high levels of magnesium sulphate, which is a natural muscle relaxant. It works to soothe the achiness by removing excess fluid from muscles, effectively reducing any inflammation and swelling of the muscle.
The warm water by itself acts as a soothing agent. Together with the Epsom salts, it is a super-effective way to ease muscle pain naturally.
While plain Epsom salts work well, the ones that are combined with essential oils work even better for the purpose. You’ll find a few brands that market Epsom salts premixed with different essential oils to help relieve muscle pain. I’ve put together the top 4 Epsom Salts that you can consider if you are looking for relief from muscle pain.
#2 – Use Essential Oils
Some essential oils contain properties that make them ideal for soothing sore muscles. Lemongrass and peppermint are the best essential oils to relieve muscle pain.
Lavender and chamomile essential oil work well too. This oil has many beneficial properties that work to reduce muscle soreness and help you feel more relaxed, which lowers the pain sensation.
#3 – Increase Your Omega 3 Intake
Several studies have proven the many benefits of Omega 3, and treating sore muscles is one of these.
Increased levels of omega 3 can reduce inflammation in muscles, and reduce any associated soreness. It also improves circulation in the body, which will help prevent sore muscles in the first place.
All types of fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, chia seeds, seaweed, algae, and hemp seeds are rich natural sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. If you don’t eat enough of these foods, Omega 3 supplements are just as effective.
#4 – Apply Heat
Applying heat to sore muscles can help them relax naturally. The heat causes muscles to relax by themselves, reducing the pain associated with tense muscles.
You can apply heat therapy by taking a warm shower, soaking in a bath, or placing a heat pack or hot water bottle over the painful muscle.
You can find a wide variety of heat packs designed for different purposes. This is a versatile heat & cold pack that can be used to relieve back, shoulder, neck, waist, hip, knee or leg pain.
#5 – Apply Ice Packs
If your muscles are sore from bruising or inflammation, an ice pack or cold bath will be much more effective than heat. Ice packs reduce any swelling or bruising when applied directly to the sore area, and therefore can reduce the associated pain.
#6 – Increase Your Magnesium Intake
Magnesium is critical for the proper functioning of the body, and muscles are no exception. Low levels of magnesium in the body can cause general aches and pains in the muscles anyway. Add to this general wear and tear, exercise or injury and your muscles are going to hurt.
You can increase your magnesium levels by eating more food that has high levels naturally, such as spinach and seeds, or you can take a supplement tablet.
#7 – Drink Coffee
Research has shown that drinking coffee before doing any physical work can help to prevent sore muscles and the associated pain. The caffeine will also help increase endurance levels.
#8 – Use a Foam Roller
While more exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when your muscles are sore, gently using a foam roller can ease muscle soreness. These rollers work by increasing blood flow to the muscles through pressure applied directly to the problem area. They are a significantly cheaper option than a physiotherapist or medication, and you can control which areas you focus on.
#9 – Drink Cherry Juice
Cherry juice has recently been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants, which contributes to reduced muscle soreness. Research has shown that drinking cherry juice before and during any exercise can reduce post-workout pain and soreness both immediately afterward, and for a longer duration.
#10 – Go for a Swim
Swimming is a gentle, low impact exercise that has many benefits. Swimming is a great form of exercise and also an effective form of physiotherapy that can treat sore muscles. If possible, stick to an indoor pool and one with relatively warm water – this will prevent any further strain on your muscles.
All of the 10 natural ways to relieve muscle pain have been used as home remedies around the world for decades. And they’ve all been proven to be very effective and safe. As a precautionary measure, I would strongly advise anybody experiencing any type of pain to first get a medical checkup. It’s important to identify the cause of the pain before trying out any type of home remedies.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
