The most common causes of muscle and joint pains are stress, tension, overuse, and minor injuries, but the good news is that this type of pain is usually localized. This means that it affects only a few muscles or a small part of your body.
While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, overuse of pain relievers can cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach upset.Natural remedies are an option that may help you feel better with fewer side effects.
There are lots of fantastic natural remedies for muscle pain that can speed up the process of muscle recovery.
1.MAGNESIUM
The first natural remedy on our list is magnesium, which is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. Apart from helping maintain a healthy heartbeat, it regulates muscle contractions as well, which is crucial for muscle recovery. Basically it acts as a natural calcium blocker to help your muscles relax. If your body doesn’t have enough magnesium to compete with calcium, it’s highly likely that your muscles may contract too much, and that will inevitably result in spasms or cramps. If you’re experiencing these after a workout, you can either apply magnesium oil topically or take magnesium supplements orally. Of course, you should also incorporate foods rich in magnesium into your everyday diet, so start with almonds, sesame seeds, spinach, black beans and cocoa powder, and you’ll see a nice improvement in soreness gradually.
2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is also recommended for sore muscles. The majority of people actually use it to treat leg cramps, which are sometimes caused by a lack of potassium in their body. Needless to say, apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium and it can therefore fill this nutritional gap. Besides that, it can reduce your risk of developing muscle cramps, while reducing the pain associated with pre-existing cramps at the same time. You can either mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water and consume it or can apply it directly to the affected area. Due to its anti-inflammatory and alkalising properties, apple cider vinegar helps to reduce muscle pain and inflammation.
3. ICE OR HEAT
If your muscles are sore as a result of some strenuous exercise then a hot water bottle, heat pad or even a relaxing bubble bath could help to ease the problem. Heat soothes and relaxes the muscles but it also provides some natural pain relief .
If you are suffering from the likes of a pulled muscle however, then some ice is the better option. This will help to calm any inflammation, bruising, swelling or redness, plus it acts as a great numbing agent meaning it should ease any pain too.
4. AVOID INFLAMMATORY FOODS
If you experience muscle pain, I’m sure you are beginning to realise that what you eat (or, indeed, what you don’t eat) could have a big impact on your symptoms.
If you make a habit of avoiding foods that promote inflammation and eat foods that help reduce it, this can be helpful in reducing pain throughout the body.
When it comes to inflammatory foods, processed goods such as ready meals, crisps, sweets and some meats are the biggest culprits so if you can its best to avoid these. On the other hand, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as various nuts and seeds, can help to fight inflammation.
5. MOVEMENT
Our muscles tend to want to stay doing whatever they’re doing, unless we force them to change. If you’re tensed up, they’ll stay tensed up. Stand up, walk, run, stretch, etc. do whatever you can to be active, so you can stay active as you age. Increase blood flow = faster healing and sore muscle relief
6. ESSENTIAL OILS
Few essential oils are also helpful for muscle pain relief. You can try lemongrass, peppermint and marjoram essential oil for cramps. For tension marjoram, peppermint, lavender essential oils are the best. Add one or two drops of essential oils in a teaspoon of carrier oils such as coconut oil, olive oil and massage the affected area.
7. MASSAGE
Massage helps to stimulate blood circulation to an area, which speeds healing. When combined with healing oils, such as the essential oils blends listed above or pepper rub
below, you get a double benefit.
Tips
Keep yourself hydrated throughout your workout to avoid cramps.
Keep a check on your posture during your workout.
Consult your doctor if the soreness continues for more than 4-5 days.
