Natural Remedies for Sore Muscles
Massage
While massage just plain feels good, it’s doing good
for your sore muscles on a cellular level. Massage
reduces certain compounds that cause inflammation. It also stimulates
mitochondria, which aid in cell function and repair.
Try massaging those sore areas with
the muscle relaxer balm peppermint essential oil.
Essential
Oils
Several oils are analgesic (pain relievers)
Essential oils you can use for sore
muscles include:
Birch: Analgesic (pain relief), reduces inflammation
Lavender: Analgesic, relaxes tension
Peppermint: Analgesic – avoid during first 4 months of
pregnancy
Marjoram: Relaxes tension – avoid if pregnant
To use, put 1 tablespoon of carrier
oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil in a small bowl and add 3 drops of essential
oils (you can use one or a combination). Use to massage sore muscles.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral essential for
the body and a deficiency can cause a wide variety of symptoms,
including sore muscles. Magnesium is found in Epsom salt or magnesium chloride
flakes, that you can add to a bath for a nice sore muscle soak – my favorite
remedy. (Find
magnesium flakes, lotion, gel or Epsom salt.)
Movement
Sometimes your muscles are sore
because you’ve used them when they’re not used to it. Like when you decide it’s
time to get active and go run 3 miles or do 50 squats when your normal routine
consists of a lot of sitting and little activity. You’re going to feel it the
next day. And, in most cases, probably worse the day after that.
One way to remedy this is with
movement. It might not feel like the right thing to do, but it can actually
help your muscles to loosen up and feel better faster. Just move slowly.
Ice
Sometimes, ice can be helpful for
sore muscles. The best time to use ice
is when you have an acute injury (something that’s happened recently due to a
sprain, fall, etc.). Ice can help reduce pain and inflammation.
When you ice a sore muscle, be sure
to put a barrier between the ice pack and your skin, like a thin towel, and
only keep the ice on for about 10 minutes at a time. Wait until your skin
returns to its normal temperature before icing again. Repeat as needed for a
few days.
Check out our post on how to make a flexible ice pack.
Rest
Sometimes the best thing you can do
is rest. There’s nothing wrong with giving your body a break when it needs it.
This rest time (be it a day or a week) can give your body time to heal so you
can resume your activity (more carefully). Be sure to ease back into using that
muscle(s) slowly so you don’t hurt yourself again.
INFO found @ http://www.diynatural.com/natural-sore-muscle-relief/
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