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Natural muscle relaxants

When people have sore muscles, a headache, or any other type of such nuisances, the first relief they often think of is pain medication. More and more, people are interested in and discovering new ways to relieve this pain that have nothing to do with taking an over-the-counter or prescribed medication. In fact, these natural muscle relaxants have been a part of the Eastern medicine practice for centuries, as have other natural remedies. The good thing is that not only do these herbals relax muscles, but they also reduce joint stiffness and pain. Most muscle relaxers can’t even be picked up without a prescription written by a doctor, so having another option that is just as effective puts it higher on some people’s list. They can be found in most health food stores. Let’s take a look at what the natural remedies to relax muscles include.

Herbs for Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation
Any type of muscle relaxer works by inhibiting the nerve impulses that maintain tightness in the tissues that control the motion. Be sure to take only the recommended dosage, and it is best to speak with a doctor before starting on any kind of medication or herbal product.

• Valerian. This herbal product is perfect for relaxation and muscle relief. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps relax and minimize muscle spasms. As a bonus, it can also induce sleep.
• Chamomile. As a muscle relaxer, this herb is best used in combination with other herbs to get the maximum effect.
• Licorice. Another anti-inflammatory, it acts like a steroid.
• Kava Root. Offers pain relief.
• White Willow. Also offers pain relief.
• Horsetail. Another pain reliever.
• Cramp Bark. Helps reduce and get rid of muscle spasms.
• Cayenne Pepper. Only for external use, cayenne pepper can provide topical pain relief.
• Devils Claw. Eases pain and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
• Passiflora. Muscle relaxer.
• Rosemary. Rosemary is a powerful restorative agent; it can also alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce muscle spasms. Oils containing rosemary can be applied topically to relieve muscle soreness and stiffness.
• Lobelia. Reduces the frequency of muscle spasms, helping to relax the muscle.
• Arnica. This can be used as an oral remedy or rubbed topically, but it is excellent for muscle soreness that is a result of overworking the muscles.
• Catnip. Oils extracted from catnip are useful in relieving menstrual cramps and colic.
• Basil, Bergamot, Cardamom, and Caraway. All of these herbal plants have anti-spasmodic properties.
• Passion Flower. This herb has a wide variety of characteristics, including acting as a sedative to combat excessive nervousness or anxiety, it acts as an anti-spasmodic and is useful in treating dysmenorrhea, muscle cramps, etc.
• St. John’s Wort. It is good for treating muscle pain and spasms.
• Magnesium. Very good for combating muscle pain.
• Horse Radish. This has been known to relieve extreme muscle pain and muscle cramping.
• Lavender. More specifically lavender flower oil, this is an effective muscle relaxant that can provide relief from muscular aches.
• Epsom Salt. Soaking sore feet in Epsom Salt mixed with water is a good remedy for muscle and joint pain in this area.
• Massage Therapy. A continuous, circular massage motion over the cramped or pained area can provide tremendous relief in loosening up the muscles.

Take with Caution
Always talk with a physician before starting on any kind of muscle relaxer, especially if you are taking other medications as well. However, there is no shame in choosing one that is a little off the mainstream choices. Many people are quite fond of natural remedies, using them for any reason, but choosing them over prescription or over-the-counter medications any day.

Last updated on Oct 16th, 2010 and filed under Alternative Medicine. Both comments and pings are currently closed.