9 Natural Muscle Relaxants

The most common muscle pain is in the neck, shoulders, and back. The following natural remedies can help you get relief.  Currently, a sedentary lifestyle is very common. Stress and daily obligations also promote an unhealthy lifestyle that generates muscle discomfort. Therefore, we present the nine natural muscle relaxants to help you combat tension and pain daily. The purpose of natural medicine is to avoid resorting to drugs excessively and constantly. And although the remedies can help complement a treatment prescribed by the doctor or help alleviate minor discomfort, they should not be used as a substitute. This is why you should consult a professional if the discomfort lasts.

Causes of muscle pain

Many of the muscular discomforts are produced by a bad posture. They can also arise from carrying a heavy object in the wrong way. Hence the importance of good postural hygiene. On the other hand, muscle pain can be a symptom of a psychosomatic illness, such as stress and anxiety. An injury (such as a sprain or contracture) can also cause muscle pain. Overtraining is a frequent catalyst for these episodes.

Methods to combat muscle pain

Over-the-counter medicines are best for treating muscle pain. Muscle relaxants such as baclofen, diazepam, and dantrolene; and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen are standard therapy for occasional episodes. The main treatment can be complemented with the following:

• Physiotherapy.
• Acupuncture.
• Relaxing massages.
• Compresses (hot or cold).

Fortunately, both these methods and natural remedies can be used to treat muscle pain. Taken together, all the alternatives can help you get relief. The key is to be consistent and take care of all life habits; this includes rest and food. Remember that eating a balanced diet is necessary to maintain good health, including muscles. Avoiding sudden movements, sleeping an average of eight hours a day, and taking care of the intensity and effort of the exercise routine are also considered prevention methods.

9 natural muscle relaxants

Before teaching you the best natural muscle relaxants, you should know these only provide mild and temporary relief. We have only chosen those that have the approval of scientists. We leave you under these warnings with 9 of the most important.

1. Rosemary

Evidence supports the effects of rosemary on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep. Also, its powerful anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic qualities. Its essential oil can be used to promote relaxation of muscles and joints. It is also ideal for relieving cramps caused by menstruation and other spasms. An immersion bath is a good way to take advantage of the properties of this plant. Likewise, drinking rosemary tea can be of great help.

2. Valerian

Since valerian has a calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory effect, it is one of the best natural muscle relaxants. Although people often use it for its sedative and anti-anxiety properties, experts have found that it also offers relaxing effects on skeletal muscle. How exactly does it work? The active principles of valerian (valepotriates, amino acids, and flavonoids) increase the brain concentration of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This substance relaxes both the central and autonomic nervous systems. In general, the properties of valerian are taken advantage of by consuming its infusion, but moist compresses and tonics can also be applied directly to the affected area. You can use both methods to deal with pain and muscle tension if you wish.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most used plants as an infusion worldwide. Its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects are well-known by specialists. This is why it has been used and is used to treat digestive discomfort, premenstrual symptoms, and anxiety. However, you can also resort to its infusion or its different products for topical use to relieve muscle pain. For example, a cream containing high concentrations of chamomile can help reduce tension in the area. Like the previous cases, you can use it through an infusion.

4. Saffron

A paper published in Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry in 2012 endorsed the anti-inflammatory properties of saffron compounds. It has been used effectively to prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness. An infusion is the best way to take advantage of its natural muscle relaxant effects.

5. Cranberry juice

A work published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health 2018 found that consuming blueberries reduces muscle inflammation markers. Although its effects are moderate, they are added to other natural muscle relaxants we have already presented. You can eat them straight or drink them in juice form.

6. Pomegranate juice

A study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2011 evaluated the effect of pomegranate juice on muscle recovery after eccentric exercise in strength-trained men. They found that pomegranate provides slight benefits in musculoskeletal recovery, so it is included among the natural muscle relaxants.

7. Turmeric

Positive effects on inflammation and muscle recovery after exercise have been reported with the help of turmeric. In traditional medicine, it is an ingredient used to reduce inflammation and pain. Add it to your meals or dilute it in cold or hot water using a sweetener like honey to drink it directly.

8. Ginger

Evidence supports the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger. Like other natural muscle relaxants, their benefits are slight but better than placebo or no treatment. An infusion is a quick and safe way to take advantage of its properties. You can use it with other reviewed ingredients, such as chamomile or saffron.

9. Garlic

Allicin is the most important compound in garlic. It has been suggested that allicin might have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant qualities. All of these are useful in relieving tension and muscle pain. You can use garlic in your meals, eat it raw without chewing or crushing it and accompany it with an infusion.

About herb-drug interactions

Although all the natural muscle relaxants we have compiled have a certain degree of scientific endorsement, the risk of drug interaction is high. The high intake of some herbs can alter the metabolism or the assimilation of some drugs, which can be potentially serious in certain contexts. For this reason, the natural muscle relaxants we have presented to you are a supplement and not a main treatment option. You can always opt for other methods we have taught you and appeal for over-the-counter drugs. And if the problem persists, do not hesitate to seek professional help.Natural muscle relaxants will help you put aside tensions and contractures from work or a bad movement.