Natural Remedies for Sore Muscles

by Samantha Greenbaum

Do you suffer from sore muscles? You aren’t alone. About 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain and other muscle problems. Whether your muscles ache due to overwork or under use, it is important to find relief from muscle pain. The pain will get worse if you fail to treat it. Fortunately, there are quite a few natural remedies you can use to relieve sore muscles.

Epsom Salt

One of the common remedies to use when you have sore muscles is an Epsom salt bath. Soak in warm water with 1 or 2 cups of Epsom salt. Allow the salt to properly dissolve before getting into the bath. Soak three times a week for at least 15 minutes to find relief from achy muscles. This is considered a natural muscle relaxer and will work at pulling excess fluid from muscle tissues. If you have a lot of swelling problems, soaking in an Epsom salt bath can help.

Muscle Cream

Try rubbing muscle cream directly onto the area where you are having muscle pain. Several brands are on the market that work by using menthol cream that will heat and cool the area. Apply the cream at least 2 or 3 times a day and allow it to sit on the skin for about 20 minutes. There are also pain patches you can apply directly to your skin, which often last for an hour or longer to continue providing relief to achy muscles. Remember, it is always a good idea to place an ice pack on a painful muscle as soon as possible after you injure it. This will reduce inflammation and offer fast relief from muscle pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A great way to naturally treat muscle pain is by drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. Drink the mixture quickly, or drink the vinegar without the water. Some people will even rub the vinegar over their sore muscle. The vinegar will provide relief about an hour after ingesting it. You may find that you need to drink it 2 or 3 times a day to feel continual relief.

Molasses

You may also want to try using blackstrap molasses for a muscle relief agent. Take 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses with your morning coffee to find relief from muscle cramps and aches. The molasses helps to cure chronic back pain and muscle pain for many people. Head to a health food store to find blackstrap molasses that does not contain sulfur. This reduces inflammation and chronic pain. You can purchase a 32 ounce bottle for around $14.95 at most health food stores.

Massage

One of the best ways to find long-lasting relief from muscle pain is by visiting a massage therapist, or giving yourself a massage. A massage provides almost instant relief because the therapist is able to move the muscle around, stimulating blood flow to the area. When blood can get to the area where it hurts, it will be able to speed up the healing process. Many therapists will use healing oils when they perform massages. Oils like coconut, chamomile, peppermint, and lavender help to soothe achy muscles.

About the Author

Samantha Greenbaum is a volunteer school nurse and health-conscious mother of two. If you’re interested in helping others through nursing –and traveling while doing it– Samantha recommends checking out http://www.ayatravelnursingjobs.com/.