The Top 23 Natural Muscle Relaxers
Are you wondering how to get rid of muscle pain? Does a Natural Muscle Relaxer work? Muscle tension and stress can cause discomfort, ultimately affecting your quality of life. In addition, you feel tired and unrelaxed despite trying to sleep it off. So, what’s the deal? This article will dive deep into some natural remedies you can include to feel significant relief from uncalled muscle tension.
So, say goodbye to muscle spasms, chronic pain, and pressure that don’t let you live your life to the fullest—looking for the perfect natural muscle relaxer in the form of essential oils, minerals, and vitamins for muscle cramps and spasms? We’ve got you.
Muscle tension and spasms appear as hardness, bulging, or tightness in your muscles. However, it may be a result of any reason. For example, it might be possible that your lifestyle habits are incorrect, or you might move into an uncomfortable position. Whatever the case, it’s essential to recognize the underlying causes, as the reasons behind the discomfort vary hugely.
Muscle tension and spasms are typically in the feet, hands, abdomen, and arms. However, you might also encounter them in your quadriceps, calves, rib cage, and hamstrings. Anyhow, vigorous exercises or physical activity might also result in muscle tension. In that sense, gentle stretching, rest, and massage with lots of patience will help reduce the pain.
People having back and neck pain may also experience frequent muscle spasms. In addition, women during their pregnancy might also be prone to developing muscle spasms due to weight gain.
Women in their menstruation cycle might also have muscle cramps because of uterine contractions. However, the pain intensity of the conditions may vary from one person to another. Muscle discomfort, pain, and tension might also result from chronic diseases like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular conditions.
Table of Contents
Causes of Muscle Tension, Pain, and Tightness
Discomfort or pain in muscles might indicate that the person experiencing it has the following symptoms:
- Different types of exercise
- Back pain
- Gestation
- Symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Treatment of Muscle Tension, Pain, and Tightness
- Anxiety and stress
- Poor posture
There are certain drugs available on the market that act as muscle relaxants. However, these might induce resistance or side effects in people. It is, therefore, essential to figure out other helpful ways against these conditions.
The world of integrative medicine provides wholesome and practical natural solutions to these conditions. In addition, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and essential oils are scientifically proven to be convenient and beneficial for certain muscular conditions.
Muscle Fatigue from Stress
Stress and anxiety can cause the body to hold stress and trauma. This includes tightness in the hips, headaches, and tightness in the chest, contributing to poor posture. The aching and cramping in your muscles may be your body’s way of telling you that you have unresolved emotional issues stored in your body.
Tension headaches can be caused by anxiety, dehydration, or poor spinal fluid flow.
If you get tension headaches, try this exercise below to help you get immediate relief.
What is a Muscle Relaxer?
A muscle relaxer is typically a drug that helps with muscle tension or spasms, also known as a muscle relaxant. Muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and are categorized as antispastics and antispasmodics.
Spasticity is the disruption in muscles causing them to contract all at once, like in conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or stroke.
Muscle relaxers are referred for more common conditions, such as myofascial pain syndrome, affecting around 85% of the population. Antispasmodic medications and lower back pain or muscle spasms are used to treat this condition.
There aren’t any over-the-counter (OTC) muscle relaxers, making natural herb muscle relaxer options a great alternative!
Side Effects of Conventional Muscle Relaxers
- dizziness
- nausea
- dry mouth
- depression
- nervousness
- increased muscle spasms
- drowsiness
- stomach pain
- back pain
- hallucinations
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
These are based on side effects from a muscle relaxant drug, Tizanidine.
Natural Muscle Relaxers
1. High Protein
As obvious as it gets, protein is an essential muscle requirement. It is the nutrient required by the forces to repair and build. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to utilize protein in food to kick-start the anabolic process in the body.
Whey and casein are highly beneficial types of proteins that aid in reducing the overall damage to the muscle and contribute to cell synthesis. It is estimated that people who combine a considerable amount of protein in their diet with moderate amounts of carbohydrates significantly reduce muscle soreness after 72 hours of strenuous physical activity, such as running a marathon.
2. Arnica
Arnica is a yellow flower that is part of the sunflower family and is used as a homeopathic medicine that is added to oils and creams to reduce bruising of the body. It can be applied topically to alleviate muscle stiffness and is believed to be an effective muscle relaxant.
Apply arnica in the area where it hurts, which can help with muscle stiffness. Although there is a need for more extensive research in this department, many individuals live by the efficiency of arnica as a muscle relaxant. Evidence in the scientific community suggests the efficacy of arnica as a powerful agent against muscle soreness.
3. Peppers
Chili peppers or cayenne peppers contain a powerful ingredient in capsaicin, an effective agent for pain relief for individuals with fibromyalgia. Studies also suggest that the topical application exerts a positive influence as a muscle relaxant. You can also see several creams and ointments having this ingredient.
On the other hand, capsaicin might be considered more valuable as a treatment against nerve pain than muscle pain caused by inflammation. Capsaicin is believed to alleviate the overall nerve fiber density below the skin significantly. It also helps with circulation to help accelerate healing.
It also helps with weight loss, which excess body weight can contribute to muscle tightness.
4. The Sun
Individuals with frequent spasms or muscle pain might lack vitamin D. For good bone, teeth, and muscle health, it is recommended to take vitamin D daily.
- Vitamin D helps get calcium into your bone matrix—the lattice-like structure that gives your bones their strength and rigidity.
- Vitamin D is good for your brain too!
- Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in immune function
- Promotes endothelial health helps maintain already-healthy blood pressure.
You can take capsules or liquids for the vitamin or refer to natural sources. Animal sources like eggs, meat, and fish are abundant in vitamin D. However, you can also spend some time in the sun to get your required dose of vitamin D in your body.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium is among the most vital elements for muscle health as it is responsible for muscle contractions, among other minerals, such as calcium. You can increase your natural uptake of magnesium through these foods:
- Cashews, almonds, and walnuts
- Black beans
- Spinach and other dark, leafy vegetables
- Edamame
However, if you have a magnesium deficiency, you might want to go for a supplement for the mineral. Ensure you talk to a healthcare professional before taking the dose to ensure you don’t get to a toxic level.
6. Essential Oils
Peppermint oil is among the most effective essential oils for muscle relaxation. It is suggested that regular essential oil intake through the oral route aids in reducing body pain significantly. Some evidence also indicates that peppermint, when applied topically, can induce specific results such as cooling, muscle relaxation, and relief from pain. Moreover, the oil helps reduce inflammation, which rids the individual from discomfort.
Other oils that help improve muscle repair and synthesis include chamomile oil, an effective essential oil muscle relaxer.
7. CBD
Some individuals also use CBD oil to treat muscle and other chronic pains. Thus, it acts as a natural muscle relaxer. It is estimated that it is so as the active CBD helps reduce inflammation in the site of disturbance and increases recovery time.
Some other anti-inflammatory agents in the cannabis plant act as natural muscle relaxers. These include the following:
- Delta Limonene- is a natural antioxidant in some citrus fruits, such as lemon and orange.
- Beta Myrcene – The antioxidant aids in providing relief against muscle discomfort and is also found in basil and lemongrass.
CBD oil is not legalized in all countries and regions. So, you would need to make sure you are legally allowed to use the substance in the area where you live. However, CBD is coming through as a groundbreaking agent against several conditions.
Moreover, the scientific community reveals that CBD in the cannabis plant helps activate the endocannabinoid system in our central nervous system. As a result, we experience better performance in our functions like temperature, appetite, mood, pain, and memory.
So, it won’t be wrong to say that CDB is the best Natural Muscle Relaxer to relieve pain.
8. Collagen
We know that collagen is an essential connective tissue, providing support and cushion to several body organs, including the skin. It is made from different amino acids and is known to have a lot of benefits against inflammation. It is also helpful to decrease discomfort caused by the inflammation in the body, such as in joint pain and muscle soreness.
Moreover, depending on your ease, you can consume collagen in liquid, powder, or capsule form. You can also get it from natural sources such as eggs, fish, poultry, and stock. In addition, you can consume it with citrus fruits and vitamin C to increase the activation of this protein in your body. It will kick-start your healing process.
9. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Benefits
These are some of the natural substances that are present in your cartilage. However, these substances tend to decrease in your joints with age, resulting in muscle and joint pain. So, taking supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin is helpful against certain conditions. It will also help you eliminate the stiffness that reduces your quality of life.
However, it would be best to talk to a healthcare professional to determine which component and amount work best for you.
10. Tart Cherry Juice
Tart Cherry juice can be purchased at your local health food or grocery store. It is potent in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation, reduce gout, improve bone strength, and reduce oxidative stress from exercise.
Tart Cherry also works by breaking down built-up lactic acid post-workout that can cause soreness.
Athletes who consumed tart cherry juice had less muscle pain after drinking 355ml bottles over seven days before competing in a race.
11. Skullcap
Chinese herb Skullcap contains over 53 polyphenols and anti-cancer properties. The most well-known polyphenols in Skullcap include baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, chrysin, and verbascoside.
Skullcap is a great natural muscle relaxer because of its polyphenols and anti-inflammatory properties; it is an antispasmodic and nervine relaxant. It relaxes the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and can be used for sleep in a higher dosage.
12. Valerian
Valerian root is commonly known as a sleep aid. Valerian’s muscle relaxant properties include its sedative and antispasmodic properties on smooth muscles. Valerian root is beneficial for menstrual cramping, IBS, and colic.
13. Hops Herb
Hops (Humulus lupulus) treats anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and nervousness. These are symptoms of trauma and anxiety disorders.
- Muscle relaxant
- Digestive health
- Sleep aid
Non-Supplement Muscle Relaxers
If you have muscle stiffness from anxiety or unresolved trauma, you may need additional help finding a natural muscle relaxer that addresses chronic issues.
14. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that therapists often teach to help a client relax their muscles. This is done with mindfulness to bring awareness towards what is happening in the body, along with actively contracting and relaxing muscles.
This feels similar to a light massage or a good stretch.
This also calms the nervous system to reduce anxiety and future muscle tension. Practicing progressive muscle relaxation once daily for a few minutes can help relieve some pain and soreness from holding on to specific feelings.
15. Cupping Massage
Massages are a great way to flow blood to sore areas, including tight muscles. This becomes more of a necessity if you live with Charlie’s horses and chronic tightness.
- 19 x Plastic Cupping Cups (Premium Quality, 13 of the 2" dia cups, 1 of the 1.8", 2 of the 1.6", 2 of the 1.3", and 1 of the 1.1" dia cups), 1 x Hand Pump, 1 x extension tube (optional), 1 x Carrying Case
Cupping is done through a vacuum seal by some massage therapists, and others use silicone cups that, when squeezed together, create enough tension to grab the skin tightly and suction overly tense muscles.
16. Massage Chair/ Massage Gun
Massage chairs that use heat, such as the one I bought from Amazon for a much lower price than local retailers, work effectively as a natural muscle relaxer.
This Shiatsu Massage Chair attachment works well because of the heat and the neck options. It allows you to focus on rolling and kneading to help you relax your muscles. The heat makes it more effective as it softens your muscles and rolls right into your sore spots.
I use my massage chair to alleviate sore areas while I am working. Below is the massage chair that I sit on my work chair at my desk.
- 4 unique neck massage nodes to kneading massage for neck & shoulders.
- The width of massage balls can be adjusted to custom fit the body.
- Heated massage optional
- The deep tissue massage gun has 10 different massage heads, each of which is aimed at different muscles. After the massage gun hits the muscles, it can promote blood circulation, decompose lactic acid, and relieve muscle soreness after exercise.
A massage gun is a portable option to relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce soreness naturally.
17. Tens Unit
A Tens Unit is a practical and portable muscle relaxation device that utilizes gentle massage to stimulate your muscles and promote relaxation naturally.
- A TENS unit muscle stimulator and electric massager that provides pain relief, acts as a muscle massager or shoulder massager, provides carpal tunnel relief, and acts as a muscle relaxer
18. Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is a natural muscle relaxer that offers numerous benefits. By manipulating the spine and restoring proper alignment, chiropractors help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation. This drug-free approach addresses the symptoms and targets the underlying causes of muscle discomfort. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractic care can be an effective and long-lasting solution for muscle relaxation.
19. Hot/Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy is a simple yet effective method for muscle relaxation. Applying heat to the affected area increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces stiffness. On the other hand, cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and numbs the area, providing relief from muscle pain and discomfort. Combining these two therapies in an alternating fashion can further enhance the relaxation effect on the muscles.
20. Stretching Exercises
Incorporating regular stretching exercises into your routine can significantly promote muscle relaxation. Stretching helps improve flexibility, increase blood flow, and release muscle tension. By targeting specific muscle groups, such as the hamstrings or shoulders, through proper stretching techniques, you can experience relief from muscle tightness and promote overall relaxation.
21. Meditation and Deep Breathing
Meditation and deep breathing exercises are powerful ways to relax the muscles and the mind. By focusing on your breath and practicing mindfulness, you can release tension and promote a sense of calm throughout your body. This relaxation technique can be done anywhere, making it a convenient option for muscle relaxation in various situations.
22. Yoga
Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall well-being, including muscle relaxation. The gentle stretching and flowing movements in yoga help release muscle tension, increase flexibility, and improve blood circulation. Regular yoga can improve muscle relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance the mind-body connection. Stretching can help improve symptoms of sciatica as well.
23. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint, have soothing properties that can help relax muscles when used in massage or diffused in the air. Incorporating aromatherapy into your relaxation routine can provide a pleasant sensory experience while enhancing the overall effectiveness of muscle relaxation techniques.
Summary
There can be multiple causes of muscle discomfort, such as adrenal fatigue or insomnia. The good news is that the solutions are also no less – from Epsom salt to magnesium supplements, from glucosamine to collagen, there are many options. Choose the one that suits you the best according to your condition and other factors.
Originally posted 2021-12-29 05:54:18.
Megan Santiago
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