5 effective plants against muscle pain

If you spend between 8 or 10 hours a day sitting in front of a computer or at a table, behind the wheel or standing behind a counter, this immobility and adopting inappropriate postures it will end up taking its toll and causing muscle and joint pain. Specialists name these ailments: back pain, shoulder tendinitis, neck pain, low back pain, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, torticollis…

The first step to alleviate these persistent pains is to correct bad postures and use ergonomic seats. But at the moment we may be tempted to turn to pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs to find relief.

The medicinal plants They can be a good alternative to conventional painkillers and anti-inflammatories or, at least, a good support.

1 in 4 people over the age of 20 have back pain due to poor posture

A good alternative or support to relieve pain

Medicinal plants such as arnica, viburnum, devil’s claw, St. John’s Wort and cayenne have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make them good natural remedies to soothe muscle and joint pain.

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1. Arnica (Arnica montana)

He best pain reliever it is arnica and it is also the most effective anti-inflammatory. It is used to calm the joint inflammation, myalgias and dislocations. Relaxes the muscle, reduces inflammation, is rubefacient and activates circulation.

You can apply it as an infusion on the painful area with hot compresses.

2. Viburnum (viburnum opulus) and American viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)

The viburnum and its American relative have salicylic acid and are a good support against pain in the neck, back and joints of the hands. They have great anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic power.

The most common way to use it is in bark decoction, and to a lesser extent of the leaves, taking from 2 to 3 cups a dayto. It can also be used topically in liquid extract or tincture. You can combine them with willow and valerian.

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3. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Another great ally, similar in efficacy to clinical anti-inflammatories due to its triple function: strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic, is devil’s claw. It is recommended above all in chronic processes, to treat pain in neck, wrists, fingers, lower back, neuralgia, etc..

The part that is used is the tuber. take the dust in decoction 3 cups a dayin capsules or in liquid extract.

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4. Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum)

Although the properties for which St. John’s wort is best known are antidepressants, this plant is also used topically for its analgesic effect. He St John’s wort oil It has been shown to be effective in the long term in relieving muscle pain.

It must be applied with perseverance with a gentle massage over the painful area.

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5. Cayenne (capsicum frutescens)

Cayenne is very effective topically to alleviate neuralgia and pain in muscles, tendons and neck.

Powders or oleoresin (minimum 8% capsaicin), in the form of a cream or ointment or in compresses, are the most common applications.

It should be used sparingly, as it can irritate sensitive skin.

Consulting: JM Teixé, herbalist at Manantial de Salud