How to soothe muscle pain with effective natural remedies

There are many types of muscle pain: the one caused by the shoelaces after excessive exercise, the one caused by a sprain or a blow, or also the chronic one in diseases such as fibromyalgia. In all these cases the person experiences muscle pain, although for different reasons. In any case, when muscle pain appears we can calm it down naturally

How to soothe muscle pain

Perform a therapeutic massage. Getting a professional massage relieves muscle pain. The masseuse can use vegetable oils so that the hands glide better and also essential oils with anti-inflammatory action, such as lavender, chamomile, rosemary, camphor or hypericum.To make some exercise. Absolute rest is not advisable, since it stiffens the muscles, but intense exercise can also be harmful. It is best to maintain a regular routine of moderate exercise. Many muscle aches, especially those that appear after exercise, are due more to a lack of habitual movement than to the contrary. Exercise, on the other hand, It makes us produce endorphins, which significantly reduce pain. Finally, it must be taken into account that insomnia and sleep problems make muscle repair difficult at night.Stretch the muscles well. One type of exercise, stretching, can be very helpful in treating muscle pain. Athletes practice it before competing to avoid contractures and pain. Of course, if you notice a cramp, do not force the muscle: stop and give yourself a massage by stretching the affected part and gently “squeezing” the muscle with the help of one hand, especially where you notice a knot or a contracted area. Once the cramp has subsided, resume the movement with an easy walk.

Apply cold for a recent injury

Both cold and heat are useful for treating different types of pain at different times. Choosing one or the other also depends on personal sensitivity. The temperature that is most effective can be used.

A recent injury causes a inflammation in the affected area that can be stopped with the application of cold by means of a pack (sold in pharmacies) or a simple bag of frozen peas. After an intense exercise, and to prevent stiffness, it may help to take a cold shower or a massage with ice cubes. It is generally recommended to apply cold therapy first and, if pain persists after 48 hours, move on to heat treatment. Of course, you always have to consult a doctor to make a diagnosis.

Using hot water for stress contractures

Heat is useful when the pain is due to a contracture nervous or stressed.A home treatment consists of badd in hot water to which a bowl of sea salt has been thrown. Heat can also be applied with a bag at 40ºC. The brain receives the heat signal and this replaces the pain signal. To prolong its effects you can wrap the bag in a cloth.

Plants to relax and deflate muscles

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). Relaxing, it can be taken as a herbal tea or applied as an essential oil to the painful area (diluted 3% in sweet almond oil).Cayenne (Capsicum annuum). Capsaicin relaxes the muscles and interferes with the conduction of pain impulses. Use it internally or as a cream, without going overboard: it irritates the skin!Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Macerate the rosemary in alcohol for two or three weeks (or add 3% of its essential oil to the alcohol and the same amount of camphor). Give yourself massages with him.Willow (Salix alba). Its bark is rich in salicylates, anti-inflammatories similar to aspirin, although with less effect. Prepare an infusion by boiling the bark for about 15 minutes. It is a good remedy for pain, without the side effects of anti-inflammatories.

Diet to prevent muscle pain

Magnesium is important. One mineral that helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function is magnesium. Its deficiency causes muscle pain, although not all muscle pain is due to magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is present in many foods. Pumpkin seeds, cocoa, dried beans, molasses, flax, sesame and sunflower seeds, almonds, nuts, spinach, chard, banana and legumes are especially rich in it.Papaya and pineapple. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins. In the face of muscle pain they can exert an anti-inflammatory effect. The best known are papain and bromelain, present in the papaya and in the central parts of the tropical pineapple, respectively. Consume these fruits in abundance.