After spending a long hard day at work or after a super-tough session at the gym, winding off in a hot tub sounds like the perfect ending to the day to relax your sore muscles, but what if a hot tub is not available.
All of us have to deal with the problem of muscle soreness and aches at some time or the other, whether due to under use or overwork; but the good news is that a variety of simple natural remedies are available that can help soothe everything from a bruised shin to an aching back. Given below are some of the most effective natural cures for getting rid of muscle soreness:
5 Natural Cures For Muscle Soreness
Epsom Salt And Mustard Seeds
This is one of the most tried and tested home remedies for getting rid of sore muscles. Simply dissolve a cup of Epson salt in a tub filled with warm water and soak yourself to get relief from tired and achy muscles. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate which works as a natural relaxant and helps to excrete fluids from the tissues, thus reducing the swelling and pain.
Besides this, adding few teaspoons of yellow mustard seeds in the water will augment the soothing effect provided by Epsom salt and help the sore muscles to relax. Make sure to use warm water and not hot water as it will prevent your skin from drying out. Use this remedy up to 3 times per week for about 15 minutes or till the water becomes cool.
Hot Shower Or Cold Compress
Taking a warm bath or shower also helps the tired muscles to relax, which is the key to giving relief to the shoulders knotted due to tension and the muscles that get tightened due to overuse. On the other hand, applying an ice pack on the inflamed or bruised muscles for about 20 minutes can bring immediate relief as it reduces the soreness and swelling of the tissues.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has also been found to be extremely effective for the treatment of leg cramps and sore muscles. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of this vinegar in a glass of drinking water or take 1 tablespoon directly like a shot. Besides this, you can also rub apple cider vinegar topically on the affected area to get rid of tired and achy muscles.
Essential Oils
An assorted of essential oils and their blends have been found to be quite helpful for relieving muscle soreness. For treating muscle cramps, a blend of peppermint and lemongrass essential oils is recommended. Besides this, Roman chamomile, marjoram and basil oils have been found effective for treating muscle spasms.
Similarly, muscle tension can be treated by using lavender, Roman chamomile and peppermint essential oils. To use these oils for treating muscle soreness, add a few drops of these oils into a tablespoon of any carried oil like olive oil or coconut oil and apply topically on the areas affected by sore muscles.
Movement
If you simply feel sore and stiff after a hard day of work, after walking several miles or after a workout session, giving yourself some more movement may be the key. This is because our muscles develop strength over time and you will be able to perform these activities with much less discomfort later.
Besides this, if you feel stiff after sitting for a long period, simply get up and move around or do a little stretching to get effective relief.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.