Natural Muscle Relaxants

Muscle pain and soreness is a very common symptom that can result from illness, injury or even exercise. There are dozens of medicines, techniques and methods designed to prevent or treat muscle soreness. However, many people prefer natural remedies and supplements and choose to abstain from conventional medicines when alleviating muscle soreness.

Massage

Massage has been used for centuries as a method of relieving muscle pain and promoting mental wellness. Today, a professional massage therapist can employ numerous techniques, such as reflexology, friction massage and acupressure to provide natural relief to specific areas of the body. The pressure applied by massage dilates blood vessels to provide optimum circulation and restore oxygen to tight, cramping muscles. Massage should be performed only by someone with professional training to prevent bruising.

Aromatherapy

Indulging the olfactory senses with certain scents has been known to calm twitching muscles and prevent spasms. Adding a few drops of lavender, chamomile or lemongrass extract to a warm bath and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes is an excellent way to relieve muscles. Additionally, scented essential oils can be applied to the legs, arms and chest to provide an ongoing muscle relaxant. Mist your pillow with a lavender-scented spray to indulge in aromatherapy while you sleep.

Stretching

People often develop muscle pain by neglecting to stretch on a daily basis. Stretching allows your muscles to remain fluid and loose, especially when exercising. Try to stretch the key portions of your body--arms, legs, hamstrings, shoulders, inner thighs--by engaging in slow, prolonged stretches that push the limits of your flexibility without causing excess discomfort. Exercises like yoga and tai chi are also excellent ways to naturally alleviate muscle pain while maintaining flexibility and promoting physical balance.

Supplements

There are numerous natural supplements that can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin to reduce muscle pain. Supplements such as herbal pills or tinctures contain ingredients like ginger root, red clover and valerian that help relieve both muscles and stress. These are generally vegetarian, homeopathic supplements that provide non-invasive methods of relaxation. However, a doctor should be consulted before taking any supplements to avoid adverse complications like allergic reactions.

Warning

It should be noted that natural muscle relaxants do not act as a replacement for conventional medicines. They act primarily as temporary methods of relief that promote general health and wellness, but do not act as cures. Speak with a doctor to determine which method of muscle relaxant is right for you, especially if you are injured or have a pre-existing condition.