By If you suffer from sore muscles, you know just how inconvenient it can be, especially if you’re at the beginning of a long workday. Sore muscles can happen for many reasons, including exercise, injury, tension, and even stress.
Sleeping in an awkward position can even cause intense muscle soreness the next day. While there are some effective pain relief products on the market, they may come with significant side effects which are detrimental to your health and negate any benefits they may have had.
Fortunately, there are a variety of sprays, roll-ons, and other products you can try which are both natural and effective. Following are five great natural pain relief products that can ease your sore and achy muscles.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have significant benefits for those suffering from muscle soreness. Studies have shown that some essential oils can ease inflammation and pain associated with sore muscles. Lemongrass and peppermint are great to have on hand if you experience painful cramps, especially after working out. For muscle spasms, try rubbing chamomile and basil oil on the painful area for quick relief. Lavender oil is extremely effective for pain and has been known to have a tranquilizing effect similar to a mild sedative. Lavender works wonders for muscle tension caused by overexertion and stress. Try chilling your essential oils before you apply them to decrease any inflammation around the sore area.
Epsom Salts
When you work out, you deplete your body’s reserve of magnesium and sulfate. This contributes to the soreness you may experience the day after a particularly grueling workout. Epson salts are a convenient and affordable way to ease muscle aches and pains. When submerged in warm water, Epsom salts eventually dissolve into magnesium and sulfate, which then gets absorbed back into your body through your skin. Some Epsom salt brands even feature essential oils, which are especially soothing for intense aches and pains. Try a relaxing Epsom salt bath the next time you’re feeling the burn after a difficult workout.
Therapeutic Oil Sprays
Sometimes, muscle aches can cause parts of your body to become extremely tender to the touch. This can make it difficult to apply lotions and other pain creams to the area. In these situations, a pain relief spray may be a better alternative to soothe away the pain. These sprays contain a combination of powerful essential oils, such as lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and wintergreen leaf oil. This combination of essential oil provides maximum pain relief for even your toughest aches and pains. Sprays are an especially convenient solution for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, as this condition can cause intense, throbbing pain from the lightest touch. They’re also great for relieving sports injuries, hip pain, knee pain, and aching feet.
Magnesium Supplements
While lower magnesium levels have been associated with increased stress and anxiety, it’s also one of the reasons why you may experience sore muscles. If an Epsom salt soak isn’t an option, try taking an oral magnesium supplement. Magnesium supplements usually come in powder form and can quickly be dissolved into your favorite beverage. Magnesium can also be found in a variety of foods like spinach, swiss chard, bananas, beans, and even molasses. The next time you’re feeling the burn, try whipping up a magnesium-rich smoothie packed with these powerful ingredients to get you through your day.
Cherry Juice
Believe it or not cherry juice is one of the most effective ways to ease your muscle soreness. Not only is it natural and effective, but it also tastes fantastic. Cherry juice contains polyphenols, which act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent when it’s consumed. Studies have shown that athletes who consume cherry juice at the end of an intense workout report lower levels of exercise-associated aches and pains the next day. Pick up a jar of tart cherry juice the next time you go grocery shopping. You’ll be glad that you did!
While muscle aches and pains are a natural part of life, they shouldn’t be endured any longer than necessary. If you’re dealing with sore muscles, you are not alone. By experimenting with these natural pain relief products and figuring out which works best for you, you’ll be well on your way to living a more comfortable, pain-free life.