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The stiff or sore muscles, are a kind of medical condition that we all face in life. Body areas most commonly affected by it include the back and neck, but sore muscles can occur in almost any area of the body. Many-a-times the condition affects human beings after an exercise schedule. Hydrogen ions and other chemical end products of the different metabolism reactions, get accumulated in the muscles, and cause muscle stiffness. The condition can occur because of muscle fatigue also, so that the muscles fail to contract any more. The blood plasma may get inside the muscles, causing their stiffness. Apart from these metabolic causes, a strain, injury or the compression of nerves may also cause soreness within the muscles. A range of health conditions also cause the condition. These include lupus, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
There are a number of home remedies that can treat the soreness within the muscles. You should also consult your doctor, to know whether any grave illness is affecting you or not. It is also important to give ample rest to the affected muscles, so that they can heal easily, and soon.
Here Are 7 Best Home Remedies For Stiff Muscles
1. Chamomile
Chamomile has more than 30 flavonoids. It has a comprehensive antispasmodic effect, as it decreases the contraction caused by acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter). The herb also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and can remove the adverse symptoms associated with the sore muscles. To overcome the symptoms, mix the chamomile oil (sold at pharmacies) with coconut oil, in a ratio of 1:2, and massage the affected muscle area by using the mixture. You can also drink the chamomile tea to lower the symptoms, and to get rid of the condition rather quickly.[1]
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil, has been a known remedy for the sore colon muscles, which are caused by the irritable bowel syndrome. It also acts on the stiff muscles when applied topically. Apart from lowering stiffness and inflammation, the peppermint oil also reduces the pain associated with the health condition, as it has menthol. To remove the symptoms, drink 2 or 3 cups of the peppermint tea every day, until the symptoms are over. You can make the herbal tea by steeping 1 spoon of dried or fresh peppermint leaves, in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture before drinking. Also, massage the affected muscles few times during the day, by using a 1:1 mixture of peppermint oil and sandalwood oil.[2]
3. Tart Cherries
Your garden will offer you another rescue from the adverse symptoms of stiff muscles, through the Tart Cherries. Many people eat these cherries, in order to prevent the symptoms of arthritis, as its ingredients act as an antispasmodic. Its consumption also decreases the post-exercise muscle pain. In order to lower the pain, stiffness, and inflammation, drink 1 cup fresh juice of tart cherry juice every day, until the soreness and inflammation are completely gone.[3]
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) is used commonly for relieving pain and muscle stiffness. Its application provides the stiff muscle area with magnesium, and makes the ionic concentration of the affected area normal. To remove the symptoms, fill your bath tub with lukewarm after, and add 2 cups of the Epsom salt to it. Stir the tub, so that the salt gets fully dissolved in the tub water. Soak the affected body parts in the tub. See to it that the water does not get in your eyes.[4]
5. Valerian
The perennial plant, or the herb Valerian (also known as Garden Valerian) has the beneficial pain relieving and anticonvulsant properties. Its extracts are also available in the drug stores and pharmacies. It’s sedative effect, helps you to rest properly, when affected by the condition of stiff/sore muscles. To remove the pain and stiffness associated with the muscles, make valerian tea, and drink 3 to 4 times during the week, until the symptoms are gone. You can make the tea by adding 1 spoon of valerian root (dried) to hot water, and then steep the mixture for a time period of around 10 minutes.[5]
6. Lavender Oil
The miraculous Lavender Oil has a range of medicinal benefits, and one of them is its anti-spasmodic action. It is beneficial in health conditions including arthritis, sore muscles, and joint pain, among others. It also induces sleep, and helps you to sleep better.
To heal the affected muscles, mix a few drops of the lavender oil with olive oil. Massage the affected body area by using the oil. You can follow the remedy once every day, until the symptoms are gone.[6]
7. Arnica
The herb Arnica, has known anti-inflammatory properties. It also relieves pain, and is part of several creams and ointments. It improves the circulation of blood to the affected parts of the body, and ensures fast healing. To overcome the symptoms of sore muscles, mix the pure Arnica oil with the coconut oil, in a ratio of 1:2, and massage the affected body area by using it. You can follow the remedy once a day, or a few times a week, until the symptoms are gone.[7]
