Top 12 Natural Supplements for Relaxing Muscles

Throughout our lives, we may experience tightness, spasms and soreness in the muscles of our physical body on a regular basis. The causes include overexertion, exercising, accidents or falls, pregnancy and the overall aging of the body, as well as specific diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

In addition to yoga, walking, healthy eating and massage, natural medicines can help. They work to loosen muscle adhesions and trigger points. When used in combination with posture improvements and pain-fighting essential oils, these supplements can be used instead of man-made pharmaceuticals.

If you would like to avoid using synthetic drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, consider trying these following natural muscle-relaxing substances instead:

1. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil

CBD is similar to THC, except it’s non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t alter the state of your consciousness or make you feel “high”. CBD oil can be utilized to help treat chronic pain, including muscle pain. Scientific studies and research points to its pain relieving potential¹ as well as its function as a muscle relaxant, and increasingly more people use it to manage their physical pain and soreness.

CBD oil is can be taken in drop form, placed under the tongue or mixed with water or juice. Topical ointment infused with CBD oil is also widely available now, sold for the purpose of alleviating acute muscle pain and soreness.

2. Cannabis

As in the case with CBD (which is only 1 of 100 of the compounds found in cannabis), science has also confirmed that the cannabis plant is an effective pain reliever. One of the major benefits associated with medicinal marijuana use is the relief of chronic or neuropathic pain. Inhalation of marijuana smoke relaxes the muscles within the body.

People with frequent muscle tightness or twitching often have difficulty completing normal tasks associated with daily activities. The use of medical marijuana can prove to be beneficial for them, as it can help reduce the symptoms associated with muscular tension, aches or pains. This in turn can boost a patient’s ability to move about normally and thus improve their overall quality of life.

3. Cherries

Cherries have tons of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Cherry juice can help treat inflammation and muscle pain by providing these healthy compounds more abundantly.

Research has shown that drinking tart cherry juice can minimize post-workout pain.² This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, both of which help relax the muscles naturally.

Another study on cherry tart juice has shown that it can also improve sleep quality³, this is probably due to the various healthy plant compounds in combination with melatonin being present in cherries.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries, and berries in general, are another great source of antioxidants and polyphenols (which are micronutrients found in plant foods that contain antioxidants), both which can reduce inflammation in the body.

One study which looked at rats suggests that blueberries can help relax arteries and improve artery health. This benefit may potentially be due to an increase in nitric oxide, which in turn is probably caused by the considerable amounts of polyphenols found in the berries.⁴

Another study showed that drinking a blueberry smoothie before and after intensive exercise can help speed up recovery time by reducing overall inflammation in the body and decrease oxidative stress.⁵

5. Magnesium

Magnesium is vital for most of our bodily functions—especially nutrition and muscle contractions.

There are some studies⁶ which suggest that magnesium can indirectly help relax tense, twitchy and contracted muscles. This could be due to low levels of magnesium can lead to increased levels of calcium, hypercalcemia, which is medically known to cause muscle contractions, weakness and spasms. In other words magnesium can function as a natural way to block redundant calcium buildup.

High-magnesium foods include almonds, bananas, cashews, spinach, black beans, edamame and brown rice. It’s also commonly available as a supplement. Have your go!

6. Epsom salt

The two main ingredients of Epsom salt are magnesium and sulfate. An Epsom salt bath may provide pain relief and reduce swelling in people living with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout and psoriatic arthritis.

Low levels of magnesium can ease arthritis pain. Epsom salt contains magnesium and helps rid the body of inflaming toxins while reducing muscle swelling, stiffness and pain.

7. Curcumin

Turmeric, cinnamon and ginger all contain curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is also an antioxidant that helps fend off free radicals that can damage cells and tissue. Taking a curcumin supplement or incorporating these tasty ingredients regularly in your diet may help relax the muscles. Some people with osteoarthritis use turmeric as a natural pain reliever because it helps relieve inflammation.

Cinnamon can easily be added to oatmeal, homemade breads, pancakes and cookies. Ginger makes for a spicy addition to a banana, pineapple or mango smoothie. Turmeric is the ingredient in curry that gives it a deep yellow color and unique flavor. Turmeric, cinnamon and ginger can also be consumed in tea form.

8. Pomegranates

Pomegranate fruit is full of anti-inflammatory polyphenols. The antioxidant capacity of pomegranate juice may be up to three times higher than green tea.

A scientific study⁷ on elite weightlifters found that pomegranate juice may help speed up muscle recovery.

9. Peppermint

Peppermint oil treats muscle pain and sprains, by providing a cooling effect, pain relief and muscular relaxation.

It has been shown to help alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. Peppermint oil is not suitable for people with liver or gallbladder problems.

10. Lemongrass

Lemongrass oil and tea can treat arthritic joint pain and inflammation.

There is some scientific evidence⁸ pointing to the idea that lemongrass is an effective treatment for inflammation and nerve pain.

11. Cayenne pepper

The potent pepper helps lessen post-operative pain. Cayenne pepper is a powerful candida killer, too, actively fighting against 16 fungal strains, including candida, a common internal infection linked to joint pain, among other symptoms.  Cayenne also works as an external pain reliever.

Capsaicin is an important natural painkiller in cayenne that relieves muscle soreness and tension, in addition to skin infections. It can be added to food or used in capsule or cream form. As a cream, it can be applied directly to areas affected by muscle spasms.

12. Chamomile

Chamomile is a flowering herb that treats a wide variety of ailments, including muscle spasms. It contains 36 flavonoids, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Massage chamomile essential oil (mixed with a carrier oil like coconut) onto affected muscles to provide relief from spasms. Chamomile tea also helps relax sore muscles.

Conclusion

Give these natural alternatives from Mother Earth a try rather than habitually resorting to potentially damaging and addictive over-the-counter and prescription pills. These artificial drugs often come along with a slew of unpleasant side effects, including stomach ulcers and breathing problems. Go the natural route whenever possible!

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