Your muscles work every time, even when you sleep soundly. With so much daily movements your body does, it is common to feel aches and soreness in different areas. The good news is that muscle pain can be managed with pain relievers and simple home remedies.
Home Remedies to Ease Muscle Pain
Muscle pain can occur anywhere, you can experience soreness at your neck, back, lower back, legs, and arms. Many symptoms will heal within a few days, though some can experiece these symptoms for months. In general, ointments or creams that ease tense muscles can help relieve discomfort.
Besides medications, you can also try natural options to calm muscle pain, such as the following:
1. Chamomile
Chamomile has long been used as one of the herbal remedies for various conditions, including muscle soreness. It contains 36 flavonoids, compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. To use chamomile for muscle relief, apply chamomile oil to the painful area. Drinking chamomile tea can also help the muscles relax.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint oil may also help ease muscle pain. You can apply it to the affected muscles to cool the sore areas and reduce tension. Menthol in peppermint produces a relaxing effect on muscle tissue, making movement feel easier.
However, peppermint oil is not recommended for people with bile duct, liver, or gallbladder problems. It can stimulate bile flow, which speeds the movement of food. Peppermint oil may also interfere with liver detoxification, potentially affecting how certain medications are processed.
3. Foods Rich in Vitamin D
According to Healthline, frequent muscle pain can be linked to low vitamin D levels in your serum. Review your daily meals and increase intake of foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs, fish, and milk. Along with dietary changes, spend time in the sun regularly to help activate vitamin D in the body.
4. Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. It has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce exercise-related muscle inflammation. Verywell Fit notes that curcumin can be taken as supplements, beverages, or foods containing turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger. Pregnant women should be cautious with curcumin from turmeric, as it may raise the risk of early labor or miscarriage.
5. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is known not only as a cooking ingredient but also as a medicinal plants. Lemongrass oil has analgesic properties that may relieve muscle and joint pain and help reduce inflammation. You can massage the sore areas in your body with lemongrass oil or use lemongrass essential oil in steam inhalation.
In addition to the methods above, a cold compress can help soothe muscle pain, especially right after an injury. If muscle soreness has lasted for several days, you can switch by using a warm compress on the painful area.
Muscle pain is common. If this symptoms does not improve within a few days and it makes you limit your activities, consult a doctor promptly.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
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Medlineplus. (2021). Medicines for Back Pain. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007486.htm
Fanous, S. (2019). The 7 Best Natural Muscle Relaxers. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/best-natural-muscle-relaxers
Crichton-Stuart, C. (2018). 12 natural Muscle Relaxers. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323393
Muinos,L. (2021). Is Turmeric Good for Inflammation and Muscle Recovery?. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/is-turmeric-good-for-inflammation-and-muscle-recovery-5195544
Muinos, L. (2021). Is Turmeric Safe During Pregnancy?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/turmeric-during-pregnancy#summary