The 7 Best Natural Muscle Relaxers

Have you ever felt an involuntary tightness, hardness, or bulging in a muscle? That’s called amuscle spasm. This type of cramping can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons and in many areas of your body.

Spasms are common in the abdomen, arms, hands, and feet. You can also feel them in your calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps, and along the rib cage. Many cases of simple muscle spasms are caused by heavy exercise and vigorous sport. Patience, rest,gentle stretching, and massaging the muscle can help alleviate the pain.

People with acute neck and back pain often suffer from muscle spasms. Pregnant women arealso proneto muscle spasms because of the sudden increase in weight. Menstruating women experience muscle cramps due touterine contractions, though the severity of the pain varies by person. Muscle spasms are a common side effect of chronic conditions likemultiple sclerosis,muscular dystrophy, and McArdle’s disease.

While muscle spasms can be painful, relief is available with these seven natural muscle relaxers.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile is an ancient herb that’s used to treat a variety of ailments, including muscle spasms. It contains 36 flavonoids, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. You can massage chamomileessential oilonto affected muscles to provide relief from spasms. Chamomile tea can also help relax sore muscles.

Shop for chamomile tea.

2. Cherry juice

People who sign up for marathons train vigorously, often causing a lot of stress on their muscles.Cherry juicecan help combat the inflammation and muscle pain that is so common in runners. Studies reveal that drinking tart cherry juice can minimize post-run pain. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities in the fruit help to relax muscles naturally.

Shop for cherry juice.

3. Blueberry smoothies

Another sweet and natural way to relax your muscles is by eating blueberries. A recent study suggests that having a blueberry smoothie before and after exercise can help accelerate recovery from muscle damage.Blueberrieshave antioxidant powers and have been shown to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.

4. Cayenne pepper

Capsaicin, a substance found incayenne pepper, is a natural muscle relaxant that’s often recommended to people who live withfibromyalgiaandrheumatoid arthritis. It can be added to food, like in thisgrilled shrimp with lime cream recipe, or you can find cayenne pepper in capsule form and as a cream. When used as a cream, you can apply it to areas affected by muscle spasms.

Shop for cayenne pepper.

5. Vitamin D

适合所有人常规肌肉疼痛或痉挛t be deficient invitamin D. This vitamin comes in many forms, includingliquids,tablets, andcapsules. You can also get it in foods likeeggs, fish, and fortified milk. Getting regular exposure tosunlightis another way to get vitamin D!

Shop for vitamin D supplements.

6. Magnesium

Magnesium对人体营养至关重要,因为它保持常态al muscle and nerve function. Although it’s rare, early symptoms in people who are deficient in this mineral include muscle pain. This mineral is mostly found in foods such as bananas, almonds, legumes, and brown rice. It’s also available as a supplement.

Shop for magnesium supplements.

7. Rest

Perhaps the best and most natural way to relax your muscles is to rest. Make sure to get lots of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and try not to overwork the affected muscle. Usingheat pads or ice packson the muscle can provide immediate relief. Sometimes muscle spasms are due to over-stimulated muscles, and ice can help calm down the transmission of impulses from the brain to the overactive muscle.