Medicinal Herbs to Relieve Muscle Tension

Muscle tension frequently arises not from physical exertion, but a mental state. Some of the most common causes of muscle tension are panic-anxiety disorder, anxiety alone or stress, according to the website Wrongdiagnosis.com. Medicinal herbs that alleviate muscle tension, therefore, are those that also help you generally relax.

Valerian

• Valerian relieves muscle tension, as well as alleviates anxiety and induces relaxation. You can take the herb as a supplement, ranging anywhere from 300 to 1800 milligrams, or drink valerian tea. People have long used valerian to beat insomnia, help digestive problems, ameliorate chest pains and tightness, and relieve gas. Some have applied valerian directly onto the skin to help heal sores and combat acne.

Lavender

• Best known for its enticing and soothing scent, lavender helps muscle tension fade away. Relax in a lavender-infused bath, using lavender oil or dried lavender flowers. Use lavender oil in a massage. Lavender candles and incense are popular in aromatherapy. Lavender soothes tension, alleviates anger, and induces a positive and uplifting mood. Lavender also makes a soothing tea.

Ginseng

• Ginseng tea is a natural pick-me-up that also relieves muscle tension. In addition to alleviating tension and stress, ginseng helps reduce anxiety. Be wary of having more than one cup of the tea each day, as an overdose of ginseng over a period time can backfire and actually cause muscle tension, according to the website WrongDiagnosis.com.

Peppermint

• Like lavender, peppermint is another highly aromatic herb that alleviates muscle tension. Peppermint oil is popular to add to the bath or a foot soak, the latter especially works for sore feet or lower leg cramps. Peppermint tea relieves stomachaches, cramps and can aid digestion. Peppermint candles and incense are also popular for aromatherapy.