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Herbal Healings for Muscle Aches

When physical stress, illness or tiredness cause muscle aches, try herbal healing to soothe the discomfort. Herbal remedies increase connective tissue healing, improve muscle tone and relax tension. You can obtain the herbs mentioned here at herb shops or natural natural grocers and use them at home to ease your muscle aches.

  1. Inflammation

    • When muscles ache, connective tissue may be damaged. Allow botanical and anti-inflammatory compounds to speed the recovery of connective tissue. Herbs2000.com recommends evening primrose oil for its potential to promote the body's natural ability to create anti-inflammatory compounds, which ease muscle pain. According to naturesway.com, take one 500-mg capsule three to six times daily.

    Pain

    • Herbs2000 also recommends willow bark infusion as an alternative to aspirin for muscle aches. If your stomach is sensitive to aspirin, add licorice root and cinnamon to the infusion. You may take willow bark supplemental capsules instead of the infused form. Prepare the infusion by soaking 1 to 3 tsp. of willow bark in cold water for as long as five hours. After straining the infused liquid, drink 1/3 cup up to three times a day. Add one quarter of a licorice root and a small piece of a cinnamon stick to the infusing cold water.

    Topical Treatments

    • Topical herbal treatments can ease muscle tension and pain. Try an infusion of lemon balm and fir needle extract in a hot bath. Herbs2000 further suggests eucalyptus, camphor or lemon balm in a hot bath. When you get out of the bath, lie down for a while to allow the herbs and the heat of the bath to ease your muscles. All of these ingredients are available in essential oil forms. Combine eucalyptus with camphor or with lemon balm. According to aromatherapy.com, to avoid sensitivity to essential oils, blend fir and any essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. Add 9 to 10 drops of essential oil to the carrier oil. The essential oil will dissolve in the carrier oil before you add it to your bath.

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