Natural Ways to Help Muscle Aches

Muscles can ache for a variety of reasons. Whether from an intense workout or from heavy physical labor, a variety of natural methods of relieving muscle aches and pains are known and have been used for many years.

Heat

• Applying heat to tired, sore muscles is an excellent way to loosen and relax tense or sore muscles. Soaking wet towels in hot water and placing them on sore areas can help relieve tension. In many cases, something as simple as soaking in a hot bath can relieve aching muscles. If one is available, a sauna or steam bath followed by a cool shower also goes a long way to helping sore muscles. In many cases, sitting in a whirlpool bath can both apply heat to the sore muscles and help massage the sore areas.

Massage

• Another good way to relieve aching muscles is through massage. There are a number of very good massage techniques, ranging from hot oil massage that tends to work sore muscles more deeply to a traditional Thai massage, which uses a more gentle stretching of the muscles. There are numerous modern massage techniques that can also help, such as massage using hot rocks.

Stretching

• If neither heat nor massage are available, try simple stretching. Stretching the sore, aching muscles can often provide temporary relief. Repeatedly stretching the muscles will also help with general physical health.

Mechanical Massage

• A number of mechanical massage devices can also help relieve muscle aches. These can range from massage chairs to hand-held vibrators. Some devices combine heat with either massage or vibration for very effective relief of tired and sore muscles.

Herbal Teas

• Certain herbal teas are known to relieve tired, aching muscles. Teas that contain horsetail or willow bark are often very good, as are ones that contain cinnamon, cayenne, or wild yam.