11 Natural Muscle Relaxers That Are Better Than Medication

Experiencing muscle tension and pain is sometimes common. Whilst over-the-counter medications may be of aid, many people are interested in using natural alternatives. Here I will show the best natural muscle relaxers to reduce discomfort.

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We can all have muscle tension once in a while and it’s completely normal.

The issue starts when the pain is persistent throughout the day reducing mobility and challenging a normal life.

There are several possible causes of pain, muscle tightness and reduced range of motion, including:

• Exercise, too much or lack thereof
• Back pain
• Pregnancy
• Fibromyalgia symptoms

Independently of the cause, muscle tension may become more likely when the levels of inflammation in the body are high, as inflammation is the most common pain trigger and reducing it can also solve muscle tightness.

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Those who want to avoid synthetic drugs, such as ibuprofen (with harmful side effects linked to its regular use) may find some natural muscle relaxers beneficial.

These include the following foods and supplements:

Best Natural Muscle Relaxers

1. Cherries 

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

A 2018 review found that cherries could lower pain and muscle damage resulting from exercise.

However, some of the studies used strong cherry concentrate rather than whole fruit, which is important to consider when evaluating the evidence.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are an excellent source of polyphenols and antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

A small study found that blueberry supplementation can improve exercise performance and decrease inflammatory markers.

Reducing inflammation can help muscles relax and recover after exercise.

3. Protein

Research shows that adequate protein intake after exercise could help reduce muscle inflammation.

A review looking at exercise-induced muscle damage in women found that supplementation with whey and casein, two types of protein, reduced muscle damage.

Another study looked at 16 novice marathon runners.

Runners who received a combination of protein and carbohydrates during the race felt less muscle soreness 72 hours after the marathon than those who had only consumed carbohydrates.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is vital for almost all bodily functions, especially for proper muscle contractions.

Foods that are high in magnesium include almonds, cashews, spinach, black beans and edamame (see more below).

People can also take magnesium supplements, although older adults and infants should only take them if their doctor prescribes them.

High doses of magnesium can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

5. Curcumin

Turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger contain curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Some research has shown that curcumin can decrease inflammatory markers after exercise.

Taking a curcumin supplement or incorporating turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger into a healthy diet can help relax muscles.

Women who are nursing or pregnant should avoid excessive consumption of curcumin.

6. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranates contain large amounts of polyphenols.

The antioxidant capacity of its juice is potentially three times higher than that of green tea.

A study on elite weightlifters found that pomegranate juice can help speed muscle recovery.

7. Arnica

Also known as Mountain tobacco and Wolf’s bane, Arnica creams and oils are commonly used to reduce bruising.

People should only use arnica topically, as ingesting it can be life-threatening.

Some earlier studies on marathon runners found that the use of topical arnica could reduce muscle pain. 

8. Capsaicin

Capsaicin occurs naturally in the pith, or fleshy part, of chilli peppers, and can provide effective pain relief for those with fibromyalgia and overall muscle tension.

Some research has shown that applying capsaicin cream to the skin might have a positive effect on muscle pain. 

The use of capsaicin may be more appropriate as a treatment for nerve pain rather than inflammatory muscle pain, though.

Researchers believe that capsaicin reduces the density of nerve fibres under the skin, which can decrease lesions and help to heal them.

9. Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil

There are many people who use CBD oil to help treat chronic pain, including muscle pain.

Research suggests that it may work as a muscle relaxant, and some people use it for this purpose.

Cannabis plants contain two particular anti-inflammatory agents that act as muscle relaxants:

Delta-limonene, which is also found in citrus, and Beta-myrcene, which is also in lemongrass and basil.

CBD oil is illegal in some areas and can react with other medications.

As a result, it’s best to talk to a health practitioner before trying it.

10. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a well-known home remedy for muscle pain.

Authors of a 2018 study suggest that taking peppermint orally can effectively relieve all sorts of pain.

Evidence also shows that topical use of peppermint oil for sprains may provide a cooling effect, pain relief, and muscle relaxation.

Peppermint oil is not suitable for some people, including those with problems that affect the bile duct, liver, or gallbladder.

11. Lemongrass

Some people use lemon oil or tea to treat the pain and swelling of arthritic joints.

Some evidence suggests that lemongrass may be effective in treating inflammation and nerve pain due to its beta-myrcene content, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Final Thoughts

Muscle tightness can be uncomfortable, but they are common after exercise, especially if the type of activity is not familiar to us.

Anyone who experiences sudden, sharp pain or reduced movement should see a health practitioner or physical therapist for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatments and side effects.

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