5 Natural Ways to Relieve Muscle Tension

Are your muscles sore and tense? Struggling with aches and discomfort? Don’t panic! Muscle tension is not a serious condition. It’s usually caused by overstraining, anxiety, or low potassium levels. In rare cases, it may indicate thyroid disease or fibromyalgia.

Unless you have an underlying condition, you should be able to relieve muscle tension at home. From moist heast to bananas and self-massage, there are lots of natural ways to soothe tense muscles and ease pain. These remedies also have none of the side effects you may experience with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

1. Self-Massage:

Massage therapy has emerged as one of the best ways to relieve tense muscles. This treatment method improves blood flow and helps reduce stress while relaxing the muscle tissues.

To experience massage therapy, you can book a massage session with a massage therapist. At home you can massage your muscles using a foam roller, a lacrosse, tennis or base ball. You can even add essential oils to the process which would enhance relaxation of the muscles. Massage can be done after exercise, before bedtime, or whenever you have some free time.

2. Tart Cherry Juice:

Long-distance runners and other athletes drink cherry juice for a reason to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. It also contains powerful antioxidants that scavenge oxidative stress and prevent muscle damage.

3. Nuts:

Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, and other nuts are loaded with magnesium. This mineral regulates over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function. Even the slightest deficiency can result in aches, spasms, and poor recovery from training.

Eat a handful of nuts every day. Enjoy them raw, or add them to your favorite recipe. Other good sources of magnesium include brown rice, peas, beans, and bananas. You can even take a magnesium supplement.

4. Essential Oils:

Certain essential oils relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and fight inflammation. They also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of muscle aches.

Simply massage the affected areas with basil, peppermint, lemongrass, chamomile, or lavender essential oils. Just make sure you first mix them with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil.

5. Valerian Tea:

Valerian is best known for its ability to improve sleep. Due to its relaxing effect, this herb reduces pain, spasms, and muscle tension. At the same time, it fights stress and anxiety.

To enjoy its benefits, add one teaspoon of dried valerian root to a cup of hot water. Wait for about 10 minutes, strain, and drink. Ideally, have a cup of valerian tea every day before bedtime.