Muscle strain is caused when the there is overexertion resulting in an injury to the ligaments in certain parts of the body. Muscle strain can also be caused by engaging in repetitive motion. Muscle strains are characterized by muscle weakness, pain and muscle spasms as well. There is also soreness in the muscles. The back, hamstring and tendon are the most common areas where the muscle strains occur.
Herbs which can be used to heal muscle strains include Meadowsweet and Arnica. The most important natural cure for muscle strains is rest. Vigorous exercise should generally be avoided to prevent putting pressure on the strain but gentle stretching exercises actually relieve pain. You should also consult a doctor for this condition.
Best Natural Cures For Muscle Strains
Massage
Massage is very important for healing muscle strains. Massaging the area where the strain has occurred improves the circulation. This speeds up the healing of the muscle tissue and helps a person to become fit in a shorter period of time. Rapid, circular movements made during the massage also ensure that the injured area heals rapidly.
Substances known as mitochondria increase in the muscles when the area is massaged. This leads to speedy recovery from muscle strains. Cytokines in the body also rise when a massage is given to the strained area. This heals the inflammation and pain caused during the muscle strain especially in the case of ligament and tendon strains.
Hot Or Cold Compress
Hot or cold compress also ease the muscle strain that occurs. Hot compress can be prepared by soaking the compress in warm water or using hot oil on the compress. You can also heat the compress in a vaporizer and then apply it to relieve the pain and spasms caused due to muscle strain. Cold compresses can also be used to get rid of the pain.
Cold compress can be made by soaking the compress in icy water. You can also roll some ice cubes in a cloth bag and apply it to the area where the strain has occurred.
Showers And Baths
You can take cold or hot showers to relieve the tension in the body and ease the constriction thereby relieving the pain and soreness caused due to muscle strain. You can add herbal oil such as Lavender oil to the bath water and also soak the part of your body where the muscle strain has developed. Lavender soothes and relaxes the body and eases the painful contraction of muscles and muscle spasms.
You can also use other oils such as Chamomile oil. Hot or cold showers or baths are a very good natural cure for muscle strains as the extreme temperature of the water eases the strain in the area where it has occurred.
Exercises
Stretching exercises and light Yoga are very effective natural cures for muscle strains. Yoga gives the body flexibility and makes the muscles supple again. Stretching exercises are very essential for giving the strained area good circulation and gentle movement to ease the pain and stiffness.
In fact, stretching exercises should be done as a warm up before engaging in vigorous exercise because this can make the person resilient to muscle strains and injuries during the course of the exercise. Exercises which are light and gentle such as slow walking can also help in the regeneration of muscle tissues thereby healing the muscle strain.
Milk
Milk is very rich in calcium. Calcium is essential for mending bones and healing injuries such as ligament strains. Muscle strains are caused due to the injury to the ligaments which are fibrous tissues connecting the bones. Tissue repair is facilitated when the person takes calcium rich foods. Milk as well as dairy products such as cottage cheese and curd are very good for curing muscle strains.
Milk can be taken in hot or cold form. You can also add some pepper or salt to it and drink it as butter milk. Soya milk which is calcium fortified is an even better option. For those who are health conscious, skimmed low fat milk can be taken.
Rest
It is important to give rest to the body parts where the muscle strain is located. You should avoid extreme exercises and give up on workouts in the gym for the time when you are recovering. Recovering is very important as rest is one of the top natural cures for muscle strains. Rest gives the muscles and tissues time to repair themselves.
The self healing powers of the body come into force when a person takes rest. Sleeping is also essential but doing only gentle light exercises is also part of the healing process. Make sure you consult a doctor to test your physical fitness before going back to your regular schedule.
Turmeric
Curcuma Longa is the botanical name assigned to this herb. This is because Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin which is anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. Turmeric is also a natural antiseptic and analgesic. This makes it efficacious for curing pain and inflammation caused due to muscle strains.
You can crush the dried root or rhizome of this herb into a fine powder. You can mix this powder with some lukewarm water or hot oil and dab this onto the area where the muscle strain has occurred. Turmeric paste relieves the constriction and tightness of the muscles. Turmeric powder can also be taken internally along with a glass of hot water or milk for benefits.
Arnica
Arnica Montana is the Latin name of this herb. Arnica is native to the Alpine regions of Siberia an Europe and this herb was used by mountaineers and climbers to heal muscle spasms, injuries and bruises since ancient times. Arnica is a great herbal cure for muscle strains. An active ingredient called helenalin makes Arnica anti-inflammatory as well as pain relieving.
Arnica leaves can be crushed into a paste and applied onto the muscle strain to ensure speedy relief from the painful spasms and inflammation. Arnica gels and ointments are also available in the market. Arnica is as effective as pain blocking medications such as ibuprofen in healing the pain.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a herb which heals muscle strains. Also known as Bridewort or Lady of the Meadow, Meadowsweet is an ideal herbal remedy for muscle strains. This is because this herb is efficacious in healing musculoskeletal conditions as it is a potent anti-inflammatory. This astringent herb also relieves pain.Filipendula Ulmaria is the botanical name of this herb. Due to its immense curative powers, Meadowsweet is also called Queen of the Meadow. Meadowsweet is high in salicyclic acid which relieves painful spasms caused due to muscle strains. You can apply the extract or tincture of this herb on the body where the muscle strain has developed for quick and lasting relief from the pain.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
