7 Natural Muscle Relaxers in Post-Workout Recovery

It goes without saying you need hydration, proper rest and sleep to get rid of muscle soreness after a workout. Muscles relaxers will also help alleviate the pain and get you back on track, and you'll especially need them if you experience spasms.

Here are the most effective natural muscle relaxers you may already have in your kitchen:

1. Capsaicin

Cayenne pepper contains high amounts of capsaicin – it's the stuff making this spice so hot. This substance is one of the most potent natural muscle relaxers, helping relieve pain and inflammation by blocking the transmission of pain impulses to the nerves.

That's why capsaicin is one of the key ingredients in many pain relief creams and patches, which you'll find very useful when applying to areas affected by spasms. Otherwise, include cayenne pepper in your post-workout meal or you can even consume it in capsule form

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is crucial to maintaining muscle and nerve function, and it's vital to muscle recovery. Magnesium deficiency actually includes muscle pain as a symptom.

• Bananas, legumes, almonds, and brown rice, are all high in magnesium, so eat these foods on a regular basis.
• You can also consume this mineral in supplement form as a healthy way to relieve muscle stiffness quickly.

3. Chamomile

This is a powerful relaxant used to treat various ailments and it has the same relaxing effect on nerves as it does on muscles. Chamomile contains dozens of flavonoids, which are compounds widely used in medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.

That's why it can be found in natural supplements aimed at muscle relaxation, but you can also get chamomile essential oil and massage it into sore muscles for relieving spasms. Chamomile tea before bed will get you sleeping like a baby and the pain slowly relieved.

4. Pineapple

Pineapple contains high amounts of the enzyme bromelain, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help treat strains and injuries

The highest concentration of bromelain is found in the core of the pineapple, which you can juice to get an extract but, there's the option of bromelain supplements as well.

5. Cherries

A study has shown tart cherry juice can help avid runners find relief from the inevitable muscle pain. Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and they're high in anthocyanins & antioxidants which help relax muscles and reduce inflammation.

6. Blueberries

The antioxidant components of fruits such as blueberries will help relieve oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. A blueberry smoothie before and after exercise may help aid recovery from muscle damage, as a recent study suggests so yes,

Go ahead and consume all foods rich in antioxidants to aid muscle recovery.

7. Valerian Root

Supplements containing valerian root, passion flower & magnesium have been available for decades, and most people who use them have had no need to resort to prescription drugs.Daniel B. Mowrey, PhD

Not only is valerian root a natural muscle relaxant… It also reduces pain by tranquilizing your nervous system. Valerian root is also helpful in reducing migraines, menstrual & muscle cramps.

7 Facts About Muscle Relaxers

Always go natural vs. OTC for muscle relaxers

1. The stiffness and pain occurring after workouts are acute conditions, and muscle relaxers help treat these conditions by working on your muscle fibers to aid recovery and improve functionality.
2. They can also help calm down the transmission of impulses from the brain to the muscles, which helps ease overstimulated muscles that tend to spasm.
3. You can find various muscle relaxers as prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs, or in the form of natural treatments.
4. Prescription drugs shouldn't be used to aid post-workout recovery because prescription muscle relaxers are designed to help treat chronic diseases.
5. Some prescription drugs (antispasmodic muscle relaxants) are generally no more effective than over-the-counter drugs – but they do have more side effects.
6. ONLY use OTC drugs like ibuprofen when the need is great because using them on a regular basis is harmful to your heart, stomach.
7. It's best to use natural muscle relaxers which you can consume on a daily basis and which have some powerful properties to help you alleviate the pain.

More Ways to Reduce Muscle Pain

• 13 Ways to Get Rid of Muscle Soreness
• 8 Ways to Instantly Get Rid of Cramps
• 16 Ways to Sleep Better Every Night
• 3 Foods that Reduce Inflammation
• 18 Ways To Relieve Back Pain
• How to Lose Weight With Fibromyalgia