5 home remedies to relieve muscle contractures

By: Ana Serrano

The constant physical overstraining and stress are two of the main causes of these uncomfortable contractures that interrupt the day.

In addition, this condition is characterized by causing a knot that prevents blood flow to reach the muscle cells, causing in turn an accumulation of toxins.

As a consequence, nerve endings react and send signals to the brain that result in an annoying sensation of pain and inflammation.

In the affected area you can notice a bulge that generates greater sensitivity when trying to perform a movement or massage of the muscle.

Thus, treatment to control your symptoms includes analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications that should only be consumed under medical supervision.

However, there are a number of homemade tricks that can be put into practice to speed up your recovery without risking negative effects.

1. Aromatherapy to relieve contractures

The aromas that some plants and spices give off have calming effects that reduce stress and also muscle tension.

Thus, you can enjoy a therapy with essential oils such as:

• Camphor
• The rosemary
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Marigold
• Eucalyptus

2. Therapeutic bath

Ingredients

• 2 liters of hot water
• 1 cup of Epsom salts (250 g)
• Five drops of marjoram essential oil
• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• Five drops of lavender essential oil

How to prepare it?

• First, heat the two liters of water and mix them with Epsom salts and essential oils.
• Then, pour the product into a tub and add cold water to regulate the temperature.
• Enjoy a relaxing bath for 10 or 15 minutes.
• Finally, repeat it if you consider it necessary..

3. Arnica Ointment

Arnica is an anti-inflammatory power plant that allows us to treat muscle and joint pain.

In addition, it has been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years and today it remains in force as a natural soothing topical.

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut oil (480 g)
• 1 handful of dried arnica flowers
• 4 tablespoons cayenne pepper powder (40 g)
• ½ cup of beeswax granules (100 g)
• ½ teaspoon rosemary essential oil (optional) (2 g)

How to prepare it?

• First, introduce the dried arnica flowers in a bowl with coconut oil and let them macerate for 12 to 24 hours to release their extracts.
• After this time, pass the arnica flowers through a food processor and crush them well.
• Enter the arnica with coconut oil in a pot and heat over low heat.
• Next, add the cayenne pepper and stir it so that it integrates well.
• Let it macerate 12 hours and stir constantly.
• Then, after the indicated time, pour the mixture into a jar.
• Then, use a fine strainer to filter the ointment herbs.
• Put it on low heat again, add the beeswax and stir it so that they are integrated.
• When ready, remove it and add the essential oils.
• Then, wait until it cools and start your application.
• Rub on tired and sore muscles.
• Finally, avoid using it on the face because it can cause irritation.

4. Clay and rosemary treatment

The combination of clay and rosemary allows us to obtain an anti-inflammatory treatment to cure muscle contractures.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon rosemary (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 3 tablespoons green clay (30 g)
• 1 teaspoon of hot ointment (5 g)

How to prepare it?

• First, bring the water to a boil, add the spoon of rosemary and let the decoction take place for 10 minutes.
• Then, when the infusion is ready, mix it with the green clay and form a creamy paste.
• Apply the treatment on the painful areas and let it act 20 minutes.
• Finally, after this time, rinse with warm water and finish smearing a hot ointment.
• Finally, use it once a day.

5. Physical exercise

Many might think that rest is the best way to remove the symptoms of contractures. However, it is proven that physical exercise is one of the best therapies to cure them in a short time.

Stretching and physical activity stimulate circulation and help eliminate excess toxins that remain accumulated.

The recommended ones:

• Yoga
• Taichi
• Pilates
• Swimming

Taking into account all these recommendations we can get rid of the knot that prevents the proper flow of blood to the muscles.

However, if nothing seems to work after a few days, consult your doctor to learn about other types of therapy.

Posted by:
Ana Serrano