Home remedies for muscle strain have anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, which is why they help to alleviate the symptoms of pain or swelling in the muscle caused by muscle strain after physical activities.
Muscle strain happens when a muscle is stretched too much, which can cause its fibers to rupture and also affect the tendons close to the muscle, resulting in inflammation in the muscle and the appearance of pain and swelling in the area. Check out other symptoms of muscle strain.
Although they cannot replace medical treatment or physiotherapy, home remedies are a good option to help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by muscle strain, and can be used to complement the treatment recommended by the doctor and/or physiotherapist.
1. White willow bark tea
The white willow, known scientifically as Salix alba, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of salicin, which is a substance similar to the main ingredient in aspirin. Therefore, tea made from the bark of this plant can be a good option for relieving pain caused by muscle strain or strain.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of white willow bark;
- 2 cups of water.
Preparation mode
Bring the water to a boil and add the willow bark. Let it boil for 10 minutes, strain and drink up to 2 cups a day.
This tea should not be consumed by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who are allergic to aspirin or who are using anticoagulants. Furthermore, the use of white willow bark tea is not recommended for people with gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, colitis or diverticulitis.
2. Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts are rich in magnesium sulfate which is easily absorbed by the skin, facilitating blood circulation, eliminating toxins, relaxing muscles and relieving pain caused by muscle strain or strain, especially in the calf. These salts should only be used for bathing and should not be consumed.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of Epsom salts;
- 2 to 3 liters of warm water.
Preparation mode
Place Epsom salts in a container with 2 to 3 liters of warm water or enough water to cover your feet and reach at least mid-calf. Dilute the salts well, stirring the water with your hand, and place the leg in the water for around 15 minutes. This process can be done up to 3 times a week.
Salts can also be used in bath water to produce a relaxing bath for the various muscles in the body.
3. Elderberry Infusion Compress
Elderberry infusion compress is a great home remedy option for muscle strain as it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and swelling caused by strain.
Ingredients
- 80 g of elderberry leaves;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation mode
Place the ingredients in a pan to boil for about 5 minutes. Then let it cool, strain and do local muscle baths twice a day.
4. Arnica oil
Arnica is an excellent home remedy to reduce pain and treat muscle strain, as its flowers have lactones in their composition, with anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, which allow relieving pain due to muscle strain or strain, caused by activities. physical problems or in the case of torticollis, for example.
It is important to note that this oil should only be used on the skin and should not be consumed, as it has toxic properties.
Ingredients
- 10 grams of dried arnica flowers;
- 100 mL of olive oil, almond oil or jojoba oil.
Preparation mode
Place the dried arnica flowers in a clean, dry glass jar with a lid and add the oil. Mix with a spoon, cap the bottle, cover with aluminum foil and shake to help release the active substances in the arnica. Store the bottle in a cool place, away from light, for 30 to 40 days. After this period, strain the oil to remove the arnica flowers and store the oil in a clean, dry bottle with a lid, covered with aluminum foil. You can use arnica oil on sore muscles 2 to 3 times a day.
Check out other ways to use arnica for muscle pain caused by strains, strains or bruises.
5. Calendula Infusion Poultice
Calendula, known scientifically as Calendula officinalishas anti-inflammatory properties and is a great home remedy option when used in the form of a poultice for topical use prepared from the infusion of this plant and helps to reduce inflammation and reduce pain and discomfort caused by muscle strain or strain.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers;
- 150 mL of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the marigold flowers in boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Strain and soak a clean, dry compress in the calendula infusion, such as gauze or a bandage, for example. Apply the compress to the sore muscle 3 times a day, leaving it to act for 30 minutes.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties, making it another good option for a home remedy for muscle strain, as it helps to relieve pain and inflammation in the muscles and can be applied directly to the injured area or ingested.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar;
- 1 glass of water.
Preparation mode
Dilute the apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and then drink it. It is important to rinse your mouth with water after drinking the apple cider vinegar solution and, to prevent tooth enamel from wearing away, you should brush your teeth 30 minutes after drinking the apple cider vinegar solution.
Another option is to use this solution in compresses applied directly to the painful muscle.
Apple cider vinegar can be made at home with natural ingredients or purchased in supermarkets. Learn how to make apple cider vinegar at home.
