Soma, known generically as carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve the pain and discomfort that accompanies sprains, strains and other injuries to the muscles. Several herbal remedies have medicinal properties similar to that of Soma and may be appropriate alternatives if you are suffering from a muscular injury. However, you should not consider taking any herbal remedies until you discuss the matter with a medical professional.
Kava Kava
Kava kava, known scientifically as piper methysticum and usually referred to simply as kava, gets high marks from botanist James A. Duke, Ph.D., who touts the herb’s ability to calm frazzled nerves and relax muscles. In “Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs,” the botanist says that credit for the herb’s medicinal properties belongs to a collection of chemical compounds called kavalactones, which are found in varying strengths in different parts of the plant. Each of these compounds has its own unique physiological effect, according to Duke, who suggests that “kavalactones are more therapeutic in concert than if soloing separately.”
Additionally, David Rakel and Nancy Faass, authors of “Complementary Medicine in Clinical Practice,” write that kava has strong tranquilizing properties and suggest that it be taken at the first sign of anxiety, stress and the muscle tension that seems to follow such symptoms. They note that kava acts very much like a pharmaceutical in that it takes effect quickly, usually within a half hour, and tends to wear off fairly abruptly as well. They recommend it be taken every half hour to relax muscles. Before you take kava or any other herbal remedy, however, consult with your doctor.
Valerian
Ronald Klatz, author of “The Official Anti-Aging Revolution,” says that valerian root, known scientifically as valeriana officinalis, has demonstrated muscle-relaxant properties in several studies. In one such study, Peter J. Hougton, a pharmacological researcher at London’s King’s College, found that the herb is particularly useful in treating muscle spasms and restless motor syndromes. His findings, published in the February/March 1988 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, conclude that valepotriates, valerenic acids and volatile oils present in valerian show a powerful relaxant effect on smooth-muscle contractions. Klatz observes that valerian’s ability to relieve tense, aching muscles makes it useful as a sleep aid for those suffering insomnia because of muscular aches and pains. Because herbal remedies, like prescription drugs, may not be appropriate for everyone, consult a medical professional before beginning a program of self-treatment.
Hops
More commonly known as a key ingredient in beer, hops also has medicinal properties and was listed as a sedative in the United States Pharmacopeia from the early 19th century until 1916, according to Laurel Vukovic, author of “Overcoming Sleep Disorders Naturally.” She writes that herbalists continue to recommend hops as a tranquilizer and sedative. The plant’s antispasmodic and muscle-relaxant properties make it a good candidate for relieving muscle tension that interferes with sleep, according to Vukovic. Check with your doctor to see if hops would be appropriate for you.
References
- “Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs”; James A. Duke; 2000.
- “Complementary Medicine in Clinical Practice: Integrative Practice in American Healthcare”; David Rakel and Nancy Faass; 2006.
- “The Official Anti-Aging Revolution”; Ronald Klatz; 2008.
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology; The Biological Activity of Valerian and Related Plants; Peter J. Houghton; February/March 1988.
- “Overcoming Sleep Disorders Naturally”; Laurel Vukovic; 2005.
