Supplements For Sore Muscles

Dietary supplements can help relieve the discomfort of sore muscles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, muscle aches and pains are among the most common health complaints. Muscle pain may be caused by overuse, sports-related injuries or certain medical conditions. Before taking dietary supplements to help treat your sore muscles, meet with your physician to discuss appropriate dosage, possible drug interactions and potential side effects.

Arnica

Arnica is a perennial herb with a daisy-like flower that grows in parts of the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. According to the American Cancer Society, arnica, which belongs to the Sunflower family, is used to help treat sore muscles, ligament injuries, wounds, bruises, arthritis and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, ulcers and sunburns. Arnica's anti-inflammation and analgesic qualities may come from its active constituents, sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoid gylcosides. Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that arnica, or Arnica montana, is an effective remedy for treating soft tissue injuries, such as muscle aches and pains. The flower heads of the arnica plant are used medicinally, notes Mitchell.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw is an herbal supplement used to treat numerous musculoskeletal complaints. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that devil's claw may help treat muscle pain, inflammation, certain gastrointestinal disorders, osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. According to MedlinePlus, the devil's claw plant is indigenous to Africa and gets its name from the hook-like appearance of its fruit. Herbal supplements containing devil's claw use the roots and tubers of the plant. Oral consumption of devil's claw appears to lessen the severity of back pain. Herbalist Ed Smith, author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that devil's claw has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and analgesic actions, and is especially effective in treating tendinitis and lower back pain.

Willow Bark

Willow bark is an herbal supplement that contains salicin, an aspirin-like compound that helps relieve pain, including muscle pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, willow bark has been used medicinally for thousands of years to help reduce fever and inflammation. Research studies have shown that willow bark is as effective as aspirin for treating pain and inflammation. Willow bark comes from deciduous trees or shrubs native to North America, Europe and Asia. The bark of the white willow tree, or Salix alba, is among the most commonly used in herbal supplements. Willow bark is purported to have astringent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities. It has been used to help treat muscle pain, fevers, headaches and rheumatism, notes Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of the book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth."