Sore muscle culprits include intense workouts and athletic performances, working hard around the house doing chores, dancing the night away and even everyday stress. Soak away aching muscles and tension with warm baths that use herbs, salts and other ingredients to ease soreness and promote an overall sense of relaxation.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is composed mainly of the mineral magnesium, which, according to the Epsom Salt Council, is believed to reduce inflammation in overworked muscles, help with soreness and fade the swelling and color of bruises. Epsom salts also ease stress and aid in improved sleep, says the council. To reap the benefits of epsom salt, stir two cups in warm water and soak a minimum of 12 minutes.
Baking Soda
Another remedy as close as your pantry is baking soda. A cup of baking soda -- use a fresh box, not the one that has been in your refrigerator since eight-track tapes came into vogue -- in a warm bath soothes strained muscles and softens skin, advises the Natural News website. If you overdid it outdoors and have sunburn in addition to sore muscles, a baking soda bath can help take the sting out of too much sun exposure.
Essential Oils
Combine 1 cup of epsom salt, 1 cup of baking soda and three to four drops of essential oils to boost the soreness-easing value of warm medicinal baths, an article in "Reader's Digest" suggests. Invigorate with pine or eucalyptus oil, reduce anxiety and instill calmness with geranium, lavender or rosemary, which also promotes deep sleep and stimulates memory. For muscle tension, try adding five drops of lavender oil, three drops of ylang-ylang oil and two drops of bergamot oil to the epsom salt and baking soda mixture. Remember to test for allergic reactions to essential oils by applying a tiny dab to the inside of the arm or wrist at least 12 hours before using them in the bath.
Herbal Soaks
Amp the healing properties of warm baths with herbs. The website RiverHill Wellness instructs you to wrap dried herbs such as chamomile, valerian and rosemary in a piece of cheesecloth and hold it or tie it so it hangs directly under the faucet while filling the tub with warm water. Other dried herbs that help relieve aching muscles include ginger, lemon balm, and peppermint or spearmint.
References
- Complete Strength Training: Treating Muscle Soreness: A How-To Guide
- Epsom Salt Council: Health Benefits
- NaturalNews.com: Baking Soda Can Clean Your Teeth, Clear Your Complexion and Act as a Natural Antacid; February 18, 2007 by: Kelly Joyce NeffFebruary 2007
- Reader's Digest Canada: Feel-Better Baths
- RiverHill Wellness: Spice Cabinet Remedies
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