Those who overdo it with sports or pursue unaccustomed strenuous activities often get a painful bill the following day. A sore muscle is not threatening from a medical point of view, but it is still extremely unpleasant. The good old home remedies are often a boon in this case and work at least as well as expensive ointments.
What helps against sore muscles?
The heat in a sauna accelerates muscle circulation, which means that waste products from the metabolism are removed more quickly and the affected areas are additionally supplied with oxygen. One of the most effective remedies for sore muscles is not to wait for it to set in. A hot shower or bath after physical activity can help prevent muscle pain. The heat increases the blood flow to the muscle, so that the muscle soreness either does not occur at all or takes a less severe course. Rosemary oil, for example, can be used as a bath additive. During strenuous activity, the body needs more magnesium to transmit excitation from the nerves to the muscles. Therefore, it is extremely helpful to take this element in addition during sports activities or other heavy stress. Retailers offer magnesium in the form of effervescent tablets or capsules, for example. Eating a banana also raises the magnesium level. Calcium and potassium are also relevant for muscle metabolism. The most important treatment method for sore muscles is to take it easy on the affected areas. The body needs a certain amount of time for the self-healing process. In general, high power output is not recommended during this period. The often heard and written view “just keep training and steeling the muscle” is definitely wrong. The hairline fractures will not heal without proper rest and the risk of a muscle fiber tear increases. Light exercise, on the other hand, increases blood flow to the muscles and ensures rapid absorption of edema and faster removal of stored lactic acid. In addition, all measures that improve blood circulation in the affected muscle areas can be used to combat muscle soreness. Light massages (self-massage) are just as suitable as targeted heat treatments, for example by compresses, and gentle stretching exercises.
Quick help
A very effective remedy for sore muscles is a visit to the sauna. Therefore, anyone who visits a gym where a sauna is available should definitely use it after a workout. The heat accelerates muscle circulation, which means that waste products from the metabolism are removed more quickly and the affected areas are additionally supplied with oxygen. The essential oil derived from the camphor tree, which it is offered in the form of creams, also promotes blood circulation. However, this remedy is unsuitable for children under the age of five, as it can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Quinine sulfate is also a muscle relaxant. It is extracted from the bark of the chincora tree, which is native to Central America, and has no side effects according to current knowledge. Ointments containing cayenne pepper also increase blood flow to the skin and underlying muscles. However, the capsaicin content of these ointments should not exceed 0.05 percent. Tinctures and patches containing this active ingredient are also available. Care should also be taken to ensure that the capsaicin content of these is not too high. Horse chestnut contains aescin, which promotes blood circulation and is anti-inflammatory, and which also strengthens the fine blood vessels. Rubbing with a cream preparation made from this substance can quickly bring relief to a sore muscle.
Alternative remedies
In particular, the older generation swears by the circulatory effect of arnica brandy or rubbing alcohol. Arnica has been known for centuries as a natural painkiller and is also used in the form of jellies, for example, for muscle pain and against muscle tears. St. John’s wort oil, which can be applied up to three times a day, is also one of the well-known home remedies for sore muscles. It has been used for ages to treat wounds and sore muscles. St. John’s wort makes the skin sensitive to light. Therefore, after use, adequate sun protection is important.Although there is no scientific evidence, smaller test series have confirmed that sour cherry juice also helps against sore muscles. Within a study at a U.S. university, it was also found that the pain of coffee drinkers after two days was less than that of subjects who did not drink coffee.
