Muscle Relaxants
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Ruth
Posted on: June 17, 1998

Are there any herbs that can help relax muscles particularly in my back? I go to a chiropractor regularly but my muscles continue to be stiff.

If there is a specific cause for your muscle pain, for example Arthritis or disc problems, there will be more specific remedies, diet and exercises that can help bring your back to health. For general muscle relaxation, a massage using 2 teaspoons of almond or olive oil mixed with 3 drops each of essential oils of Lavender and Rosemary can help bring relief. Internally, Prickly Ash Bark is a powerful stimulant to circulation, bringing blood to help repair the aching muscles; Black Cohosh is a relaxing nervine that has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties; Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and mildly sedating; Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) works to repair the muscle tissue. Valerian is effective in relieving nervous stress if stress plays a factor in your muscle tension.

Daily muscle stretches and exercises, especially in the abdominal area, must be included in your therapy to effect relief Your diet should exclude red meat, which can cause inflammation, and include fatty fish, nuts and seeds that can provide the oils, vitamins and minerals required by your muscles.

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