5 Effective Plants Against Muscle Aches

If you spend between 8 or 10 hours a day sitting in front of the computer or at a table, behind the wheel or standing behind a counter, this immobility and adopting inappropriate postures will end up taking their toll.

Specialists name these ailments: back pain, shoulder tendonitis, cervical pain, low back pain, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, torticollis …

1 in 4 people over the age of 20 have back pain from poor posture

The first step to alleviating these nagging pains is correcting poor posture and using ergonomic seats.

A good alternative or a good support

Compared to the use of conventional analgesics and anti-inflammatories, medicinal plants can be a good alternative or, at least, a good support.

1. Arnica ( Arnica montana )

The best pain reliever is arnica and it is also the most effective anti-inflammatory. It is used to calm joint inflammation, myalgia and dislocations. Relaxes the muscle, reduces inflammation, is rubefacient and activates circulation.

You can infuse it on the painful area with hot compresses.

2. Viburnum ( Viburnum opulus ) and American viburnum ( Viburnum prunifolium )

The viburnum and its American relative have salicylic acid and are a good support against pain in the neck, back and joints of the hands. They have a great anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic power.

The most common way to use it is in decoction of the bark, and to a lesser extent of the leaves, taking 2 to 3 cups a day. It can also be used topically in liquid extract or tincture.

You can combine them with willow and valerian.

3. Devil’s claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens )

Another great ally, similar in efficacy to clinical anti-inflammatories due to its triple function: strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic, is devil’s claw. It is recommended above allin chronic processes, to treat pain in the neck, wrists, fingers, lower back, neuralgia, etc.

The part that is used is the tuber. Take the powder in decoction 3 cups a day, in capsules or in liquid extract.

4. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

The hypericum oil has been shown effective long – term to relieve muscle pain.

It should be applied with perseverance with a gentle massage on the painful area.

5. Cayenne ( Capsicum frutescens )

Cayenne is very effective topically to alleviate neuralgia and pain in muscles, tendons and cervicals.

Powders or oleoresin (minimum 8% capsaicin), in the form of a cream or ointment or in compresses, are the most common applications.

It should be used in moderation, as it can irritate sensitive skin.

Counseling: JM Teixé, Herbalist at Manantial de Salud