(editor's note: Painful muscles -we've all had them. Whether from strain, misalignment, tension or a host of other causes, when they scream -you listen! Today I bring you some remedies designed to reduce inflammation and pain of those sore muscles as they stimulates healing.
In time, the science of light and sound will advance so that we can update our medical centers, similar to those used on our Healing Ships.
Awakening within us all is the ability to completely heal ourselves.
As our bodies evolve from carbon-based to a crystalline-based structure, we must all learn how to properly nourish and treat our physical body.
Through this "Natural Remedies" segment I hope to introduce you to methods of healing you may not have tried, as well as building your knowledge base so you can help others.
~Be well, all my Love, Boo)
Painful Muscles can be relieved by baths and massages, gentle muscle training and stretches, even slight changes to your diet can help. Many people use a combination of therapies to have them comfortable and moving with ease once again.
* Rosemary bath: add rosemary to a bath to relieve muscle pain caused by overexertion, contusions and sprains. You will need about 3 oz. of dried rosemary leaves. Boil them for 5 minutes in 2 quarts of water and then steep for 20 minutes. Then filter out the leaves and pour the entire 2 quarts into a bath. Soak for at least 15 minutes.
* Natural minerals: during physical exertion, the body loses minerals through perspiration. Eat dried fruits, especially apricots and bananas to maintain potassium levels and prevent muscle cramps. Whole grains, nuts, potatoes and vegetables provide magnesium which is also necessary for muscle function.
* Oil for muscle cramps: mix 5 Tbsp. of St. John's wort oil, 1 Tbsp. arnica oil and 1 tsp. each of eucalyptus and rosemary oils. Gently massage the oil mixture into sore muscles after a work-out. The massage will loosen muscles and improve curculation, while relaxing you at the same time. If you have access to medical marijuana, try their infused massage oils and salves. The pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of the cannabis plant work well in this topical preparation as well.
* Hot vs. Cold: It's best to apply cold treatments to painful muscles during the first 2 days after an injury. Cold showers or cold packs stimulate circulation and keep swelling down. During the next 2 days, stimulate the aching muscles with heat such as a hot bath, which dilates the blood vessels and relaxes the muscle.
* To prevent inflammed muscles: drink at least 1 quart of vegetable or fruit juice and 1 quart of herbal tea daily. Do not eat meat, hard cheeses or table salt which bind to the toxins causing the inflammation. As the juices and fluid volume flush out your system, the toxin are removed and the inflammation will disappear.
* Herbal teas: for muscle pain use ash leaves (Fraxinum excelsior). Bring 1 tsp. of dried leaves and 1 cup of water to a brief boil, steep for 10 minutes, strain then drink in sips. For muscular rheumatism mix 2/3 oz. each of birch leaves, ash leaves, nettle green parts and rest-harrow root with 1/3 oz. each of bean pods and rose hips. Pour 1 cup of water over 1 tsp. of the mixture, steep 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups daily.
* Exercise: to prevent cramps in the calf muscles use your favorite massage oil - upward from the bottom towards the top. Then stand 3 feet from a wall, extend your arms outward and lean against the wall for 10 seconds. Your heels should remain on the floor. Do not make any backward movements. Repeat the exercise 5 times. For acute cramps in the calf, lie on your back and pull the affected leg towards you, bending your knee. Now curl your toes gently toward you, then press them away. Repeat several times. If there is no improvement, apply an ice bag to the cramped muscle.
* Your first aid kit: magnesium phosphoricum 200C is good for muscle cramps after overexertion. Night cramps that are the result of heavy exertion can be treated with Calcium carbonicum 200C. Arnica 30C is the treatment of choice for pain associated with bruises or sprains. Zinc metallicum 4X and magnesium phosphoricum 6X can be taken for cramps. Calendula 22C is quite helpful for healing minor tears of muscle fibers.
