Natural Remedies for Muscle and Joint Pain

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Massages always help (Image: Marcin Bober)

When people complain to me about muscle and joint pain, they’re preaching to the choir. Because of my hyper-flexibility, I’ve had problems with both since I was in high school. Since painkillers aren’t always the answer to such ailments, I try to look for natural ways to stay pain-free.

If you have persistent pain or problems with your joints or muscles, talk to your doctor. I am not a medical professional; the following tips are only suggestions.

Natural Pain Relief for Muscles and Joints

• Move: When I know that the pain I’m experiencing is arthritic in nature, it helps to move the stiff joints using gentle exercises and stretches. At first, it may not feel good to move, but your joints will loosen. (If the pain is the result of an injury, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding moving and bearing weight.)

• Take a salty bath: Epsom salts naturally contain magnesium, which helps relieve pain and inflammation, according to Dr. Axe. Fill a tub with warm water and ½ to 2 cups of Epsom salt. Soak for at least 15 minutes. Magnesium supplements may also be beneficial for pain relief.

• Essential oils: Peppermint and eucalyptus oils have analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties. They also produce a nice cooling effect on “hot” joints. Mix 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with 5 to 10 drops of peppermint oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil). Store the mixture in a dark glass bottle.

• Hot pad: When joints or muscles feel stiff, use a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen them up. This is particularly helpful before receiving a massage. If you don’t have a heating pad, fill a clean sock with dry rice, beans or flax seeds. Sew or wrap a length of twine around the top of the sock to close the open end. Place the sock in the microwave for 15 seconds. Test its temperature and repeat until it’s warm enough. Alternatively, place it in the freezer for several hours to make a cold pack.

• Medicated lotions: Vita Sciences has a line of creams that deliver supplements and pain relief. I recently tried its Nervex Pain Treatment and Joint RightCream. 
• Nervex contains vitamins B12 and E, arnica, capsaicin and other natural ingredients to provide relieve for neuropathy, arthritis, muscle spasms, back pain and other related ailments. The cream is odorless and delivers a nice amount of heat to the area that you apply it. The heat never feels too hot or as if it’s burning your skin. I used it on my back and was happy with the results. I also tried it on my broken foot, but didn’t feel anything because of the idiopathic neuropathy that I have. 
• Joint Right is good for sore joints and muscles. It has capsaicin, ParActin, aloe, vitamins E and B5, chamomile and menthol. At first, the cream makes your skin feel nice and cool. You later feel the capsaicin at work as the cream warms your skin. I recommend that you wear disposable gloves while applying the creams. No amount of hand washing seemed to get the capsaicin off, which I learned the hard way when I put my hand on my face.
• Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is basically using water to relax muscles, promote circulation and so on. IPShowers.com recently sent me its Aqua Dance Fixed Mount 5-Function Showerhead, which you can purchase at Target. This shower head has two functions on it that I really like. One is a mist that turns my shower into a mock steam bath. (I have never experienced this type of shower setting.) This setting is nice for loosening up your joints. The second is a strong jet spray that is good for targeting different areas with water, like your back or shoulders. I use the jet on my broken foot to promote circulation.

Learn more about the benefits of herbal remedies here. 

What do you use for your aches and pains?

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com. (pm08678ae679dc79795862b29f7935f034)