By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist, The Herbarium
It is finally fall, with cool and sunny days, pleasant evenings and the excitement of the holiday season just around the corner.
It is my absolute favorite time of year.
However, it’s also a time of year that can see us using our bodies for plenty of chores, and that can lead to aches and pains.
As people gear up for the upcoming winter, lots of folks are out cleaning up gardens, raking leaves, and stacking and moving wood, all of which can cause muscle aches and pains. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, sciatica and muscle damage can occur during the actions of all of the aforementioned activities. Moving in unfamiliar ways – lifting, bending and twisting – can throw your back, joints and spinal column out of whack leading to some very painful situations.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to alleviate those sore muscles that don’t involve reaching for a bottle of NSAIDS.
Try a little bodywork
In many cases a little heat or a warm bath can help. I always suggest and highly recommend chiropractic care for more intense situations. Sciatica, stiff necks and lower back pain can probably be alleviated with a few adjustments. In some cases I am familiar with the problems developed over time and were finally manifested with the fall activities, even though they were not the direct cause, but the trigger.
Massage therapy is also an excellent option. Deep tissue massage can work miracles in reducing or removing painful conditions.
Herbally and nutritionally, there are also a variety of remedies to enhance other modalities as needed.
Magnesium to the rescue
Good old magnesium is a first choice to help with muscle problems. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles, making your chores easier to complete. Before going to move wood, I always take 2-400 mgs of magnesium. The lifting and carrying of the wood causes a lot of lower back pain from stiff muscles.
Raking also can have the same effect as you are twisting and moving muscles not commonly used. If you are still sore after your activity, take another 200 mg.
Essentially, you can take as much magnesium as your bowels will tolerate.
(Too much magnesium can cause the runs. Anything short of that is no problem)
If you are sensitive to magnesium, there is a homeopathic form that will help and not cause loose bowels.
Try a classic soak
If you are so inclined, a nice warm bath is a great option. We have something called The Ultimate Soak, It is an epsom salt base with herbal extracts for pain relief and relaxing along with essential oils. Throw a couple of handfuls into the bath and experience complete relaxation. I have been in the tub for an hour and if I could have figured a way to keep the water warm, I would have slept in there.
Go for the rubs
Some really good topical treatments would include Tiger Balm, an old and reliable rub, though it does have a scent that lets others know you are using a rub of some kind. Homeopathically there is Cobrazol, a roll on that has no scent, and contains historically useful anti-inflammatories such as cayenne arnica, MSM, boswellia and turmeric. This works well for any kind of pain from overuse of muscles to arthritis. It also contains three rather interesting ingredients – cobra, rattlesnake and bushmaster venom – three of the most poisonous snakes on Earth, but in a perfectly safe homeopathic blend.
Herbal helps for aches and pains
Herbally, there are numerous herbs with anti-inflammatory activity used for pain relief. Devil’s Claw, (Harpagophytum procumbens) turmeric, curcuma
longa), boswellia ( Boswellia serrata), scullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora), lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis).
Sometimes, essential oils help
Essential oils can be very helpful for relieving pain and loosening sore muscles. German chamomile, Roman chamomile, ginger, black pepper and lavender are most often used.
Be aware that you really must dilute the oils, and not with water. Use some carrier oils such as sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba or even olive oil. Using these oils directly can lead to allergic reactions and sensitivity.
— Jonathan
Send question on botanical remedies to: Nature’s RX: Jonathan Evans at Herbarium258@gmail.com or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 254 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting information, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
