If you exercise or play sports, it’s inevitable: you will step the wrong way, or exert too hard and tear a muscle. This is called a muscle strain. You probably already know that. What you might not know is how to treat a strain. Here are six all natural ways to do just that.
1. Apply ice
Use ice on red, hot, swollen injuries to alleviate inflammation. Do not use heat. Heat can make inflammation worse, causing more pain and possibly more swelling.
2. Tea tree oil and peppermint oil
Place these oils directly on strained muscles for a soothing relieving effect.
3. Epsom salt soaks
Soaking strained muscles in a warm epsom salt bath will alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. You may feel rejuvenated after one of these baths.
4. Turmeric or cayenne capsules
Taking both or either of these capsules will reduce inflammation and the appearance of bruises.
5. Compression bandages
Wrap strained area tightly in bandages for pain relief. Be careful not to wrap too tightly, lest you cause more pain.
6. Relaxation
One of the easiest remedies for strained muscles is simply staying off of it! If you train your knee, spend a few days with it elevated and just relax. Using a strained muscle can only hurt it further.