Teas to Soothe Sore Muscles - Chamomile, Turmeric, Peppermint

Teas to Help Relieve Muscle Pain

Muscle pain can be caused by injuries, overuse, muscle strains, fibromyalgia, and other medical conditions. While rest and medications may help, incorporating certain teas into your diet can also aid with reducing muscle aches and discomfort. Many herbal teas contain anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxing properties to help soothe sore muscles.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is made from dried chamomile flowers and has been used for centuries to treat medical ailments. Studies have shown chamomile can help reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain. The antioxidants in chamomile tea relax tense muscles and its anti-inflammatory effects ease soreness. Drinking a few cups of chamomile tea daily can help relieve muscle pain and tension.

Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that have strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects on the body. Research indicates the catechins, especially EGCG, can reduce muscle pain and damage caused by exercise and injuries. The antioxidants in green tea also accelerate muscle recovery. Drink 2-3 cups per day or use green tea bags as compresses on sore muscles.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint contains menthol which provides a cooling, soothing sensation for achy muscles when applied topically. Drinking peppermint tea can also be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid which acts as a muscle relaxant. Have a cup of peppermint tea or use cooled tea bags as compresses on painful muscles.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric contains the compound curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Research shows turmeric can reduce muscle injury and soreness caused by exercise. Turmeric tea combines the benefits of curcumin with the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger. Drink 1-2 cups per day or use cooled tea as a topical compress.

Black Tea

Black tea contains tannins which act as natural muscle relaxants while also reducing inflammation and pain. Tannins provide an analgesic effect that soothes muscle spasms and discomfort. Brew a strong cup using 2-3 black tea bags and drink a few times per day. You can also soak sore muscles in used black tea bags.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. It contains antioxidants and polyphenols that can reduce inflammation while also providing relaxation benefits. Research indicates drinking oolong tea regularly helps decrease muscle aches in athletes caused by lactic acid buildup. Try drinking a few cups daily.

Chai Tea

Chai tea is a spiced tea blend usually containing black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and peppercorn. The combination of spices contain compounds that combat inflammation and muscle pain. Ginger and cloves reduce soreness, while cinnamon acts as an antioxidant. The black tea provides tannins for relaxation. Drink 2-3 times a day.

Valerian Tea

The herb valerian contains valerenic acid which has muscle relaxing and sedative effects that can relieve muscle spasms and pain. Research shows valerian supplements help reduce muscle strain and discomfort, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties as well. Drink a cup of valerian tea before bedtime for best results.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm is an herb in the mint family that contains compounds shown to reduce spasms and cramping in muscles. It also has mild sedative properties that induce relaxation. One study found lemon balm essential oil reduced muscle pain when massaged on the skin. Drink lemon balm tea or apply cooled tea bags topically to ease aches.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is an African herbal tea that contains antioxidants and flavonoids that reduce inflammation. Animal studies show rooibos tea exhibits significant analgesic effects. The flavonoid aspalathin specifically may inhibit pain receptors in the body. Rooibos is caffeine-free, so drink cups throughout the day for pain relief.

Ginger Tea

Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that exhibit anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Studies demonstrate ginger significantly reduces muscle pain caused by exercise. Ginger tea can be consumed several times daily or used as a compress - soak a towel in cooled ginger tea and apply to sore muscles.

Eucalyptus Tea

Eucalyptus contains the compound eucalyptol which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects to help treat muscle pain and strains. Research indicates eucalyptus oil relaxes muscle spasms and tension when massaged into the skin. Brew eucalyptus tea using leaves or essential oil and drink 1-2 times per day as needed for body aches.

Lavender Tea

Lavender essential oil contains analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant properties that ease muscle soreness. Studies demonstrate lavender applied topically significantly reduces pain from muscle injuries and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Lavender tea can be consumed for overall relaxation and pain relief.

Other Tips for Muscle Pain Relief

In addition to drinking analgesic teas, here are some other methods to help relieve muscle pain:

Heat Therapy

Applying heat helps soothe muscle tension and pain by increasing blood flow to the area. Use heat pads, wraps, warm baths or showers. Heat also helps absorption of topical treatments.

Ice Therapy

Icing sore muscles reduces inflammation and swelling that causes pain. Use ice packs or cold compresses for 15-20 minutes at a time to relieve acute muscle strains and injuries.

Massage

Massaging sore muscles increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and releases endorphins that relieve pain naturally. Use aromatherapy oils for added benefits.

Stretching

Gentle stretching and yoga helps improve flexibility and range of motion in tight, painful muscles. Hold stretches for 30 seconds targeting problem areas.

Exercise

Low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, and cycling keeps muscles flexible and loose while increasing blood flow. However, rest injured areas.

Supplements

Anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric, ginger, omega-3s, and magnesium help reduce muscle pain and support muscle recovery.

Massage Oils

Natural oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, arnica, and CBD oil provide analgesic effects when massaged into sore muscles.

Epsom Salt Baths

Soaking in warm bath water with Epsom salts increases magnesium absorption to ease muscle tension, soreness, and strains.

When to See a Doctor

See a physician if you experience:

• Acute muscle pain after an injury
• Muscle pain not improving after a week of home treatment
• Difficulty moving or using the affected muscle
• Noticeable swelling or bruising
• Weakness in nearby joints

While incorporating pain-relieving teas and remedies may help manage muscle aches, always consult a doctor for severe or persisting pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.