What are Muscle Relaxers?
Muscle relaxants are a classification of medication that directly affect skeletal muscle function in your body and decrease muscle contractions. They are particularly effective at alleviating pain, lessening muscle spasms, and decreasing muscle twitching & other involuntary spastic reflexes.
Some of the more common conditions where muscle relaxants are prescribed are:
If you have been injured and are experiencing muscle pain or spasms, a muscle relaxer is your best bet to feel better. Unfortunately, many prescription muscle relaxants come with the risk of side effects and the possibility for addiction. However, there are a handful of natural muscle relaxers available to you, which we believe can be extremely effective and without the risk of side effects or addiction.
Best Natural Muscle Relaxers
If you’re looking to alleviate muscle pain the natural way, and avoid the risks of prescription muscle relaxers, here are our five favorite natural muscle relaxers:
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has been utilized for thousands of years and has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscle spasms. Containing 36 flavonoids, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile essential oils can be massaged directly onto affected muscles to provide relief. Chamomile tea has also been found to relax sore and tired muscles.
2. Vitamin D
Continual muscle pain or spasms can be an indicator that you may be Vitamin D deficient. Fortunately, there are several methods for taking Vitamin D, including capsules, liquids, and tablets. Vitamin is also in many foods you eat, including milk, fish, and eggs. And as an added bonus, did you know that you can actually get some much needed Vitamin D simply by going outside in the sun? Think about how much natural Vitamin D you’re going to get next time you go to the beach!
3. Cayenne Pepper
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, cayenne pepper may be just the thing for you. A substance contained within cayenne pepper called “Capsaicin’, is a well-known muscle relaxant and can alleviate some of the pain you may be experiencing from those aforementioned conditions. The most effective method we can recommend for muscle spasms is direct application of cayenne pepper cream; however, it can also be ingested with your food (especially if you’re a fan of spicy foods!), or in tablet form.
4. Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is another one of nature’s great muscle relaxers, used by long distance runners and other athletes for the stress on their muscles. Cherry juice is clinically proven to combat inflammation, and its antioxidant properties help to relax muscles naturally. If you are a runner, studies have also shown that cherry juice is excellent at minimizing post-run pain.
5. Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are an excellent way to reduce pain all over your body, and as your spine starts to come into alignment, the pain reduction you can feel in your neck and/or back can literally be more effective than prescription pain medication. Fortunately, our chiropractors have all the experience necessary to help get your spine aligned and help with your specific muscular pains and spasms. Schedule an appointment with our trained chiropractic specialists today!
Other Natural Ways to Ease Muscle Tension
6. Magnesium-Rich Foods or Supplements
Magnesium plays a major role in muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to cramps, spasms, and tension. Adding more magnesium to your routine—through foods like spinach, almonds, avocados, and dark chocolate—can help your muscles relax naturally. You can also take magnesium supplements or try a magnesium soak in the form of Epsom salt baths to soothe sore muscles.
7. Stretching and Gentle Movement
Rest is important, but gentle movement can actually help reduce tightness faster. Slow stretching, yoga, or guided mobility exercises help improve circulation and keep muscles from stiffening up. For best results, try a short routine in the morning and another before bed.
8. Heat and Cold Therapy
- Heat (like a warm towel, heating pad, or hot shower) increases blood flow and relaxes tight muscles.
- Cold (like an ice pack) helps reduce inflammation, especially right after an injury.
Alternating between heat and cold can be especially effective for stubborn spasms or tension.
9. Herbal Supplements
In addition to chamomile and cayenne, several other herbs have shown muscle-relaxing effects:
- Valerian Root: Commonly used for insomnia, but also eases muscle tension.
- Passionflower: A calming herb that supports nervous system relaxation.
- Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce soreness when taken as a supplement or mixed into tea.
Always talk to a doctor before starting new supplements—especially if you take other medications.
When Natural Isn’t Enough
While natural remedies can work wonders, sometimes pain or spasms are signs of a deeper issue—like a misalignment, nerve irritation, or soft tissue damage. If your symptoms stick around for more than a few days, or they’re getting worse, it’s time to see a professional.
At Momentum Medical, our experienced team specializes in chiropractic care, physical therapy, and injury recovery. We’ll get to the root of your muscle pain and create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal naturally—without relying on risky medications.
Call us today at (844) 664‑7246 or book your appointment online to get started.
Your body deserves to feel better—and we’re here to help you make that happen.