Children are pretty susceptible to muscle strains and sprains. Hence, it is extremely important to keep a few medications handy, so that they can be provided with immediate relief.
However, it is not necessary to rely on over-the-counter medications, pain killers and NSAIDs to get them relief. There are many herbal alternatives available for the same, some of which are even quite easily available in our homes. Although some of these herbs may take some time in showing results, they would never lead to any side effects, provided they are used as instructed.
EFFECTIVE HERBAL REMEDIES FOR MUSCLE STRAINS
Arnica
Arnica is a very popular herb and is most commonly used in homeopathy. However, the highly efficient nature of the herb has not kept it away from herbalists. Herbalists have used this herb for centuries, to relieve pain and inflammation of the muscles. Although arnica can be highly inflammatory to sensitive skin when used in concentrated amount, even the most diluted form of arnica is capable of providing relief from the pain and inflammation associated with muscle strain.
Volatile oils present in arnica lend the herb its nervine properties, which help to calm the excited state of mind due to strains and accidents, thereby relieving the pain directly. Other than that, being an analgesic arnica works miraculously over muscle strain pain and inflammation. Arnica can be applied in the form of poultice, tincture, creams as well as diluted oil.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has been extensively used from the ancient days to combat the pain associated with toothache and arthritis. However this herb being loaded with methyl salicylate, clove helps to diminish the intensity of inflammation associated with muscle strain.
Methyl salicylate works in the body by getting converted into salicylates and salicylic acid, which in turn reacts as effectively as NSAIDs. Being an antibacterial agent, clove oil also helps to protect the skin from secondary infections. Clove oil can be applied over the strained muscle by first heating it and then cooling it completely before application.
Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is yet another effective herb used for relieving muscle strain pain and inflammation.Although this herb is mainly used for culinary purposes, there is a wide range of volatile oils and other biochemical substances in this herb, which cater to its medicinal properties. Being rich in volatile oils, bay laurel oil works miraculously for reducing the tremendous pain associated with muscle strain.
Other than relieving the pain and inflammation directly, being a nervine herb it also helps to calm the mind, thereby creating a soothing effect to diminish the intensity of the pain. Bay laurel oil should be strictly avoided by pregnant women and should be used in highly diluted form.
Castor Oil
Although castor oil is pretty costly and rare herbal oil, it is definitely worth of all the efforts one does to get it. Castor oil being rich in ricinoleic acid is an excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory herb. It works pretty fast over the affected areas and helps to relieve muscle strain pain and inflammation.
Other than reducing the pain due to strain, it also provides significant relief from pain due to nerve damage. Although castor oil should not be used for extended period of time, it can be directly rubbed over the affected area of the skin to get relief from strain inflammation and pain. Following the oil massage with heat packs helps to relieve the pain faster.
Ginger
Ginger is one of those herbs which have been known for its multifarious medicinal properties. Ranging from relieving sore throat to exhibiting anticancer properties, ginger is a versatile herb and its usefulness has been established by various scientific studies.
Ginger being one of the best sources of volatile oils is one of the most powerful COX-2 inhibitors. Just as COX-2 inhibitors help in minimising the concentration of COX-2, an enzyme that leads to pain and inflammation, the herbal COX-2 inhibitors found in ginger are also known to be as effective as NSAIDs.
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