Aches, pain, and fatigue are common complaints practically everyone has on occasion. While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, overuse of pain relievers can cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach upset.
Natural remedies are an option that may help you feel better with fewer side effects.
In this article, we’ll go over home remedies that have been found in research to reduce physical discomfort and alleviate fatigue.
Natural Home Remedies For Body Aches And Pains
Body aches and muscle pain have many causes, such as:
- arthritis
- bursitis
- tendinitis
- overuse of muscles
- illness, including the flu and COVID-19
- fibromyalgia
There are several at-home, natural remedies you can try for these conditions as well as any others that cause physical discomfort. In some instances, you may have the best results if you combine remedies.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a distinctively flavored spice that’s commonly used in Indian cooking. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown in studies to reduce pain caused by a wide number of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy and sciatica.
Turmeric is available in supplement form and as a tea. You can also buy turmeric as a powder or seasoning.
It may be most effective for pain relief when it’s mixed with black pepper.
Heat Therapy
Heat wraps were shown in studies to soothe sore muscles and significantly reduce acute and sub-acute (longer term) low back pain.
Using hot water bottles or heating pads on the abdomen is also effective as a remedy for menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) pain.
Heat helps alleviate pain by opening up constricted blood vessels. The increase in blood flow is helpful for reducing joint stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and other conditions.
In some instances, you may find that alternating heat and cold is the most effective treatment for you.
Cold Therapy
Ice alleviates the inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by injuries such as muscle sprains and strains. It can also reduce the pain of tendinitis, bursitis, sciatica, and other conditions.
Applying ice at the onset of pain can be especially helpful. Try using an ice pack or package of frozen peas on and off for 20 minutes at a time.
Massage
The scientific evidence on the benefits of massage for pain relief is mixed. However, many people swear by both professional massage therapists and at-home massage tools.
If you’re under stress or feeling anxious, you may tense up your muscles, causing them to spasm. Massage is relaxing and can help reduce stress, eliminating this painful cycle. Massaging a muscle when it’s cramping can also help the muscle to release.
What’s The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Body Aches?
Body aches have a wide range of underlying causes. It may sound counter-intuitive, but in many instances stretching and light exercise may be the quickest way to get rid of body aches. Other quick remedies include:
- Walking and swimming. This may be especially beneficial for reducing back and knee pain.
- Doing arm exercises and shoulder rolls. These exercises can be helpful for calming down shoulder pain.
- Alternating ice and heat therapy. This may get quick results for join pain.
- Taking a hot bath. This can quickly alleviate back pain.
Natural Home Remedies For Fatigue And Weakness
Fatigue and feelings of weakness in the body can be caused by a very wide range of conditions like insomnia, heart disease, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
One of the best natural home remedies for fatigue and muscle weakness is practicing self-care. Taking care of your body and brain can be highly beneficial for improving energy and mood. Self-care strategies to try include:
- exercising regularly
- establishing a good sleep hygiene routine
- reducing or eliminating alcohol, especially at night
- eating nutritious foods
- staying hydrated
- reducing stress through meditation or yoga
Nutrition For Muscle Aches And Fatigue
When To Speak To Your Doctor
You know your body best. If constant fatigue and aches that won’t quit have become a daily or long-term occurrence, speak with your doctor.
Pain that’s severe enough to keep you up at night or that doesn’t respond to home treatment should also be discussed with your doctor. Diagnostic tests might uncover a condition, such as anemia or diabetes, that’s causing tiredness and weakness.
It may also be possible that regular fatigue is a side effect from a medication you’re taking. If that’s the case, your doctor may be able to alter your medication protocol.
Takeaway
Fatigue and body pain are common occurrences with many potential underlying causes. Muscle weakness and chronic tiredness can often be treated effectively with natural at-home remedies.
Body pain or fatigue that doesn’t respond positively to at-home treatments should be discussed with your doctor.
Sources:
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net/publication/232241300_Egg_Protein_as_a_Source_of_Power_Strength_and_Energy - Lorenzo I, et al. (2019). The role of water homeostasis in muscle function and frailty: A review.
nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723611 - Miake-Lye IM, et al. (2019). Massage for pain: an evidence map.
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ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29474816/ - Sun J, et al. (2018). Role of curcumin in the management of pathological pain.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30195871/ - The stress-pain connection. (n.d.).
org/en/topic/default?id=the-stress-pain-connection-88-p11008 - Valenza A, et al. (2018). Anthocyanins function as anti-inflammatory agents in a drosophila model for adipose tissue macrophage infiltration.
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ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25960118/ - When to use ice and when to use heat for aches and pains. (n.d.).
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Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.healthline.com by Corey Whelan where all credits are due. Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT
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