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Effective Natural Remedies for Muscle Health and Recovery

| Modified on May 25, 2025
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Magnesium Oil for Muscle Strains

Muscle conditions, ranging from strains to persistent pain, often stem from underlying issues within the muscular system. Addressing these conditions effectively involves more than just spot treatments; it requires a holistic approach. A balanced diet, a consistent exercise routine, and a healthy lifestyle are pivotal in managing and preventing muscle-related problems. Furthermore, specific supplements can be crucial by providing essential nutrients and preventing toxin accumulation.

Understanding Muscle Issues?

Muscles are vital for movement and overall bodily functions, making them one of the body's most crucial structures. However, they can be susceptible to various conditions that impair their function.

These muscle conditions can arise from injuries, overuse, genetic factors, inflammation, nerve diseases, infections, and side effects of certain medications. Symptoms commonly associated with these conditions include cramps, aches, strains, swelling, and localized heat.

Natural Treatment for Muscle Ailments

Treating muscle issues effectively often requires a comprehensive strategy, addressing the root cause of the problem. Many natural remedies can alleviate muscle conditions, regardless of their origin, and mitigate related symptoms. Some of the most effective natural treatments include dietary supplements like apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses, and coconut oil.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This naturally acidic substance can soothe and relax muscles and skin. Its mineral-rich content also aids in alleviating sore muscles.

Blackstrap Molasses

As a byproduct of sugar refining, blackstrap molasses is packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all supporting muscle, bone, and joint health.

Coconut Oil

Recognized for its extensive health benefits, coconut oil enhances mineral absorption and overall health and prevents muscle spasms and cramping.

Muscle conditions range from simple overuse to more complex diseases and infections. Nevertheless, adequate nutrition and a balanced lifestyle can prevent and treat many muscle issues.

Hydration

Hydration is critical for all bodily systems, including the muscles. Ensuring adequate water intake is essential for muscle health and recovery. While moderate coffee, tea, and energy drink consumption is acceptable for most individuals, a significant portion of one's fluid intake should come from water. Enhancing water appeal by storing it in glass jars in the refrigerator and adding lemon slices can increase motivation for consumption. Herbal teas also contribute to hydration.

Magnesium Oil

Magnesium oil, applied topically, is an effective muscle supplement. When sprayed onto sore muscles, it is absorbed directly into the affected area. If the oil irritates, it can be rinsed off after 20 minutes while retaining its benefits.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is an excellent natural remedy for muscle issues. Applying it gently to affected muscles can provide pain relief and aid in healing. Due to its messy nature, it is best used at bedtime, and wearing old pajamas is advisable to avoid stains.

Please continue reading to learn which natural remedies helped Earth Clinic readers with muscle issues, and let us know which supplements or home remedies helped you!

Related Links:

Muscle Cramp Remedies

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar

9 User Reviews
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Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 05/13/2024
 ★★★★★

I slept funny last night and twanged my neck. It was bad when I woke up and got worse as the day went on. I resorted to ibuprofen and it just got worse. I finally took my own medicine (what my kids know I would tell them to do) and did a vinegar wrap. I put straight apple cider vinegar on a paper towel, applied it to the area of pain, and covered it with cling wrap. I put a warm rice sock over that. Within a couple of hours my pain is a lot less and mobility is increasing. I smell like a salad, but I feel better. :)

~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Hy19 (Indianapolis, In) on 06/12/2018
 ★★★★★

I messed my shoulder up bad to the point I could barely move it. I got on here and I soaked a wash cloth with avc and put it on my shoulder with in minutes it took my pain away. Thank u earth clinic.com and the reviews.. I recommend it if ur muscles hurt or u pulled it. I can't get over how much it helped me out.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Phoenix, Arizona) on 09/23/2012
 ★★★★★

I can't thank you enough for the ACV cure for my sore muscle! I spent a miserable night with a pulled muscle in my shoulder, and like you, tried everything to fix it. After reading your post, I went immediately to my organic ACV and soaked a paper towel with it, stuck it on my skin, and the pain disappeared within 2 minutes! God Bless you for posting this!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Monique (Virginia Beach, Usa) on 02/04/2012
 ★★★★★

Hey, I have to say the ACV worked for muscle ache. I had a complete body massage earlier today. I was sore when I woke up to get a glass of water and then I stopped to check this site for sore muscles. I drank 1 tablespoon of Acv and 1/2 c water- in 2 minutes my soreness was gone. Thank you EC

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heather (Katy, Tx, Usa) on 05/18/2011
 ★★★★★

I somehow managed to pull a muscle very near the point of my shoulder blade. I have muscle relaxants that would have helped with the pain, but hesitate to use them because of the side effects. I found your site hoping for a simpler cure for this small, yet painful, problem. I applied straight organic ACV to a washcloth - not completely soaking it, but soaking the center 3 inches. Then I put the washcloth over the sore muscle, and helped it stay there by using an ace bandage over that shoulder and under my opposite arm. I'm sure you can use just about anything you can wrap around your body, like gauze, or a long scarf or something. Or you could just lay on your stomach with it on your back if you've managed to hurt a muscle in an area there and you know the washcloth isn't going to want to stay put. Anyway - an hour later and I'm barely feeling pain! I'm not really into holistic/folk medicine, but this has convinced me that it has it's place. I'm going to look up a few things for my pets and see if they like alternative medicine as well! Thank you to the others that posted this cure.

If you've got a cut I think the straight ACV would burn, but you could dilute it 50/50. Straight worked fine for me and I took it off after an hour. The only drawback is the smell - I will need a shower later on, with LOTS of soap. LOL!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Coconut Creek, Florida) on 07/11/2010
 ★★★★★

RECENTLY I PULLED A MUSCLE IN MY UPPER ARM. THE PAIN WAS REALLY TERRIBLE. I TRIED ICE PACKS, IBUPROFEN, PAIN OINTMENT. NOTHING WORKED. I SOAKED A PAPER TOWEL WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND APPLIED IT TO THE AREA. THE PAIN WAS GONE ALMOST INSTANTLY. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. IT WAS LIKE A MIRACLE.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Judith (Henlow, Bedfordshire, England) on 08/16/2009
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

When we were house hunting in Iran, over 30 years ago, a host offered us a refreshing cold drink on a hot summer day. It was delicious. We found out it was diluted vinegar. Now that I'm trying to get rid of muscle pain, I'm drinking apple cider vinegar but I prepare it the way the Persians do: 2 teaspoons acv, 1 teaspoon honey, and a spring of fresh mint. Add 8 - 10 ounces cold water and give it a stir. Wonderful!

What's surprising me is that the muscles are responding rapidly. I've only drunk it for 4 or 5 days and there's already a noticeable difference. Thought it would take 6 months!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anita (Muskegon, Michigan/usa) on 01/31/2009
 ★★★★★

Hi from Anita, My first impressions are quite favorable. I have been into Holistic solutions for several conditions I have. It would be nice if people would be more specific in dosage amounts and if the remedy is meant to be taken orally or applied to the skin,etc.

The use of ACV with honey is great, but a note of caution for those with borderline diabeties and diabetics due to the sugar in the honey, especially if you don't monitor your sugar levels regularly.

I have had great success with alleviating muscle pain (like after a workout, strenuous activitiy.) Before going to bed take a warm bath and add ACV to the water. Use at least 1 cup and for severe soreness use 3. When you wake up in the morning you will feel great. This tip was passed on to me by a coach who had her team at the start of a new season do this every night after practice. I messed up once by using white vinegar and she informed me only ACV works. Give it a try! Thanks for all the unique remedies. Anita

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by TAN KOON PENG (SINGAPORE) on 06/22/2008
 ★★★★★

To relieve sore muscles from exercise soak in a warm tub with about 2 cups of vinegar poured into the water.. It will help with the soreness tremendously...Its actually best if you can soak with the vinegar after strenuous excercise, (before the soreness sets in), BUT, it will still help alleviate some of the soreness that is already there and you wil feel better soon.

Strawberry tea is good for muscle cramping and tightening. Some people like the tea leaves green but it tastes like straw.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

1 User Review
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Posted by Kermit (Austin Tx) on 07/01/2017
 ★★★★★

I have taken the ACV Baking Soda treatment. I was told this by my acupuncturist for my muscle pain. I had started a walking program but I was experiencing muscle pain when I sit too long or stand. It has helped that but it has also kept my weight down. Since not be able to walk like I was. I am going to start back walking or some form of exercise 30 minutes a day. I am glad taking 1 month off has not made me gain any of the weight back.

Replied by Jacqueline
(Texas)
03/13/2025
26 posts

Hi Kermit,

Would you please share what is the the ACV Baking Soda treatment? What is the recipe?

Avoid Statins

1 User Review
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Posted by Bja (Oklahoma) on 07/02/2015
 ★★★★★

I'm nearing 60 and after having taken a statin for several years, about a year ago I began having awful muscle pain that, even after 4 mos. off the drug, pain persists. I am going to try and use Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother, of course! ) and see if I feel any better. I'll keep you posted!

Avoid Statins
Posted by Gavin (Northland) on 04/14/2014

As far as muscle pain goes watch out if you are taking statins. They block an essential enzyme produced in the liver for muscles. Fifty per cent of those prescribed them have to stop taking them due to this. But sometimes as the pain comes on sometimes months after taking them they are misdiagnosed as another ailment. Some doctors are saying that statins do nothing except make the sellers a lot of money.

Replied by Marsh57
(Co)
07/28/2018

The VA nursing home doctor put our 88 yr old Dad on statins. I can't help but believe they caused jaundice, that ultimately resulted in his demise. Cause? Liver cancer that traveled onward. Still breaks my heart that I listened to that doctor while foregoing my intuition.

Ame
(Newport)
04/08/2021

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved father. Never blame yourself for the gross injuries and deaths going unpunished from errors made by doctors as well as huge profits from toxic prescriptions. Research, and you will find that more than 500,000 patients die every year from medical error and prescriptions drugs.

Your gut feeling was diluted and negated by the brainwashing of our society by so-called authority figures and "expert" status of doctors and other medical specialists virtue signaling their 'trust me' knowledge. Ask any one of them what they learned in medical school about nutrition, and they will say about one chapter from one book.

Current example: NY governor Como, killing thousands of healthy elders by dumping them in nursing homes where many suffer from severely compromised health. He wore it as a badge of honor and said, "...We did a beautiful thing in those hospitals..."

Pray for others who will unwittingly will fall prey to these quacks.

Marsh
(Colo)
05/21/2022

You're 100% right. He was ready to go on, departing on his own terms... but the negligence you mention is criminal.

Blackstrap Molasses

1 User Review
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Posted by Ackbar (Oaklyn, NJ) on 08/12/2012
 ★★★★★

Muscles... 60 years old... I perspire when working.... Over a 3 years heavy outside work... The muscles on both legs starting burning, until I could not walk upstairs, in fact, I had to pull myself up to our second floor. I have been taking blackstrap molasses for 1 year... 1 Tablespoon in a coffee cup of hot water. I am now back to 60% of total muscle contol... I feel that I could be 1 more year. I will add this to my diet.

Coconut Oil

1 User Review
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Posted by Lynn (St. Petersburg, FL) on 01/14/2007
 ★★★★★

I have been taking vco for approximately two weeks now, at about 2-3 tablespoons a day, both in cooking, and melted like butter on foods. I have had severe muscle pain of unknown origin (probably fibromyalgia) for years. The Q-Ray bracelet helped enormously for a few years, but recently I have had a lot of pain. On day three of my taking the oil, my pain was all but gone, a recurrent cyst had disappeared, and my energy/stamina was phenomenal. I had suffered from very low energy for years, and take thyroxin. I now am "addicted" to the stuff, and would recommend it to anyone with these symptoms.

D3

1 User Review
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Posted by Shary (Centennial, Co) on 12/21/2010
 ★★★★★

About a year ago, a therapist suggested vitamin D for my chronic, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. She recommended 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. I got a little better but not much, and didn't associate it with vitamin D supplementation at the time. Then about a month ago I heard about the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit group of physicians and research scientists, and I went on their website.

Knowing from a recent blood test that I am somewhat deficient in vitamin D, and based on what I was reading, I immediately began taking 8,000 IU of D3, and what an improvement!

In just a few weeks I am almost completely pain-free in the neck, shoulders, hips and knees. I don't believe it is a coincidence because I've been dealing with muscle pain for 6 years now. I will drop back to the Council's recommended dosage in the next few months, at which time I can get some of my vitamin D from the sun.

If there really is a magic bullet, it could very well be vitamin D. It helps just about every aspect of the human body. If you don't spend much time outside, are in the habit of slathering on sunscreen, or if you live north of 35 degrees latitude, you are probably low on D. Please be aware that although this research appears to be solid, and I know for certain it has helped me, it isn't yet mainstream and differs considerably from government recommendations. It is important to have your vitamin D level checked so you have some idea of how much you need. It's also important to know that vitamin D supplements must be D3, which is cholecalciferol, the same thing our bodies make from sunshine.


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