Guest guest Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 herbal muscle relaxants Many herbs make wonderful remedies for stiff joints and aching muscles. Used as baths or compresses, herbs have been used for chronic rheumatism and other external aches and pains for centuries. Check with your doctor before using any herbs. Horseradish, for example, is one. A native of Hungary or Russia, this perennial plant is now well established throughout the temperate zones of Europe and America. The root, which is dug in the fall, is considered a stimulant, diuretic, antiseptic, and laxative. Externally, horseradish has been used to treat chronic rheumatism, chest colds, and muscle aches and pains for many years. To make a horseradish poultice, grate a large horseradish root, spread it on a clean cloth (linen or cheesecloth) and lay it on the painful area, with the cloth being directly against the skin, until you feel a burning sensation. This burning sensation means that blood flow has been stimulated, and some relief will be forthcoming. Especially effective at night, just before bedtime. The same poultice will also bring relief from chest congestion. Hyssop, an evergreen herb that can grow up to 2 feet high, is a member of the mint family. Traditionally, hyssop has been used as an expectorant, stimulant, and diaphoretic. A compress of hyssop tea is considered a good antirheumatic treatment. Because hyssop contains volatile oils that are mildly antiseptic, it is considered very useful for aches and pains. Fresh hyssop leaves, applied directly to an affected area, will help heal cuts and bruises. A hyssop infusion can be made by using one ounce of the dried herb to 1 pint of water. Bring water to a rolling boil. Remove from the heat. Immerse 1 ounce (about 2 cups) of the dried herb in it and let it steep 15 minutes, covered. Strain and use. Lavender, the bushy perennial with the refreshing and delightful scent, has a long history of medicinal uses. Lavender is calming and has an uplifting influence. Warm lavender tea applied as a compress can relieve a headache. In the bath water, lavender oil relaxes one, and gets rid of tension, thereby making one feel better. A ginger bath helps to promote circulation, and has been traditionally used to treat arthritis and bursitis. Heat two pounds of fresh, grated ginger in a gallon of water until hot but do not let it boil. Let steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Pour this mixture into hot bath water and soak in it for 20 minutes or more. To make a ginger compress to relieve pain and improve circulation use 2 quarts of water and 5 ounces of grated ginger. Make the water very hot but do not boil it. Steep for 15 minutes, strain, and apply as a compress by soaking a small towel in the tea, and then apply that to the painful are. Another great bath for aching muscles and joints is to use a combination of 1 ounce burdock root, 1 ounce mugwort, 1 ounce comfrey leaf and 1 ounce sage. Infuse these herbs in 1 quart of boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Add to bath water and soak to your hearts content. These are just a few of the herbs one can use to alleviate common aches and pains in the least painful way. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Myspace http://www.myspace.com/wonder_woman1976 Everything Natural http://health./ Everything Magick EverythingMagick/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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