Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?

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Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« on: February 11, 2007, 12:18:35 PM » by K.Sarah

Hey all,
My dh had 2 back surgeries in one year, and is a little over a year out from his last one. He works a very very physical job (still), and has lots of trouble with inflammation around the site of the surgery. This causes nerve problems from his back all the way down to his foot, which has never quite recovered. (He had ruptured disc, twice) Anyway, he has to take muscle relaxers several nights a week, just to keep this somewhat under control, because he begins to cramp so badly if he doesn't. He can't do much physical activity anymore without setting something off, and he's a very active kind of guy, and only 32, so this is hard for him. Any ideas to help the muscle problem naturally? I just think muscle relaxers several times a week can't be good for you, plus it makes him conk out very quickly and sleep very hard --groggy in the morning.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2007, 12:28:29 PM » by ndmomof6

I would be interested to know if anyone has any ideas also. My dh was in an accident several years ago and fractured two vertebrae. He visits the chiropractor several times a week and now they want him to take anti-inflammatory meds. I'd prefer if he didn't take any medication, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2007, 01:25:50 PM » by SC

DMSO

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2007, 02:45:12 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: SC on February 11, 2007, 01:25:50 PM

DMSO

I've never actually tried this, but my dad thinks this stuff rocks for muscle aches.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2007, 02:48:38 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: ndmomof4 on February 11, 2007, 12:28:29 PM

Natural Anti-Inflammatories

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2007, 07:19:01 PM » by K.Sarah

Thanks guys -- you'd think I'd get better at finding this stuff with a search, but apparently my "natural anti inflammatory" wording wasn't spelled right or something. I'll take a look at all this, hopefully we'll find something! I know dh would be really happy.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2007, 07:33:09 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: KristenC. on February 11, 2007, 07:19:01 PM

Actually, the thread I posted wasn't spelled right. Not you're fault. Wink

I fixed it.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2007, 08:07:16 PM » by mexmarr

Calcium and magnesium taken together are great for relaxing your muscles.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2007, 10:31:25 PM » by ForeverGirl

Sorry this is going to be brief and without much of a resource trail... hopefully I'll be able to list all that later...

Inflammation and histamine response are subjects I've been studying lately. Inflammation seems to be the underlying culprit of most pain, and even results in other problems like plaque in the arteries, arthritis, gout, skin rashes... I believe that, as HB said, the Omega Oils are very important in treating inflammation by restoring and balancing the body's immune system.

However, it is also important to deal with the toxins which are causing inflammation, histamine response, and ultimately, auto-immune diseases.

I believe one of the best ways to deal with inflammation is berry concentrates that are very high in antioxidants.

Acai juice may be the highest berry juice in antioxidant properties. Also very high are:

Montmorency Cherry
Blueberry
Pomegranite
Elderberry

Six months ago my Dad had the beginnings of osteoporosis, arterial sclerosis, prostate problems, and arthritis, all related (my Mom believes) to inflammation and histamine response. My mom made him a juice concentrate of the above berries kept in the fridge for him to "take a swig" of several times a day. His last tests came back totally clear of all the symptoms he showed six months earlier. The last time we visited (last month) his back had straightened out, and he was full of energy.

So, to start with, I'd recommend adding as many of the above juices/concentrates as you can. My favorite source for Montmorency Cherry juice is:

http://mi-cherries.com/order.htm

You can buy elderberry and blueberry honey based syrups from

http://honeygardens.com/ (I've been using the blueberry stuff)

Pomegranite I haven't found yet, but I have tried an Acai fruit drink from the Bossa Nova brand which is really good, but not concentrated.

If you find pomegranite juice concentrate - let me know, please!

I'd like to try this on several different friends with ailments that might be inflammation-related.

-Rebekah

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2007, 10:35:00 PM » by ForeverGirl

hmm... should I have put this in the other thread? Or maybe merge them, HB? You da boss.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2007, 11:00:49 PM » by DawnsEarlyBirds

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on February 11, 2007, 10:31:25 PM

If you find pomegranite juice concentrate - let me know, please!

I'd like to try this on several different friends with ailments that might be inflammation-related.

-Rebekah

What is the difference between a "pure pomegranite" juice and a "pomegranite juice concentrate" as far as use goes? Would you drink the concentrate straight, or add water? Also, you said something about a honey based syrup, don't the sugars interfere with the antioxidant properties?

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2007, 12:09:13 AM » by ForeverGirl

Unsweetened, undiluted pomegranite juice or concentrate would be great. Concentrate is thicker, obviously, and can be taken by the spoonful instead of the glass, or mixed in water. The Montmorency cherry juice I listed is a concentrate that can be added to water. It's really good.

The honey based blueberry and elderberry I mentioned are in a raw, unfiltered, unheated honey base. It's still got small chunks of propolis in it occasionally, and has a slightly grainy consistency. I think this unprocessed "sugar" would only benefit the antioxidation process.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2007, 12:13:30 AM » by Whiterock

I am posting this in two different threads just to make sure I get the right one. LOL.

I am considering Butcher's Broom for my husband. He has a tingling sensation in his legs and the doctor said it's probably a pinched nerve in his back and that it doesn't help that he has high blood pressure (dh won't stay away from caffeine and sugar Sad

). So he put him on an anti-inflammatory and a blood pressure med. The pharmacist said to not take them together for very long. He has been taking them for over two weeks and they have not helped. He has now agreed to let me try a few things.

After reading that most anti-inflammatories raise blood pressure I understand why the pharmacist was concerned. But from what I understand, butcher's broom does not do this. Does anyone know which other natural anti-inflammatories work without raising blood pressure? Also, the only butcher's broom I have is the cut plant, not the powdered root (which is what is most often used for the anti-inflammatory affect) will this still work, or do I need to bite the bullet and buy the powdered root? If I do use the cut plant, how should I prepare it? I have made Jungle Juice (it has butcher's broom in it) and it has been sitting in the fridge because he doesn't like the taste. He would be willing to take it now, but I'm afraid to give it to him while he's on the blood pressure meds. Does any know if this is safe (I made it with vodka).

Thanks,
WR

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2007, 01:05:25 AM » by Whiterock

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on February 11, 2007, 10:31:25 PM

If you find pomegranite juice concentrate - let me know, please!

-Rebekah

Found this online:
http://www.brownwoodacres.com/pomegranate.htm
WR

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #14 on: February 12, 2007, 08:30:34 AM » by freshisbest

I had back problems for years mainly from stress....muscle tension can pull things out of alignment. There is tons of herbal info here for ' anti-inflammatories' but I thought I would add a couple of things: Calms and Calms Forte...by Hylands....if you want something in the ' mediciine' catagory because you don't have the time or energy right now to make a tincture or tea or capsule....I love these, for me AND my kids. You can chew them.
Also: Asparagus, fennel, ginger, reishi mushrooms, garlic, tart cherries. ( My sister had asked me " what can I eat to help?")

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #15 on: February 12, 2007, 09:13:26 AM » by Kati*did

Quote from: Whiterock on February 12, 2007, 01:05:25 AM

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on February 11, 2007, 10:31:25 PM

If you find pomegranite juice concentrate - let me know, please!

-Rebekah

Found this online:
http://www.brownwoodacres.com/pomegranate.htm
WR

I accidentally bought frozen pomegranite juice concentrate from Walmart (I thought it was cherry). It's by "Old Orchard". Here's some info on it:

http://www.oldorchardjuice.com/juices/12oz/12_purepom.htm

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #16 on: February 12, 2007, 10:07:13 AM » by SC

In Folk Medicine by Dr. Jarvis, his research showed that unbound calcium deposits led to arthritis symptoms, high blood pressure and other inflammation-type responses. He observed what happened to calcium placed in an organic acid medium and saw how it reacted. He followed this up with some trial runs on humans and farm animals.

Quote

One day a farmer dropped in at the office to report on his arthritis. He said that before taking ten teaspoonfuls of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water with each meal he had had lameness in all the joints of his body. The first day after he bagan taking the mixture, his lameness was 20 percent better and there was still more improvement the second day. By the fourth day he estimated a 50 percent improvement, and at the end of a month a 75 per cent improvement. In addition to the lameness he had had pain in the joints, but that cleared up as the lameness lessened. Finally the pain cleared up altogether, including pain in the back of the head and neck.

Dr. Jarvis further concluded that high blood pressure [a symptom of inflammation of the circulatory system] was offset by decreasing the alkalinity of the blood (thinning the blood) in the form of organic acids which include:
organic apple cider vinegar
apples
grapes
cranberries

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #17 on: February 16, 2007, 09:09:03 PM » by DawnsEarlyBirds

OK, when I joined this forum last May or June, information discussed seemed to be that our American systems are too acidic, and we should be heading the opposite direction. Am I wrong, or are we finding new info that sends us back the other direction, to the acidic side? Or should we be Swedish and neutral? I am confused!

In particular, the fruit juice thing. I have learned that they are just concentrated fruit sugars and should be avoided. Now we are talking about not just fruit juice, but concentrates!

I may have to go eat at McDonalds......

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #18 on: February 17, 2007, 09:47:32 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: DawnsEarlyBirds on February 16, 2007, 09:09:03 PM

OK, when I joined this forum last May or June, information discussed seemed to be that our American systems are too acidic,...

There seems to be a difference on opinions on this one. Here's a thread with more info. pH Testing

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #19 on: February 21, 2007, 10:44:35 AM » by MarkTracy

Hi. My husband has some painful muscle inflammation in his right shoulder. The doc told him he'd have to take ibuprofen[800 mg!!!] for a few weeks to get the the inflammation down before it could begin to heal. We have some mucle rub (arnica, cayenne, etc.), but could/should he be taking anythng internally instead of ibuprofen? I want it to heal, but I don't like all that med going into him (neither does he). It also gives him serious heartburn, which necessitates more *poisonous* medicine to control. Any suggestions for a natural, effective anti-inflammatory so he can get on with using his right arm?
TracyG

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #20 on: March 02, 2007, 06:27:14 PM » by Kitty

Would this be a good thread for this salve? Can't find spot to put it! Shocked

Arthritis Salve
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz fresh Mint Leaf
1 1/2 oz crushed fresh Eucalyptus Leaf
1/4 oz crushed dried Bay Leaf
1/2 oz crushed or powdered dried Golden Seal Root
1/2 lb. Vegetable Shortening (in the "old days" lard was used) (if the fresh herbs cannot be found, substitution with dried herbs is OK)

Mixing Directions:
Mix all herbs together. Melt the Vegetable Shortening in a pot on low flame, adding a little at a time to speed the melting process. When all the Shortening has been melted, turn off the fire, and slowly stir in the mixed herbs. When all is mixed well, pour the liquid salve into a jar. DO NOT USE PLASTIC!!! USE GLASS ONLY!!! (plastic will draw out the essence of the herbs...) Cap the jar and refrigerate until the shortening has become a solid again, and is cold. Will keep for about a week.

Directions of Use:
Gather a small amount onto hand and massage onto skin of afflicted joint. Let set for at least one hour. Repeat as necessary.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #21 on: April 05, 2007, 12:06:14 PM » by Mothers Medicine Cabinet

Wow! I just saw your post. A great muscle relaxer would be essential oils- I've used 'valor' and "panaway" personally for many problems I've had. Form Sciatic nerve pains, shoulder tention, bruises. A therapeutic massage oil blend "Ortho sport" I put on my husband after a long day of work. He'll come home sore and tired and it's help relax him. Also, my dad used it after he got kicked in the ribs by his horse and he loved it. He said it helped alot.

If you don't know much about essential oils each oil is different and unique having it's own characteristics and personality- each oil can contain anywhere between 80-hundreds of natural chemical constituents. Some of the molecules in essential oils fight cancer, modulate the immune system, hormones, reduces inflammation which causes pain, regulate blood glucose and more.
Unadulterated essential oils (therapeutic-grade) can all be used for topical application, inhalation, and ingestion. 95-98% of essential oils in the American market are perfume quality, so ensuring that the essential oil is therapeutic-grade is IMPORTANT.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me-
Jessica@anhonestbusiness.org

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #22 on: July 03, 2007, 03:01:00 PM » by InEverything

Quote from: ForeverGirl on February 11, 2007, 10:31:25 PM

If you find pomegranite juice concentrate - let me know, please!

I'd like to try this on several different friends with ailments that might be inflammation-related.

-Rebekah

http://www.brownwoodacres.com/pomegranate.htm

This site has concentrates for pomegranate, blueberry and Montmorency cherries. I am going to try these for my husband as he seems to have inflammation in his hand joints.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #23 on: July 05, 2007, 07:45:25 AM » by Kitty

Quote from: InEverything on July 03, 2007, 03:01:00 PM

Have you all seen the Inflammation & Diet thread? Or the book, "Inflammation Nation" ? Good discussion going on in both places.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #24 on: August 19, 2007, 07:20:52 AM » by bakermom

Instead of getting the berry juices at your mentioned websites, could I just buy it at any store that has this? Would it not be as good? I thought I saw these kinds of juices at costco and health hut.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #25 on: August 19, 2007, 11:00:50 AM » by herbalmom

Quote from: Yooper Kitty on March 02, 2007, 06:27:14 PM

Would this be a good thread for this salve? Can't find spot to put it! Shocked

I just ran across this. It looks good & I may make some myself but I wanted to mention that although Golden Seal is in a lot of old muscle rubs recipes, right now it is overhavested & endangered & shouldn't be used unless necessary. What Golden Seal excels at is fighting stubborn infections & there are lots of other things that will work for muscle & joint pain so it might be better to sub something else. Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #26 on: September 22, 2007, 04:24:44 PM » by beckyoto

Hi there,

Have any of you tried making/using this Arthritis salve recipe?
We have a number of elderly in our church that struggle with the pain of arthritis and I sure would like to make a good salve that might offer them some relief.

Wondering if anyone has any experience with this (or another) homemade salve specifically for arthritis.

Thanks in advance,

B

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #27 on: September 24, 2007, 01:00:57 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: beckyoto on September 22, 2007, 04:24:44 PM

I can't offer you a salve, but you might check this thread for some other ideas.

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,3473.0.html

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #28 on: February 24, 2008, 02:49:19 PM » by joyful_mommy03

Quote from: mexmarr on February 11, 2007, 08:07:16 PM

Calcium and magnesium taken together are great for relaxing your muscles.

Anyone have any recommendations on how much to take together for muscle relaxation?

I have a friend having major muscle tension issues - causing horrible headaches, jaw clenching at night etc. She has had good success with restful sleep at night taking chamomile but not so much during the day taking a tension reducing tea. I found some great ideas already on this thread, just want to give her lots of info.

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Re: Natural muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatory?
« Reply #29 on: February 24, 2008, 06:27:22 PM » by freshisbest

My sis recently landed in the hospital for Xrays .. severe muscle spasms in her back. Its been an ongoing issue but recently got a lot worse. her naturopath gave her " Muscle Tranquil" by Vinco-s. I found it on an internet search. It contains calcium, magnesium, wild yam root, wood betony, valerian, passion flower, cramp bark, hops, skullcap....60 cap bottle around $16 and she said its working better than anything she's used before ( prescription muscle relaxers , and lots of Sleepytime/Calming Teas ).

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