NaturalMedications

Valerian root nourishes the nervous system and has soothing properties. Valerian is a safe and natural sleeping aid. It helps soothe rattled nerves and assists the body in relieving insomnia. Properties of the plant have demonstrated to give calming relief to muscles, the nerves and blood vessels.

In Bulgaria, a hot compress soaked in buttermilk is used for relief of sore muscles and cramps.

The British use vinegar compresses to relieve muscle aches.

Add the root, (fresh or powdered). of Queen Anne's Lace (also called wild carrot) to bath to reduce muscle swelling and cramps. Contains vitamin A.

Chamomile, used medicinally since the 16th century, is an antispasmodic when taken internally. When prepared as an oil based rub, it is used for muscle cramps. The following is a recipe used in many Mediterranean countries: Fill a glass jar with chamomile flowers and add enough olive oil to fill the jar. Screw down the cap tightly

and leave in the sun for 3 weeks, adding more oil and flowers as the mixture settles. Strain off the oil, pressing the flowers to extract the last drop. Then apply the oil to inflamed joints or strained muscles. Infusions of chamomile also make wonderfully soothing baths.

A remedy used by American Indians for muscle cramps is extract of witch hazel bark. Witch hazel extract is commonly used as an astringent. But American Indians mix it with sunflower oil and rub it on their muscles until the pain goes away. It stimulates blood circulation without causing irritation to the skin.

The Italian treatment for muscle aches is a combination of equal parts of olive oil and camphor applied externally. This common home remedy is the basis for many over-the-counter preparations available in the USA. Camphor increases blood circulation to the skin.

Russians recommend a mixture of chopped onions and honey to soothe muscle aches. Just smear on affected aea.

Menthol Cream - Mix together 6 ounces of witch hazel, 4 tablespoons lanolin, and 6 tablespoons of menthol in a double boiler until creamy. Remove from fire and cool in the refrigerator. Use as a massage.

Soothing bath for Tension Headaches - Put 1 ounce each of mugwort, valerian, chamomile, and agrimony to 1 pint

of boiling water. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and add to bath water. Very good for aching muscles.

Fragrant Herb Oil And Antibacterial Salve

This oil can be used as a pleasantly fragrant massage agent for sore muscles, combined with boiling water and inhaled for nasal congestion, or combined with softened beeswax to make an antibacterial salve for skin problems.

equal parts almond oil and olive oil.

fresh peppermint leaves (or other aromatic herb), enough to loosly fill jar

1 tbsp rubbing alcohol, to discourage mold a few drops benzoin tintiure, to keep herb oil stable (available at pharmacies and health food stores)

Put the peppermint leaves in a glass jar and cover with the oil mixture. Add the alcohol. Cover the jar, put on a sunny windowsill, and let this steep for at least 2 weeks. Strain and bottle the infused oil. (The strained dregs make good compost.) Add the benzoin tincture.

To make the antibacterial salve, heat equal parts beeswax and herb oil, enough to fill a small lip balm container Some herbalists like to add equal parts vitamin E oil (good for any skin treatment) and anhydrous lanolin (also available at pharmacies and health food stores) along with the beeswax and herb oil. The more beeswax you add, the firmer the salve.