Back and muscle spasms are much more than just an annoyance in your life. When they are severe enough, they can prevent you from completing your daily activities including going to work.
In fact, problems with the back are the leading cause that people miss going in to do their jobs. In conventional medical practice, the only way to treat these issues was through prescription medications and surgery.
However, more and more people are trying to move away from the potentially addictive and damaging pain and muscle relaxer pharmaceuticals. Now, a more holistic approach is what otherwise healthy individuals are seeking out.
If you want to try a non-invasive method at home for alleviating the discomforts that go along with back muscle tension and spasms, you can try these five herbal tea remedies.
You will get the same relief without running the risk of having to deal with all the undesirable side effects that prescribed, or over-the-counter medication comes with.
Chamomile Tea
Although chamomile is one of the oldest forms of medicinal herbs used by health providers, it’s still widely used today for a plethora of conditions.
It’s still being used because it’s hugely effective. Researchers have discovered that up to one million cups of herbal chamomile tea are consumed across the globe each day.
When the dried flowers of the chamomile are properly blended, there has been evidence to prove that it can aid in reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. Not only that, but people also use the tea for insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, and a vast number of other health ailments.
How to prepare: Chamomile tea bags are readily available at your local supermarket or health food store if you don’t want to go through the process of making a homebrew.
The only negative to purchasing the pre made bags is that you don’t have as much control over the potency of your beverage.
If you would rather use the fresh flowers, use three to four tablespoons along with eight ounces of boiling water and one small sprig of mint if desired for extra flavor. Let it steep for at least five minutes before straining and drinking.
Skullcap Tea
Skullcap tea is ideal for people that have back pain and spasms that are leading to insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness. It is known to provide your body and mind with an overall sense of peace and relaxation.
People with restlessness, twitching muscles, or hypersensitivity do well with this herbal tea.
How to prepare: You can use one teaspoon of dried skullcap or nine ounces of the dried root per cup of boiling water. For an aggressive treatment, drink up to six cups per day for one or two days and then lower it to two or three cups as needed.
Black Cohosh Tea
Native Americans were the first to discover the health benefits of black cohosh. It is primarily used today for symptoms associated with menopause, but it has also been proven to be a helpful remedy for back pain, stiffness, tenderness, and as an antispasmodic.
How to prepare: A general rule for most teas like black cohosh is adding one tablespoon of the herb per cup of boiling water. Allow it to simmer for up to 15 minutes to get a stronger potency for the most benefits possible.
You can have up to four cups a day for spasms or acute pain.
Turmeric Tea
Tumeric is another herb that has anti-inflammatory properties so it can aid in the relief of muscle aches and pains that are caused by swelling after an injury.
There are also pain relief properties found in the Asian traditional herbal ingredient. It has been used to treat arthritis and even as a preventative for some kinds of cancer as well.
How to prepare: An adult dosage suggestion is 400 to 600 milligrams of pure turmeric up to three times per day. You can add one to two teaspoons in four cups of boiling water and allow it to set for about 10 minutes before straining and drinking.
Honey, whole milk, lemon, and ginger are often added in for flavor and additional health benefits.
Hops Tea
Hops are one of the main ingredients used in the process of beer brewing, so if the name sounds familiar, that’s probably why. It has a calming effect to it that can also help to relieve muscle spasms and tension.
If you are suffering from depression, it is recommended that you don’t drink hops as it can make the symptoms worse.
How to prepare: There are many different factors to consider when blending hops into a tea including your age, current health state, and other conditions you may already be dealing with.
However, you can make and enjoy a quick cup before bed by boiling water and adding one to two teaspoons of hops flowers per cup of liquid.
Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if you can. The longer it sits, the stronger it’s going to be. Strain out the flowers and enjoy up to three times a day.
Additional Natural Remedies for Back Pain and Muscle Spasm Relief
If you’re someone that isn’t a fan of drinking teas, you might have a hard time getting used to the flavor. Even though the benefits are plentiful, you may not be able to ever take advantage of all the herbal remedies have to offer you.
In the event you can’t, there are still ways to deal with back aches and muscle spasms without turning to a medical doctor. If you are suffering, try any or all of these other holistic approaches to relief:
- Cold compression – immediately after injury the cold works to numb the area, reduce blood flow, and lower swelling.
- Warm compression – avoid for the first 48 hours after injury; used to increase blood circulation.
- Improve posture – be mindful of your posture and the alignment of your spine; explore to discover the most comfortable position; generally straight is best.
- Back massage – relax muscles and improve blood circulation through gentle massage a few times a week or as needed.
- Improve sleep – get a better mattress if yours isn’t comfortable; sleep on your side with legs together and knees bent.
- See a chiropractor – chiropractors can find and manipulate any misalignments of the spinal vertebrae to relieve pain and create a better overall body functioning.
- Wear comfortable shoes – whether you sit or stand all day, you should be wearing footwear with proper support that extends through to your back to prevent further damage.
Prevention is always the best treatment plan for back pain and muscles spasms. However, it’s estimated up to 80% of the world’s population will deal with it at some point in their lives.
Do what you can to protect yourself, but if you do find yourself feeling uncomfortable, you can implement any of these teas or actions into your daily life without fear of adverse side effects.
Author Bio:
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. is the founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice has treated thousands of patients from different health problems using various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief.
Works Cited
- Back Pain Statistics and Interesting Facts. (2018, June 08). Retrieved September 17, 2018, from Better Health Alaska: https://betterhealthalaska.com/back-pain-statistics-interesting-facts/
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010, November 1). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Retrieved September 18, 2018, from US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
