By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Muscle Pain
Herbal teas for muscle pain are natural remedies that help alleviate muscle soreness and discomfort by promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
The best herbal teas for muscle pain include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Achillea millefolium, Arnica montana, Zingiber officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Hamamelis virginiana, Salix alba, Curcuma longa, Artemisia absinthium, and Cinchona officinalis.
If left untreated, muscle pain can significantly impact daily life, causing fatigue, decreased productivity, and a reduced quality of life, ultimately affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with muscle pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and discomfort in the muscles.
The licorice root extract in these teas has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, leading to a decrease in muscle inflammation and pain.
Additionally, the flavonoids and saponins present in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas have analgesic and antioxidant properties, further contributing to their muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effects, making them a popular natural remedy for muscle soreness and strain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with muscle pain.
- Glycyrrhizin: Helps reduce muscle pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause inflammation and pain.
- Licoricidin: Contributes to the anti-inflammatory effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra by reducing the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes, thereby alleviating muscle pain and inflammation.
- Licochalcone a: Exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Roots: They are the primary source of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle pain.
- Leaves: The leaves of the plant are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to their use in teas for muscle pain relief.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes of the plant contain glycyrrhizin and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and ease muscle pain.
2. Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium teas helps with muscle pain because it contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that work together to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
The tea's high concentration of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids helps to inhibit pain pathways and promote relaxation, making it an effective remedy for sore muscles.
Additionally, its antioxidant properties help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to muscle pain and inflammation, providing a soothing and calming effect on the body.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with muscle pain.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic compound helps alleviate muscle pain by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are pain-causing agents.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to decrease pain and inflammation in the muscles.
- Nepetalactone: This terpenoid has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in relieving muscle pain and discomfort.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Achillea millefolium used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for muscle pain due to their high concentration of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for muscle pain as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects that help relieve muscle tension and pain.
- Stems: They are used to make teas for muscle pain due to their presence of sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, similar to the leaves.
3. Arnica montana
Arnica montana teas helps with muscle pain because it contains compounds like sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds work by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscle spasms, which can provide relief from pain and stiffness. Additionally, the tea's anti-oxidant properties help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to muscle pain and fatigue.
As a result, Arnica montana teas can be a natural and effective remedy for muscle pain, promoting relaxation and recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arnica montana teas that help with muscle pain.
- Helenalin: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help alleviate muscle pain by reducing inflammation and relieving pain sensations.
- Acidic sesquiterpene lactones: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, helping to relax muscles and reduce pain caused by inflammation and muscle spasms.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: As flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they help mitigate muscle pain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the affected area.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Arnica montana used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Leaves: Leaves from Arnica montana are often used to make teas for muscle pain because they contain a high concentration of the active compound responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Flowers of Arnica montana are commonly used to make teas for muscle pain because they contain sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
- Roots: Roots of Arnica montana are also used to make teas for muscle pain because they contain a high amount of arnica oil, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with muscle pain because it contains active compounds like gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds reduce inflammation and pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation. Additionally, ginger has natural analgesic and antispasmodic properties that help relax muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve blood circulation, leading to relief from muscle pain and stiffness.
Regular consumption of Zingiber officinale teas may help alleviate muscle pain and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with muscle pain.
- Gingerols: Help reduce muscle pain by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
- Shogaols: Act as potent analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, reducing muscle pain and inflammation by blocking pain receptors.
- Volatile oils: Include sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that help alleviate muscle pain and discomfort.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used to make teas for muscle pain because they are rich in compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Roots: Roots are used to make teas for muscle pain because they contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds that help to reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle and joint pain.
- Buds: Buds are used to make teas for muscle pain because they are a concentrated source of ginger's active compounds, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints.
5. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with muscle pain because it contains valerenic acid, a compound that interacts with the brain's GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the tea also help to soothe and calm the muscles, reducing pain and discomfort. Additionally, valerian root tea has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is essential for muscle recovery and repair.
This combination of actions makes valerian tea a popular natural remedy for alleviating muscle pain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with muscle pain.
- Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce muscle pain by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.
- Valeranone: Valeranone has a sedative effect, which helps to relax the muscles and reduce muscle spasms and pain.
- Valerenol: Valerenol has a muscle relaxant effect, which helps to reduce muscle tension and pain by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscle contraction.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Roots: The most commonly used part of Valeriana officinalis is its roots, which are rich in valerenic acid and other bioactive compounds that help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation.
- Leaves: The leaves of Valeriana officinalis are also used to make teas, as they contain valerenic acid and other compounds that have a sedative effect, helping to relax muscles and reduce pain.
- Roots (again, as this is the most common part used): The roots are the primary source of valerenic acid, which is a key compound responsible for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Valeriana officinalis teas.
6. Hamamelis virginiana
Hamamelis virginiana teas helps with muscle pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
The tea's high content of flavonoids, particularly quercetin, also works to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, providing relief from muscle spasms and cramps. Additionally, the tea's astringent properties help to reduce inflammation and promote blood flow, further alleviating muscle pain and promoting relaxation.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe and calm the body.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hamamelis virginiana teas that help with muscle pain.
- Flavonoids: Help reduce inflammation and relieve muscle pain by acting as potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes.
- Tannins: Help reduce muscle pain by constricting blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.
- Glycosides: Help reduce muscle pain by acting as anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce pain-causing enzymes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Hamamelis virginiana used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Leaves: The leaves are the primary part used to make teas for muscle pain due to their high concentration of volatile oils and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Stems: The stems of Hamamelis virginiana are also used to make teas for muscle pain, as they contain similar compounds to the leaves, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
- Buds: Hamamelis virginiana buds are used to make teas for muscle pain due to their high concentration of salicylic acid, a compound similar to aspirin that helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
7. Salix alba
Salix alba teas helps with muscle pain because it contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin.
When consumed, salicin is converted into salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This helps to reduce swelling and ease muscle tension. The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce pain and discomfort in the affected area, making it a popular remedy for muscle soreness, arthritis, and other conditions characterized by pain and inflammation.
Regular consumption can provide relief from muscle pain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salix alba teas that help with muscle pain.
- Salicin: Salicin has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in muscles.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate muscle pain and discomfort.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce muscle inflammation and alleviate pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Salix alba used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Barks: Used to make teas for muscle pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce pain and swelling.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for muscle pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Stems: Used to make teas for muscle pain due to its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, and also acts as a natural anti-oxidant.
8. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa teas helps with muscle pain because it contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the body. When consumed as a tea, curcumin can penetrate deep into the muscles, reducing inflammation and discomfort. The tea's anti-inflammatory properties can also help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to muscle pain and soreness.
As a result, Curcuma longa teas have become a popular natural remedy for muscle pain and soreness.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa teas that help with muscle pain.
- Curcumin: It helps with muscle pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which are responsible for muscle inflammation and pain.
- Demethoxycurcumin: It helps with muscle pain by reducing muscle damage and inflammation caused by oxidative stress and by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down muscle tissue.
- Bisdemethoxycurcumin: It helps with muscle pain by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, which contribute to muscle inflammation and pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Curcuma longa used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Rhyzomes: Used due to their high concentration of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
- Roots: Utilized for their similar composition to rhyzomes, which also contain curcumin, making them effective in reducing muscle pain.
- Leaves: Employed due to their ability to release active compounds into hot water, allowing for easy absorption of curcumin and other beneficial nutrients.
9. Artemisia absinthium
Artemisia absinthium teas helps with muscle pain because it contains thujone, a bioactive compound that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
This compound is known to interact with the body's pain receptors, reducing muscle spasms and pain. The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce swelling and ease muscle tension.
Additionally, the herb's antioxidant properties promote relaxation and reduce muscle fatigue, making it an effective natural remedy for relieving muscle pain and promoting overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia absinthium teas that help with muscle pain.
- Thujone: Acts as a sedative and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain.
- Bornyl acetate: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and ease muscle tension, leading to pain relief.
- Bornel: Has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to the reduction of muscle pain and inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Artemisia absinthium used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Leaves: They are rich in essential oils and bioactive compounds, which help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from muscle pain.
- Stems: The stems contain volatile oils and flavonoids, which contribute to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective for muscle pain relief.
- Flowers: The flowers contain sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, helping to alleviate muscle pain and discomfort.
10. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with muscle pain because it contains quinine, a natural compound that reduces inflammation and relaxes tense muscles.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties soothe sore muscles, while its stimulant effects help increase blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area. This combination of actions helps alleviate muscle cramps, spasms, and strains, making Cinchona officinalis teas a popular natural remedy for athletes and individuals who engage in strenuous physical activities.
Its pain-relieving properties also make it a useful treatment for arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with muscle pain.
- Quinine: It helps with muscle pain by acting as a muscle relaxant, reducing muscle spasms and inflammation.
- Quinidine: It helps with muscle pain by reducing inflammation, relieving muscle cramps and spasms, and exerting a mild analgesic effect.
- Cinchonine: It helps with muscle pain by acting as a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation in muscles.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for muscle pain.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for muscle pain due to their high content of quinine, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Barks: Used to make teas for muscle pain due to their high content of alkaloids, particularly quinine and quinidine, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Stems: Used to make teas for muscle pain due to their content of quinine and other alkaloids, which help reduce pain and inflammation.