By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Capsules For Muscle Pain
Herbal capsules for muscle pain are natural supplements containing concentrated extracts of various herbs, plants, and botanicals that provide relief from muscle soreness, stiffness, and discomfort.
These capsules help to reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and improve circulation, making them an effective alternative to conventional pain relievers. Examples include turmeric, ginger, and willow bark capsules, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
For instance, taking turmeric capsules after a workout can significantly reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities without discomfort.
The following article describes in detail the most important capsules for muscle pain, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Cannabis sativa
- 2. Zingiber officinale
- 3. Curcuma longa
- 4. Salix alba
- 5. Capsicum annuum
- 6. Hypericum perforatum
- 7. Harpagophytum procumbens
- 8. Yucca schidigera
- 9. Boswellia serrata
- 10. Arnica montana
- What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for muscle pain?
- What ailments similar to muscle pain are treated with herbal capsules?
1. Cannabis sativa
Marijuana capsules helps with muscle pain because they contain cannabinoids, which are natural compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
When taken orally, these cannabinoids can provide long-lasting relief from chronic muscle pain, as well as alleviate symptoms of conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.
The capsules' slow release of cannabinoids also helps to minimize peak levels of discomfort, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation throughout the body.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cannabis sativa capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Cannabidiol: A non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that may help reduce muscle pain by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, thereby reducing inflammation and modulating pain perception.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol: A psychoactive phytocannabinoid that may help alleviate muscle pain by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, resulting in pain relief and reduced inflammation.
- Beta-caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene terpene that may help reduce muscle pain by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as modulating the body's pain response through interaction with the TRPV1 receptor.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marijuana used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Leaves: Leaves are a primary source of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle pain.
- Buds: Buds contain a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound that can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, although it may cause psychoactive effects.
- Seeds: Seeds are a rich source of CBD and other beneficial compounds, and can be extracted and used to create CBD oil, which is often used to make capsules for muscle pain relief.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marijuana for muscle pain.
- Weigh 10 grams of dried cannabis sativa flowers using a digital scale.
- Grind 5 grams of the weighed material into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Combine the ground powder with 5 grams of glycerin in a mixing bowl.
- Fill 20 empty gelatin capsules with the mixture using a capsule filler.
- Store the filled capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place.
2. Zingiber officinale
Ginger capsules helps with muscle pain because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that cause pain and inflammation in muscles.
Additionally, ginger's analgesic properties help to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, making it a popular natural remedy for alleviating post-workout pain and reducing discomfort caused by conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Gingerol: Gingerol acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, reducing pain and inflammation in muscles by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
- Shogaol: Shogaol has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to relieve muscle pain by blocking the production of pain-causing chemicals and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
- 6-gingerol: 6-Gingerol has a potent anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to reduce muscle pain and inflammation by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale, as they contain the highest concentration of active compounds responsible for pain relief.
- Roots: While often similar to rhyzomes, roots are used in some products and contain a slightly different composition of bioactive compounds.
- Stems: Some products may use the stems of Zingiber officinale, which also contain active compounds that aid in pain relief, although their composition may be slightly different from rhyzomes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for muscle pain.
- Harvest 50 grams of fresh zingiber officinale roots in late summer or early fall for optimal potency.
- Clean the roots thoroughly with distilled water to remove dirt and debris for better absorption.
- Dry the cleaned roots in a low-temperature oven at 50 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
- Grind 25 grams of dried zingiber officinale roots into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with 500 milligrams of the powdered zingiber officinale root and seal tightly.
3. Curcuma longa
Turmeric capsules helps with muscle pain because they contain curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound found in the spice turmeric.
When taken as a supplement, curcumin travels to the affected area and reduces inflammation, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort caused by muscle strain or overuse.
Its potent antioxidant properties also help to reduce oxidative stress and promote healing, leading to faster recovery from injury.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, helps with muscle pain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors contributing to muscle discomfort and soreness.
- Demethoxycurcumin: DMC, another polyphenolic compound, assists in alleviating muscle pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing muscle inflammation and pain.
- Volatile oils: The volatile oils present in Curcuma longa, including beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene, help with muscle pain by modulating the body's pain response and reducing inflammation, leading to relief from muscle discomfort.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Rhyzomes: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of curcumin, a bioactive compound that has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Roots: The roots are also a rich source of curcumin and are often used as an alternative to rhyzomes, providing similar benefits in reducing muscle pain and inflammation.
- Barks: Some studies suggest that the barks of Curcuma longa may contain other bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them a potential ingredient in muscle pain relief capsules.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for muscle pain.
- Weigh 500 grams of dried curcuma longa roots and 100 grams of gelatin powder in a bowl.
- Mix the weighed ingredients with 500 milliliters of distilled water in a saucepan at 60-70 degrees celsius.
- Boil the mixture for 10 minutes then remove from heat to let it infuse for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl to separate the liquid from the solids.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with 250 milligrams of the liquid extract and seal them immediately.
4. Salix alba
White willow capsules helps with muscle pain because they contain a natural compound called salicin, which is similar to aspirin.
When taken orally, salicin is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to areas of inflammation, where it helps to reduce pain and swelling. This makes white willow a popular natural remedy for alleviating muscle soreness and stiffness caused by exercise or injury.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe and relax muscles, providing relief from chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salix alba capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Salicin: A glycoside that helps with muscle pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and blocking pain pathways in the brain, providing a natural alternative to aspirin.
- Salicylic acid: A phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to reduce muscle pain and inflammation by inhibiting the activity of enzymes responsible for the production of pain-causing chemicals.
- Tannins: Complex polyphenols that help with muscle pain by reducing inflammation, minimizing oxidative stress, and inhibiting the release of pain-causing chemicals from damaged tissues.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of white willow used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Barks: The barks are used to make capsules for muscle pain because they contain salicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make capsules for muscle pain because they are a rich source of salicylic acid, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Roots: The roots are used to make capsules for muscle pain because they contain salicin and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic white willow for muscle pain.
- Harvest 10 grams of dried salix alba bark from a trusted source.
- Crush the bark into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 10 minutes.
- Mix the powder with 10 grams of gelatin powder and 50 milliliters of glycerin in a bowl.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with the mixture using a capsule filler for 5 minutes.
- Store the filled capsules in a cool dry place for up to 2 years.
5. Capsicum annuum
Bell pepper capsules helps with muscle pain because of their rich antioxidant properties.
The high concentration of vitamins A, C, and E in these capsules helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort caused by muscle strain or injury. Additionally, bell peppers contain a potent anti-inflammatory compound called capsicum, which has been shown to ease muscle pain and stiffness.
By incorporating these capsules into your daily routine, you can naturally promote muscle relaxation and recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Capsicum annuum capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Capsaicin: Capsaicin helps with muscle pain by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P, which transmits pain signals to the brain, thereby reducing the sensation of pain.
- Catechins: Catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), help with muscle pain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to muscle pain and soreness.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol, help with muscle pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to muscle inflammation and pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of bell pepper used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Fruits: Used to make capsules for muscle pain due to their high content of capsaicin, a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound.
- Seeds: Used to make capsules for muscle pain due to their ability to stabilize and deliver capsaicin from the fruits of the plant.
- Leaves: Used to make capsules for muscle pain due to their secondary metabolites, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in pain relief.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic bell pepper for muscle pain.
- Dry the capsicum annuum fruits at 50 degrees celsius for 24 hours to preserve their medicinal properties.
- Grind the dried capsicum annuum fruits into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 30 minutes.
- Mix the ground capsicum annuum powder with gelatin or carrageenan at a 1:2 ratio for 5 minutes.
- Fill the gelatin or carrageenan mixture into empty capsules using a capsule filler for 10 minutes.
- Store the herbal capsicum annuum capsules in a cool dry place for up to 2 years.
6. Hypericum perforatum
St John's Wort capsules helps with muscle pain because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb contains compounds that target pain receptors, reducing inflammation and swelling in the muscles. As a result, it can effectively alleviate symptoms such as stiffness, cramping, and soreness caused by physical exertion or injury. Additionally, St John's Wort has been shown to relax muscle tissue, promoting relief from spasms and tension.
By addressing these underlying causes of muscle pain, herbal supplements can provide significant relief and improve overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Hypericin: This naphthodianthrone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with muscle strain and injuries.
- Hyperforin: A phenolic compound, hyperforin has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it effective in alleviating muscle pain and discomfort.
- N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-phenylalanine: A dipeptide, NASP is known to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, thus reducing muscle pain and inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Leaves: They are used for their bioactive compounds and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Flowers: The flowers are used for their flavonoids and hyperforin content, which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Stems: The stems are used for their hyperforin content, which is a key compound in the plant's pain-relieving properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for muscle pain.
- Harvest 30-40 hypericum perforatum flowers at dawn when they are fresh and dry them in a low-temperature oven at 100°f for 2 hours.
- Grind 1 part of dried flowers into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder at 10000 rpm for 30 seconds.
- Mix 1 part of the powder with 2 parts of gelatin and 1 part of water in a bowl to create a uniform mixture.
- Fill 100-200 empty gelatin capsules with 300-400 milligrams of the mixture using a small measuring spoon and a capsule filler.
- Store the filled capsules in a cool dark place at 70°f for up to 2 years to preserve their potency.
7. Harpagophytum procumbens
Devil's claw capsules helps with muscle pain because of its unique combination of compounds that work synergistically to reduce inflammation and relieve tension in the muscles.
The herb contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents that target specific areas of pain, providing rapid and effective relief from discomfort.
Additionally, devil's claw has been shown to relax muscle spasms and improve joint mobility, making it an excellent natural remedy for alleviating muscle aches and pains.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Harpagophytum procumbens capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Harpagoside: A glycoside compound that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation.
- Iridoid glycosides: A group of compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation by protecting against oxidative stress.
- Phenolic acids: Compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of devil's claw used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Roots: Roots: The primary part used for Harpagophytum procumbens capsules due to their high concentration of harpagoside, which provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Leaves: Leaves: Although less commonly used than roots, leaves are sometimes used for their secondary content of harpagoside and other compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic effects.
- Fruits: Fruits: Fruits of Harpagophytum procumbens are occasionally used, as they contain a smaller amount of harpagoside and other beneficial compounds compared to the roots, but are still considered effective for muscle pain relief.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic devil's claw for muscle pain.
- Harvest 500 grams of harpagophytum procumbens roots and dry them under shade for 2 weeks.
- Grind the dried roots into fine powder using a high-speed grinder at 1 inch per second.
- Mix 500 grams of the powder with 100 grams of cellulose and 50 grams of magnesium stearate.
- Fill 1000 empty capsules with the mixture at a dosage of 400 milligrams per capsule.
- Label and store the capsules in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
8. Yucca schidigera
Mojave yucca capsules helps with muscle pain because they contain a unique compound called saponin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Saponin works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, reducing swelling and pain in the muscles. Additionally, Mojave yucca's flavonoids and phenolic acids have been shown to exhibit analgesic and anti-nociceptive effects, providing relief from muscle aches and pains.
As a natural and gentle alternative, Mojave yucca capsules offer a safe and effective way to alleviate muscle pain without relying on pharmaceuticals.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Yucca schidigera capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Saponins: Saponins help with muscle pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, which can contribute to pain relief and improved muscle function.
- Saponin glycosides: Saponin glycosides help with muscle pain by acting as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing pain and inflammation in the muscles, and promoting relaxation.
- Terpenoids: Terpenoids help with muscle pain by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can reduce pain and discomfort in the muscles and joints.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of mojave yucca used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Roots: Used due to their high saponin content, which helps reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle pain.
- Leaves: Used due to their saponin content and other bioactive compounds that contribute to pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Seeds: Used due to their high concentration of saponins and other bioactive compounds, which help reduce inflammation and ease muscle pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mojave yucca for muscle pain.
- Harvest 20-30 yucca schidigera roots of 1-2 inches in diameter and 6-8 inches long from the wild.
- Dry the roots in a dehydrator at 150°f for 8-10 hours or in a warm place for 2-3 weeks.
- Grind 4-6 ounces of dried root material into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
- Mix 250-500 mg of the powder with 100-200 mg of a natural excipient like cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Fill empty vegetarian capsules with the powder mixture and seal them immediately to preserve potency.
9. Boswellia serrata
Frankincense capsules helps with muscle pain because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The boswellic acid present in frankincense has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate joint and muscle pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sciatica. Additionally, the capsules also contain antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and promote healing.
As a result, frankincense capsules can provide effective relief from chronic muscle pain, allowing for improved mobility and reduced discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Terpenes: These compounds help reduce muscle pain by inhibiting the production of inflammatory enzymes and mediators, leading to decreased inflammation and pain relief.
- Phenolics: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce muscle pain by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, thus alleviating pain and discomfort.
- Furanosesquiterpenes: This compound helps reduce muscle pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as leukotriene B4, which are involved in the inflammatory response and contribute to muscle pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Resin from roots: It's the primary part used to make capsules for muscle pain due to its high concentration of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Resin from rhyzomes: Similar to the resin from roots, it's also a key component in muscle pain relief capsules due to its boswellic acid content.
- Resin from stems: This part is another source of boswellic acids, used in muscle pain capsules for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic frankincense for muscle pain.
- Obtain 500 grams of dried boswellia serrata resin powder from a reputable supplier.
- Weigh 200 grams of the powder and mix it with 100 grams of silica powder.
- Use a capsule filling machine to fill 1000 empty capsules with 0.2 grams of the mixture.
- Seal the capsules using a manual or automated capsule sealer.
- Label and package the capsules according to local regulations and good manufacturing practices.
10. Arnica montana
Mountain arnica capsules helps with muscle pain because of their unique ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate stiffness.
The active compound, helenin, works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and swelling. By doing so, herbal mountain arnica capsules provide fast and effective relief from a range of musculoskeletal issues, including backaches, joint pain, and sprains.
As a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, these capsules promote overall wellness and support the body's natural healing processes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arnica montana capsules that help with muscle pain.
- Thiophenes: Thiophenes are a type of terpene that help with muscle pain by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation in the muscles.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Arnica montana have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and swelling in muscles, making it easier to move and perform daily activities.
- Lignans: Lignans in Arnica montana have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect muscles from damage, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing and recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of mountain arnica used to make capsules for muscle pain.
- Flowers: They are used to make capsules for muscle pain because they contain high concentrations of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make capsules for muscle pain because they possess a similar composition to the flowers, offering similar benefits for muscle relief.
- Roots: They are used to make capsules for muscle pain because they contain a higher concentration of sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mountain arnica for muscle pain.
- Harvest 30-40 grams of dried arnica montana flowers in late summer when they are in full bloom.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to reduce moisture content.
- Grind the dried flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of the powder with 1-2 tablespoons of gelatin and 1-2 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with 250-500 mg of the paste and seal them immediately to preserve potency.
What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for muscle pain?
The best combination of herbal capsules that help with muscle pain is a blend of Turmeric, Ginger, and Devil's Claw.
Turmeric's curcumin reduces inflammation, while Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties ease muscle tension. Devil's Claw, also known as Harpagophytum, has analgesic properties that relieve pain. This combination works synergistically to provide quick relief from muscle strain and discomfort.
It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or allergies.
What ailments similar to muscle pain are treated with herbal capsules?
Ailments similar to muscle pain that are treated with herbal capsules are joint inflammation, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
Herbal supplements like turmeric, ginger, and willow bark have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate these conditions. Capsules containing ashwagandha and Boswellia extract can also reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Additionally, herbal remedies like evening primrose oil and cramp bark may help soothe menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.