Natural Muscle Relaxers, According to a Pharmacist

Do they really work for muscle pain, tightness, and cramps?

Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmD

Muscle relaxers (also called muscle relaxants) typically refer to medicines that reduce muscle cramps or stiffness and alleviate pain.

Several popular dietary supplements have muscle-relaxant effects. However, remember that just because these products are natural doesn't necessarily mean they're safe. Supplements that can relax the muscles typically come with some notable side effects and drug interactions, just like prescription medications.

Some common prescription muscle relaxers include the following:

• Baclofen

• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)

• Robaxin (methocarbamol)

• Soma (carisoprodol)

• Zanaflex (tizanidine)

If you are taking prescription muscle relaxants, do not stop your therapy abruptly or replace your prescriptions with supplements unless with the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Here's what you need to know about natural muscle relaxers to help you decide if they may be right for you.

Natural Muscle Relaxers

Many plants have been found to have antispasmodic activity, meaning they stop or prevent muscle cramps. Plant-based products that may act as natural muscle relaxers include the following:

• Camphor

• Capsaicin

• Cannabidiol (CBD)

• Curcumin

• Comfrey

• Menthol

Magnesium, a mineral found in foods like leafy green vegetables, seeds, and nuts, has also been studied for its effects on the muscles.

Highlights about using these and other supplements for muscle spasms, tightness, and pain follow.

About Dietary Supplements

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.

When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), or a pharmacist.

Magnesium

Magnesium is crucial to maintaining proper nerve and muscle function. Several different types of magnesium exist, including magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, and magnesium glycinate.

Magnesium supplements are often recommended to treat or prevent muscle cramps. But they've not been proven to help everyone, according to a review of 11 clinical trials.

Although magnesium is frequently promoted for relieving leg cramps during pregnancy, more research is needed into its effects. So far, the data are conflicting.

Magnesium causes gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, in up to 1 out of 3 people who take it. This can be due to taking too much magnesium at one time, above the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Steer clear of taking amounts above your daily RDA.

Importantly, magnesium can bind to medications for osteoporosis (a condition of decreased bone density and mass) and some antibiotics (drugs that fight bacterial infections). Be sure to separate it by at least two hours from the following medicines:

• Fosamax (alendronate)

• Vibramycin (doxycycline)

• Cipro (ciprofloxacin)

• Levaquin (levofloxacin)

Curcumin

Curcumin is a component of turmeric, a spice used in curry. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Curcumin has been studied for muscle soreness after exercise. Though results are mixed, most clinical trials show that curcumin helps with exercise-related muscle pain and soreness. For best results, take it within 24 hours of working out.

Keep in mind that curcumin by itself is not well-absorbed by the body. It's most effective when taken with piperine, an ingredient in black pepper.

Comfrey

Comfrey root has traditionally been used to treat muscle and joint pain.

According to one study, comfrey cream can quickly reduce muscle pain. A few clinical trials say it can also help alleviate back pain, ankle pain, and osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) symptoms. However, more research is needed.

Be aware that some comfrey products contain ingredients that can damage the liver, cause cancer, or harm a fetus or children.

Comfrey should never be taken by mouth. Only apply it to your skin for up to six weeks a year to prevent toxicity.

It also shouldn't be used with other medicines that can damage the liver, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Menthol

Menthol is a cooling agent commonly applied to the skin for pain relief. It's an ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) products like Biofreeze, Bengay, and Icy Hot.

Menthol can help promote recovery after exercise and limit soreness and muscle pain.

Keep in mind that applying menthol to the skin can irritate it. If it's inhaled (breathed in), it can also worsen asthma.

Camphor

Camphor is another popular ingredient in topical pain medications like Bengay, Tiger Balm, and Vicks VapoRub.

While it may be helpful for muscle pain, there's not enough evidence to routinely recommend it. More clinical trials are needed.

Of note, taking camphor by mouth can cause seizures. It is particularly toxic for children, even in small amounts, so if you try it on your skin, keep it out of reach of children or pets.

CBD

Cannabidiol is a component of hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants. CBD is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance in cannabis that causes euphoria (a "high").

CBD acts on the body's endocannabinoid system and may decrease muscle pain and spasticity. Animal studies show it can decrease muscle cramps, though human clinical trials are needed to confirm this effect.

CBD can cause liver toxicity or more common side effects such as:

• Appetite changes

• Fatigue

• Diarrhea

CBD interacts with lots of medications, including:

• Seizure medications

• Antidepressants

• Antipsychotics

• Anxiety medications

• Erectile dysfunction medications

• Opioids

• Cholesterol medications

Legal Status of CBD

Most states allow the sale of CBD with low levels of THC, though it is still illegal in some states.

For state-specific guidelines, check out a site like State Medical Cannabis Laws from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the component of chili peppers that gives them their kick. It has pain-relieving effects and is available OTC as low-dose creams and ointments or in higher concentrations as a prescription patch.

Low-dose capsaicin cream has been studied for chronic muscle pain. According to a review of three clinical trials, capsaicin cream is less effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), and not much more effective than placebo (an ineffective substance given to control groups in studies) for this type of pain.

On the other hand, high-dose capsaicin cream is helpful for people with myofascial pain syndrome, a common cause of muscle pain, according to a small trial of 40 people.

Side effects of topical capsaicin (applied to the skin) are common. They include:

• Stinging

• Burning

• Itching

• Skin rash

Capsaicin may lower blood sugar, according to animal studies. It may lower blood sugar (hypoglycemia) more if taken with insulin or diabetes medications. Keep an eye out for symptoms of hypoglycemia, like shakiness or a rapid heartbeat.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Muscle cramps and tightness are often limited to one or a group of muscles. These will usually go away on their own with rest and hydration or with the help of over-the-counter pain medications.

If muscle cramps occur along with systemic (body-wide) effects, it's best to see a healthcare provider to ensure that a more serious health concern isn't overlooked.

Signs you may have more than a run-of-the-mill muscle cramp due to exercise or overuse of a muscle can include:

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dark urine

• Confusion

• Coma
  

Alternatives to Natural Muscle Relaxers

If you're not sold on taking prescription medicine or a dietary supplement for muscle pain or cramps, there are many alternative treatments to consider. Some that may help include:

• Acupuncture: A Traditional Chinese Medicine procedure that uses needles applied to specific body points to help relieve pain or muscle soreness.

• Acupressure: A complementary medicine treatment that uses fingers to apply pressure to specific body points for pain relief.

• Biofeedback: A training technique that helps to regulate the body's response to stress and reduce pain.

• Massage: Hands are used to rub the joints and muscles and reduce muscle soreness or pain.

• Pain-reprocessing therapy: A psychological treatment that strives to shift patients' beliefs about the causes and threat value of pain (perceived pain) and has provided pain relief for people with primary chronic back pain.

• Trigger point therapy: A technique that uses the hands to release tight parts of the muscles (called trigger points).

• Yoga: A traditional Indian mind-body practice that includes breathing, meditation, and exercises for posture and can improve both muscle pain and mental health.

These are safe for most people, but for best results, discuss these complementary treatments with your healthcare provider before starting them to ensure they're suitable for you.

If you are pregnant, get your healthcare provider's approval before using natural muscle relaxers or alternative treatments for optimal safety.

Summary

Many people who experience muscle cramps or stiffness take dietary supplements like magnesium, CBD, and menthol for relief.

While there is limited evidence that these and other supplements can help with muscle cramps or pain, more robust research is needed. Contrary to popular opinion, natural muscle relaxers can have serious side effects and interactions with prescription medicines.

Muscle cramps accompanied by dizziness, confusion, or dark urine may be signs of more severe conditions. Be sure to see a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms besides pain or muscle tightness.

Always discuss the use of supplements with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or have chronic illnesses to ensure your treatment is safe for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strongest natural muscle relaxer?

The answer to what is the strongest natural muscle relaxer is unclear because these supplements have not been directly compared in clinical trials. More research is needed to know the effects of these supplements and how they compare to each other.

What is a natural muscle relaxer?

Natural muscle relaxers typically come from minerals, plants, or herbs and are used to alleviate pain caused by muscle cramps or tightness.

How can you relax neck muscles naturally?

In lieu of or in addition to supplements or prescription medicines for neck pain, some ways to relax your neck muscles include massage, yoga, stretching the neck and shoulders, and relaxation techniques (posture exercises and visual feedback).

Read the original article on Verywell Health.