Image Source: Livestrong

A pulled muscle, usually referred to as a muscle strain, is quite a painful injury. It is generally caused when there is an injury in the ligament tissue, which connects two or more bones together. However, it is usually not a serious ailment but definitely disrupts a person’s day to day activity.A muscle can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as excessive exercise, accidental injury, dehydration and lack of blood flow. Besides, deficiency of minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium can also cause muscle In case of a muscle strain, the affected ports part gets swelled up, becomes sore and stiff and causes severe pain. Also, the strain hinders the movement of the affected limb at least for a few Besides medications, a few home remedies too can help in healing the muscle strain quite effectively. Let us get to know about a few of them.

1. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is quite effective in easing muscular aches erupting out of strains. Epsom salts are basically made from magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is known to be a natural muscle relaxant and thus, helps in pulling out excess fluid from the tissues. This way it reduces both swelling and pain.Just take two cups of Epsom salt and add it to your bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Now soak the affected body part in this Epsom salt-infused water for about 30 minutes. Later, pat dry the area and then wrap it with a crape bandage. Follow this remedy daily for a few days or till the strain gets healed completely.However, people suffering from heart ailments, high blood pressure and diabetes should avoid this remedy.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another effectively remedy for easing muscle strain. It is also helpful in healing sore muscles and leg cramps. This vinegar possesses anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties and therefore, is useful in reducing both pain and inflammation.Just like Epsom salt, add two cups of apple cider vinegar to your bathtub filled with warm water. Now soak yourself in this water for around half an hour. Repeat this remedy regularly till the strain gets healed completely.Alternately, consume a glass of warm water after adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a little honey in it. Drink it daily for at least one week.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil possesses powerful anesthetic properties, needed for alleviating pain related to muscle strains. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, responsible for reducing pain and swelling.Just take two tablespoons of clove oil and heat them in a pan. Then allow it to cool down for a few minutes. Now apply this oil on the affected area and massage gently for a few minutes. Follow this remedy a few times in a day for a few days. This oil will surely provide instant relief to your strained muscles.

4. Garlic

Garlic too has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and thus, helps in easing strained muscles. Massaging the affected body part with garlic oil helps in providing relief from inflammation and pain.Just crush round 10 cloves of garlic and fry them in two tablespoons of coconut or sesame oil on low flame. Once the cloves turn golden brown, turn the flame off. Let the concoction cool down a bit and then strain it. Now apply this garlic infused oil on the affected body part. Massage gently till the oil gets absorbed completely. Wash the area with warm water after a few hours. Taking a bath with warm water bath will also help. Follow this remedy daily till the strain gets healed completely. Besides, you can also consume a few raw cloves of garlic on a regular basis.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper consists of capsaicin, which is known to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore is helpful in easing muscle strain.Mix together half teaspoon each of cayenne pepper powder and lukewarm olive oil. Apply it on the affected area and massage gently. Do it daily for quick healing.